Exploring the Many Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment Options
Arthritis is a condition characterized by joint inflammation. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disease that leads to inflamed and stiff joints. It is the joint that holds together two bones. The joints contain soft tissues and cartilages that help to hold the bones together and materialize smooth movement. Rheumatoid arthritis results when the white blood cells in the immune system destroy the good cells in the body instead of foreign body. Gradually, the affected cells release fluids that damage the tissues and cells in the joints. In acute stages, some organs like the spleen and liver also gets affected.
Corticosteroid Medications
A stronger first-line drug given to rheumatoid arthritis patients includes oral or injected corticosteroids. Although the chances of enhanced joint mobility and function is often achieved, there are serious side effects that may also occur. High doses of these drugs for a long period of time increases the likelihood that issues may arise, such as muscle wasting, facial puffiness, and weight gain.
Taking DMARDs can heighten the infection risk, cause loss of hair and possibly cause damage to the liver or kidneys. Methotrexate is a well-known DMARD and is administered orally or injected. It has been found especially effective when combined with the new generation treatment, ENBREL.
Other Simple Cures for Arthritis
Did you know that you can treat and cure arthritis with other simple cures? In fact, by eating a proper diet, drinking the correct fluids (water), doing the correct breathing exercises daily, getting an adequate amount of low-impact exercise, reducing stress and taking the correct vitamins and natural supplements you can actually eliminate almost 100% of arthritis NATURALLY (No Drugs and No Surgery Needed)! To discover what thousands of arthritis sufferers already have, please visit our Natural Cure for Arthritis Website.
In severe cases, surgical removal of affected joint lining can prevent damage to other joint structures and cartilage. Another surgical procedure fuses the painful, uncushioned bones together but is only performed on the wrist, feet, ankles, and thumbs because it restricts motion. Tendon transfer is another surgical option for repairing damaged tendons and ligaments it is performed most frequently on the hands. Another option is arthroplasty, or joint replacement, which is usually performed on knees, hips, and shoulders.
Patients should undergo therapeutic exercises in order to keep the affected muscles in good condition and prevent or reduce deformity to the area. These will also help maintain the patient’s vitality.
The knowledge and facts are out there and are slowly making their way into the mainstream. However until this data becomes widespread common knowledge among all of those in the medical profession, there will continue to be a heavy reliance on chemical medications and drugs of varying effectiveness. Such methods can have a less than stellar success rate, and may even carry adverse side effects that may become serious problems.
Massage Oils of peppermint, lavender, camomile and geranium may be massaged into the affected area. Ruta graveolens cream may also be used. Self-mobilize the toe by gently pulling it and moving it around.
Despite this study we can still hear opinions about the connections between rheumatoid arthritis treatment and the development of lymphoma, as a consequence.
Oral medications include Maharasnadi decoction, Triphala Guggulu, Yograj Guggulu and Ashwagandharishta. Shallaki (Boswellia serrata) and Guggulu (Commiphora mukul) compounds are given for prolonged periods. Multiple herbal compounds containing Guggulu are available, which are used according to the presenting symptoms and the staging of the disease as done by the Ayurvedic practitioner.
Scott Gillespie
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/exploring-the-many-rheumatoid-arthritis-treatment-options-726256.html

February 20th, 2010 at 8:53 am
Good post. There are so many medical treatments available today. It gets confusing!! Proper diet and exercise will help manage symptoms.
alexandra demetriou, OTR/L CHT
http://www.signaturehandtherapy.com