Rheumatoid Health Dictionary

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Rheumatoid: From 1 Different Sources

Broadly, having dull aching in joints, muscles, eyes, and so forth. In a more literal sense, it is having an autoimmune response, usually between certain IgM and IgE antibodies, that may have started as a bacterial infection or as some autoimmune reaction. The severity is increased under emotional, physical, dietary, and allergic stress­or any stress. Hans Selye showed a few years ago that once a chronic disease response occurs, any stress above metabolic tolerance will aggravate the chronic disease, which is why some people, stressed by cold, wet weather, must avoid it; but someone else is stressed by legumes, still another person gets upset (and stressed) by watching too much CNN. You know best what stresses you; it’s not fair to ask a doc to find it out for you. Rheumatoid arthritis is so named because it somewhat resembles the joint inflammations that can occur in rheumatic fever, a completely different disease caused by a strep infection.
Health Source: Herbal Medical
Author: Health Dictionary

Rheumatoid Arthritis

A chronic in?ammation of the synovial lining (see SYNOVIAL MEMBRANE) of several joints, tendon sheaths or bursae which is not due to SEPSIS or a reaction to URIC ACID crystals. It is distinguished from other patterns of in?ammatory arthritis by the symmetrical involvement of a large number of peripheral joints; by the common blood-?nding of rheumatoid factor antibody; by the presence of bony erosions around joints; and, in a few, by the presence of subcutaneous nodules with necrobiotic (decaying) centres.

Causes There is a major immunogenetic predisposition to rheumatoid arthritis in people carrying the HLA-DR4 antigen (see HLA SYSTEM). Other minor immunogenetic factors have also been implicated. In addition, there is a degree of familial clustering which suggests other unidenti?ed genetic factors. Genetic factors cannot alone explain aetiology, and environmental and chance factors must be important, but these have yet to be identi?ed.

Epidemiology Rheumatoid arthritis more commonly occurs in women from the age of 30 onwards, the sex ratio being approximately 4:1. Typical rheumatoid arthritis may occur in adolescence, but in childhood chronic SYNOVITIS usually takes one of a number of di?erent patterns, classi?ed under juvenile chronic arthritis.

Pathology The primary lesion is an in?ammation of the synovial membrane of joints. The synovial ?uid becomes diluted with in?ammatory exudate: if this persists for months it leads to progressive destruction of articular CARTILAGE and BONE. Cartilage is replaced by in?ammatory tissue known as pannus; a similar tissue invades bone to form erosions. Synovitis also affects tendon sheaths, and may lead to adhesion ?brosis or attrition and rupture of tendons. Subcutaneous and other bursae may be involved. Necrobiotic nodules also occur at sites outside synovium, including the subcutaneous tissues, the lungs, the pericardium and the pleura.

Clinical features Rheumatoid arthritis varies from the very mild to the severely disabling. Many mild cases probably go undiagnosed. At least 50 per cent of patients continue to lead a reasonably normal life; around 25 per cent are signi?cantly disabled in terms of work and leisure activities; and a minority become markedly disabled and are limited in their independence. There is often an early acute phase, followed by substantial remission, but in other patients gradual step-wise deterioration may occur, with progressive involvement of an increasing number of joints.

The diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis is largely based on clinical symptoms and signs. Approximately 70 per cent of patients have rheumatoid factor ANTIBODIES in the SERUM but, because of the large number of false positives and false negatives, this test has very little value in clinical practice. It may be a useful pointer to a worse prognosis in early cases if the level is high. X-RAYS may help in diagnosing early cases and are particularly helpful when considering surgery or possible complications such as pathological fracture. Patients commonly develop ANAEMIA, which may be partly due to gastrointestinal blood loss from antiin?ammatory drug treatment (see below).

Treatment involves physical, pharmacological, and surgical measures, together with psychological and social support tailored to the individual patient’s needs. Regular activity should be maintained. Resting of certain joints such as the wrist with splints may be helpful at night or to assist prolonged manual activities. Sound footwear is important. Early use of antirheumatic drugs reduces long-term disability. Drug treatment includes simple ANALGESICS, NON-STEROIDAL ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DRUGS (NSAIDS), and slow-acting drugs including GOLD SALTS (in the form of SODIUM AUROTHIOMALATE), PENICILLAMINE, SULFASALAZINE, METHOTREXATE and AZATHIOPRINE.

The non-steroidal agents are largely e?ective in reducing pain and early-morning sti?ness, and have no e?ect on the chronic in?ammatory process. It is important, especially in the elderly, to explain to patients the adverse effects of NSAIDs, the dosage of which can be cut by prescribing paracetamol at the same time. Combinations of anti-rheumatic drugs seem better than single agents. The slow-acting drugs take approximately three months to act but have a more global e?ect on chronic in?ammation, with a greater reduction in swelling and an associated fall in erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and rise in the level of HAEMOGLOBIN. Local CORTICOSTEROIDS are useful, given into individual joints. Systemic corticosteroids carry serious problems if continued long term, but may be useful under special circumstances. Much research is currently going on into the use of tumour necrosis factor antagonists such as INFLIXIMAB and etanercept, but their precise role remains uncertain.... rheumatoid arthritis

Iritis, Rheumatoid

An autoimmune (rheumatoid factor) inflammation of the iris. This is a face of rheumatoid arthritis seldom diagnosed, along with rheumatoid otitis. Although antiinflammatory drugs may be necessary, I would recommend starting off with simple things like Arctium, Rumex crispus and Taraxacum, along with alkalizing teas such as Nettles, Red Clover and Alfalfa (oops...I mean Urtica, Trifolium and Medicago). If they don’t help enough you can STILL take the drugs.... iritis, rheumatoid

Rheumatoid Spondylitis

See ankylosing spondylitis.... rheumatoid spondylitis

Tea For Rheumatoid Arthritis

There are over 50 million people suffering from arthritis in the world. Many of them drink tea on a regular basis not knowing that there are some teas which could ease their problems while the rest of them are still reluctant to herbal remedies. Rheumatoid Arthritis consists of localized joint pains and abnormal members growth. Even if there are many empirical remedies described by the folklore, traditional medicine would recommend an expensive and painful surgery, while alternative medicine fans still think that there’s no reason to put your liver to hard work. How a Tea for Rheumatoid Arthritis Works A Tea for Rheumatoid Arthritis’ main purpose is to trigger a positive reaction from your body while making it produce enough active agents to reduce inflammations and restore your initial health. In order to work properly, you need to make sure you pick a tea with enough nutrients, volatile oils, tannins, acids and minerals (sodium, iron, magnesium and manganese). Efficient Tea for Rheumatoid Arthritis Rheumatoid Arthritis is a very common disease, unfortunately. There are many people around the globe who would rather self medicate than ask for a medical consult. However, before starting any kind of herbal treatment, it’s best to be well informed of all the risks. Better than that, schedule an appointment with your doctor in order to find out which disease you’re suffering from. If you don’t know which teas could have a positive effect on your condition, here’s a list for guidance: - Green Tea – contains all the ingredients necessary to sustain life, so it’s useful for a wide range of health problems, from infertility to upset stomach, nausea, anemia and asthenia. However, you must avoid it at all costs if you’re experiencing menopausal or menstrual symptoms (it may cause internal bleedings and uterine contractions). - Chamomile Tea – is probably the most popular Tea for Rheumatoid Arthritis thanks to its active compounds which have the ability to lower your cholesterol and improve your coronary system action. This panacea has a pleasant taste and a lovely smell and it’s one hundred percent safe, so you can take as much as you want. - Peppermint Tea – has anti inflammatory and antiseptic properties thanks to an active ingredient called menthol. This decoction is also good for a number of other disorders, such as digestive tract ailments, menstrual and menopausal pains, sore throats and kidney problems. Peppermint Tea has a lovely smell and a pleasant taste and it’s also very safe. Plus, if you’ve decided you want to give up coffee, this Tea for Rheumatoid Arthritis could be a great replacer. Tea for Rheumatoid Arthritis Side Effects When taken properly, these teas are one hundred percent safe. However, exceeding the number of cups recommended per day may lead to nausea, vomiting, uterine contractions and skin rash. If you’ve been taking one of these teas for a while and you’re experiencing some unusual reactions, talk to a doctor as soon as possible. Don’t take a Tea for Rheumatoid Arthritis if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on blood thinners or anticoagulants. If you have your doctor’s approval and there’s nothing that could interfere with your treatment, choose a tea that fits best your problems and enjoy its wonderful effects!... tea for rheumatoid arthritis

Arthritis – Rheumatoid

A systemic inflammatory disease of several joints together where erosive changes occur symmetrically, and which may arise from inflammation and thickening of the synovial membrane. Cartilage becomes eroded and fibrous or even bony fusion leads to permanent fixation of a joint, or joints. Polyarthritis. An auto-immune disease.

Symptoms. Morning stiffness and pain wearing off later. Easy fatigue and decline in health. Nodules on surface of bones (elbows, wrists, fingers). Joint fluids (synovia) appear to be the object of attack for which abundant Vitamin C is preventative. Anaemia and muscle wasting call attention to inadequate nutrition, possibly from faulty food habits for which liver and intestine herbs are indicated.

Treatment. Varies in accord with individual needs. May have to be changed many times before progress is made. Whatever treatment is prescribed, agents should have a beneficial effect upon the stomach and intestines to ensure proper absorption of active ingredients. (Meadowsweet)

It is a widely held opinion that the first cause of this condition is a bacterial pathogen. An anti- inflammatory herb should be included in each combination of agents at the onset of the disease. See: ANTI-INFLAMMATORY HERBS. Guaiacum (Lignum vitae) and Turmeric (Curcuma longa) have a powerful anti-inflammatory action and have no adverse effects upon bone marrow cells or suppress the body’s immune system. Breast feeding cuts RA death rate.

Of therapeutic value according to the case. Agrimony, Angelica root, Balmony, Black Cohosh (particularly in presence of low back pain and sciatica), Bogbean, Boldo, Burdock, Celery, Cramp bark, Devil’s Claw, Echinacea (to cleanse and stimulate lymphatic system), Ginseng (Korean), Ginseng (Siberian), Liquorice, Meadowsweet, Poke root, Prickly Ash bark, White Poplar bark, White Willow bark, Wild Yam.

Tea. Formula. Equal parts. Alfalfa, Bogbean, Nettles. 1 heaped teaspoon to each cup boiling water; infuse 5-10 minutes, 1 cup thrice daily.

Decoction. Prickly Ash bark 1; Cramp bark 1; White Willow bark 2. Mix. 1oz to 1 pint water gently simmered 20 minutes. Dose: Half-1 cup thrice daily.

Tablets/capsules. Black Cohosh, Celery, Cramp bark, Devil’s Claw, Feverfew, Poke root, Prickly Ash, Wild Yam, Ligvites.

Alternative formulae:– Powders. White Willow bark 2; Devil’s Claw 1; Black Cohosh half; Ginger quarter. Mix. Dose: 750mg (three 00 capsules or half a teaspoon) thrice daily.

Liquid extracts. White Willow bark 2; Wild Yam half; Liquorice half; Guaiacum quarter. Mix. Dose: 1-2 teaspoons thrice daily.

Tinctures. Cramp bark 1; Bogbean 1; Prickly Ash half; Meadowsweet 1; Fennel half. Mix. Dose: 1-3 teaspoons thrice daily.

Ligvites. (Gerard House)

Cod Liver oil. Contains organic iodine, an important factor in softening-up fibrous tissue, to assist metabolism of uric-acid, help formation of haemoglobin, dilate blood vessels; all related to arthritics. The oil, taken internally, can reach and nourish cartilage by the process of osmosis; its constituents filter into cartilage and impart increased elasticity.

Topical. Evening Primrose oil, Wintergreen lotion, Comfrey poultice. Hydrotherapy: hot fomentations of Hops, Chamomile or Ragwort. Cold water packs: crushed ice or packet of frozen peas in a damp towel applied daily for 10 minutes for stiffness and pain. See: MASSAGE OIL.

Aromatherapy. Massage oils, any one: Cajeput, Juniper, Pine or Rosemary. 6 drops to 2 teaspoons Almond oil.

Supportives: under-water massage, brush baths, sweat packs, Rosemary baths, exposure of joints to sunlight.

Diet. Low salt, low fat, oily fish, Mate tea, Dandelion coffee. On exacerbation of the disease cut out all dairy products.

Supplements. Daily. Evening Primrose capsules: four 500mg; Vitamin C (1-3g); Bromelain 250mg between meals; Zinc 25mg.

General. Residence in a warm climate. Yoga. Disability and deformity may be avoided by a conscientious approach to the subject. ... arthritis – rheumatoid


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