Rheumatoid arthritis is the most common auto-immune disease in the world, affecting about 1% of the population in the US. Unlike osteoarthritis, it usually affects the same joint on both sides of the body, particularly the fingers and wrists, but sometimes the knees and elbows as well. It may result in severe deformities within a few years if it is not treated. It occurs more often in younger people. While it affects women two to three times more frequently than men, men are more severely affected by it.[1]
Even though rheumatoid arthritis has afflicted people for millennia, doctors still don’t know why it happens. There are numerous theories. Some believe smoking may play a role. Genetics may also be involved. And others attribute the initiation of the autoimmune response to a virus or bacteria.
Rheumatoid arthritis is not merely a disease of the joints. It can also spread to affect the eyes, heart, kidneys, blood, lungs, and skin. There is no single test to diagnose whether a patient has rheumatoid arthritis, even if laboratories and equipment were available. A patient is diagnosed based on symptoms and several blood tests.[2]
As far as the joints are concerned, the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are very similar to those for osteoarthritis[3]:
- Avoidance using the joint
- Bone spurs—bits of bone that feel like hard lumps forming around the affected joint
- Fluid accumulation in the joint space
- Grating sensation and/or popping when the joint is moved
- Joint stiffness and diminished range of motion, especially upon waking
- Pain, from mild to severe, especially after moving the joint
- Swelling
- Tenderness when light pressure is applied to the joint
Other symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis not seen in osteoarthritis:
- Chest pain when taking a breath (pleurisy)
- Dry mouth
- Dry, itching, or burning eyes
- Insomnia
- Nodules under the skin
- Strange sensations in hands or feet[4]
Interestingly, some patients may exhibit symptoms for a short time and then go into remission.
Treatment
Common drugs prescribed to treat rheumatoid arthritis include:
- Anti-inflammatories like aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen
- Topical pain relievers
- Corticosteroids, such as prednisone
- Narcotics
- Hydroxychloroquine
Unfortunately, steroids and narcotics are nearly impossible to stockpile, even for those with sympathetic physicians.
Hydroxychloroquine, which was initially developed as a treatment for malaria and which is currently prescribed for lupus patients, and which also has been used in treating COVID, is a first-line treatment for rheumatoid arthritis.[5] As of this writing, it is available through All Day Chemist in India.
Like osteoarthritis, there is no cure. Treatment is symptomatic and includes weight loss and physical therapy. There are a few alternative therapies that are taken internally or applied topically. These include:
- Apple cider vinegar
- Japanese honeysuckle stems (infusion, poultice)
- Licorice
- Russian olive (leaf infusion)
- Sagebrush (poultice, liniment)
- Willow bark
The following essential oils are diluted in a carrier oil and then massaged into the skin above the afflicted joints:
- Black pepper
- Oregano
- Rosemary
Links to related posts:
[1] David Zelman, “What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?” WebMD, 13 October 2019, https://www.webmd.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/rheumatoid-arthritis-basics (accessed 14 April 2021).
[2] David Zelman, “What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?” WebMD, 13 October 2019, https://www.webmd.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/rheumatoid-arthritis-basics (accessed 14 April 2021).
[3] Joseph Alton, The Survival Medicine Handbook, 2013, 393.
[4] Joseph Alton, The Survival Medicine Handbook, 2013, 393.
[5] David Zelman, “What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?” WebMD, 13 October 2019, https://www.webmd.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/rheumatoid-arthritis-basics (accessed 14 April 2021).
04.21.21
Use Poke berries for arthritis.
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