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Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a joint disorder in which joints get inflamed, swollen, stiff and painful. Joint deformity might also occur with passing time if not treated well on time. It is of autoimmune origin that occurs when our immune cells start damaging the lining of joints out of a misdirected response. In cases suspected of rheumatoid arthritis, antibodies named rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti–cyclic citrullinated peptides (anti – CCP) are the main blood tests conducted. 70 % of such cases are diagnose positive. In case a person suffers from joint inflammation with all signs and symptoms similar to RA but the antibody test including rheumatoid factor and anti – CCP comes out to be negative, then it is termed as seronegative rheumatoid arthritis.
Its diagnosis is made based on the combination of clinical symptoms, physical examination and X-rays of the affected joints. There are certain common factors that increase the risk of both seropositive and seronegative rheumatoid arthritis. Firstly, having a family history of rheumatoid arthritis increases the risk. Women are more at risk of rheumatoid arthritis as compared to men. Obesity, smoking, certain infections also increases risk.
Persons with seronegative RA suffer same symptoms like that of seropositive RA. The signs and symptoms include red, swollen and stiff joints. Joints are tender (painful to touch). Stiffness is worse in the morning and stays for more than 30 minutes. Joints on both sides of the body are affected. The joints mainly affected in the beginning are small joints of the hands and feet but with time, other joints can get involved too like ankles, knee, hip and elbow. Weakness may accompany the above-mentioned complaints.
Homeopathic Management
There is a great scope of managing cases of seronegative rheumatoid arthritis in homeopathy. There are 100% natural medicines in homeopathy that help in decreasing joint inflammation and managing its symptoms magnificently. These medicines strengthen the body’s natural healing mechanism to reduce inflammation and overcome joint pains and stiffness naturally. Besides, swelling, redness and heat in the joints is also managed well. Homeopathy is a symptom based science means medicines for any health concern are prescribed based on the symptoms of the patient in every individual case. There are no separate medicines in homeopathy for seropositive and seronegative rheumatoid arthritis. The medicines remain similar for both these types and as said above homeopathic medicines for health problems including joint complaints are selected among the different available medicines for joint complaints as recorded in homeopathic therapeutics based on symptoms. A thorough case evaluation is required for prescribing homeopathic medicines for any of the case of RA. It is advised to take any of the homeopathic medicines after consulting a homeopathic physician and avoid self – medication in any case.
Homeopathic Medicines for Seronegative rheumatoid arthritis
1. Rhus Tox – Top Recommended Medicine
Rhus Tox is the most widely used homeopathic medicine to manage different joints complaints. The most important characteristic feature indicating its use is marked stiffness in the joints. More particularly, stiffness gets worse in the morning, during rest and after periods of inactivity. Joint movement help in giving relief from stiffness. Warm applications and massage of joints also relieve stiffness. Along with stiffness, joints are also painful. This medicine can be used in any of the affected joints in the body.
2. Antimonium Crudum – For Finger Joint Arthritis
This medicine is the best choice when it comes to treat finger joint arthritis. This medicine is well indicated for swollen and painful finger joints. A drawing sort of pain is experienced in the fingers. In most cases, cold worsens the pain. A decrease in pain could be noted from warm applications on the fingers.
3. Bryonia – For Pains Worse By Movement
Bryonia is the next prominent medicine that is highly suitable when joint pain gets worse from movement and better by absolute rest. The affected joints are swollen and red. The affected joint is also warm and sensitive to touch. The pain can be stitching or tearing in nature. In cases needing it, joints commonly affected are shoulder, hand, elbow and the knee joint.
4. Actaea Spicata – For Wrist, Finger, Ankle, Toe Joints Pain
It is an important medicine to help cases of small joint inflammation. The joints involved includes that of fingers, toes, wrist and ankle. Among these most prominently the wrist joint is affected. It is very much swollen and painful. It is red and also warm to touch. In cases needing this medicine movement worsens the joint pain. The pain is also worse by touch. Lastly slight fatigue also increases the joint pain.
5. Arnica – For Tender (Painful To Touch) Joints
Arnica is a leading medicine for joints pains that are tender. Even the slightest touch is not bearable on the affected joints due of pain. The joints feels bruised as if these were beaten. Any of the joints can be affected but the most commonly affected joints are that of feet. The pain is worse during evening. The big toes are markedly red.
6. Caulophyllum – For Shifting Small Joints Pain
Caulophyllum is a well indicated medicine for managing small joint pains that keep shifting from joint to joint. The pain wanders between finger, wrist, ankle and the toe joints. Quick travelling of pain among these joints is seen. Besides pain, the affected joints are also stiff. One feels occur pain on closing the hands.
7. Ledum Pal – For Joint Pain Beginning In Lower Limb Joints
This medicine is very helpful when pain starts in the joints of lower limbs and then goes upward to the joint of upper limbs. The affected joints are swollen and hot. Stiffness is also present in the joints. Drawing or stinging pain is felt in the joints. The pain gets worse from movement. It gets worse in evening and from warmth of the bed. Cold water application on the affected joints helps to relieve the joint pains.
8. Pulsatilla – For Shifting Joint Pains
Pulsatilla is an effective medicine for managing shifting joint pains. The pains become worse at night. Sleep gets disturbed due to joint pain. Movement also worsens the joint pain. The affected joints are red and swollen.
9. Formica Rufa – When Pains Get Better From Pressure
Formica Rufa is indicated when joint pains get better from pressure. The pains appear suddenly and are worse on the right side as compared to the left side. The joints feel stiff and contracted. The pain is most commonly present in the elbow joint, knee joint and wrist joint. Along with pain marked restlessness is there.
10. Kalmia – For Pain In Nearly All The Joints
Use of Kalmia is suggested when pain is present in almost all the joints. The pain keeps shifting from one joint to another. Pain is worse from movement and also from cold air exposure. Apart from pain, the joints feel hot and are red and swollen. In cases needing it, pain mostly begins in the joints of upper limbs then shifts to the joints of lower limbs. There is an increase in pain during evening. Among all the joints, the ankle joints are most prominently affected.
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