Why are Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms more common during winter?
As per a survey, around 1.3 crore people in India suffer from Rheumatoid arthritis yearly. Such widespread prevalence is not only shocking but also insufferable. Joints, especially the small ones like fingers, wrists, elbows, knees, ankles, and toes are affected by this disease the most. Often considered incurable under different pathies, this disease can be completely managed with Rheumatoid arthritis treatment in Ayurveda.
People mostly do use the terms arthritis and RA interchangeably but they are quite different actually. In fact, RA is a type of arthritis that may affect anyone irrespective of age, and gender. Important to mention that not all types of arthritis are auto-immune but RA is one of the specific types which inherit faulty auto-immune response. During RA, the immune system of the body gets confused and starts to harm healthy cells in the body, instead of foreign substances.
How to know if this is Rheumatoid arthritis?
There are two types of Rheumatoid Arthritis: Seropostive and Seronegative Arthritis, and there are a number of signs and symptoms that may help to diagnose RA. Some of the prominent rheumatoid arthritis symptoms that are seen among patients are listed below:
- Pain: An inherited symptom of all types of arthritis including RA, pain is there. Such pain may arise in any joint of the body and could be both persisting, coming, and going.
- Inflammation: Yet another significant manifestation of RA, is inflammation in the joints. Out of fault, the body’s immune system starts harming the inner lining of the joints (membranes) and ends up making them inflamed, sore, and red.
- Morning stiffness: Most patients complain that they experience morning stiffness when they wake up. They are unable to bend their fingers, legs, or wrists. Sometimes the condition may be so severe that they are not even able to move from their bed. Often such stiffness lasts up to 1 hour and tends to reduce as the joints are put into movement.
- Nodules: This is yet another rigid symptom of rheumatoid arthritis which may even last for years. Basically, these nodules are firm lumps that grow beneath the skin near to the joints, and make it inflamed. In RA, such nodules are seen on the fingers, and elbows the most.
- Numbness and tingling: Patients may also experience numbness and a tingling sensation in the affected areas of the joints. However, such sensations may vary among patients depending upon the intensity of this auto-immune disorder.
- Fever: Under rheumatic conditions, a low-grade fever is also possible. Along with the increased body temperature, the patient may also experience mild aches and persisting discomfort. Such fever may be a body response to the inflammation or the medications taken to treat the condition.
- Weakness: Normal body weakness is quite common during rheumatoid arthritis. Patients with RA often complain that they feel exhausted, or have an extreme level of tiredness even after doing the routine chores of life. Such drowsiness and weakness, when persisting for a long period, may also compel a patient to be all-bedridden.
- Anemia: You might be stunned to know that anemia is one of the most common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Under this condition, the body’s immune system makes the joints and other tissues inflamed. Such prolonged inflammation disturbs the production of red blood cells in the system, which eventually results in anemia and iron inadequacy.
- Weight loss: An unexplainable weight loss is also a general indication of rheumatoid arthritis. The patient may experience such leaning out due to a list of reasons such as reduced appetite, loss of muscle mass by limited body movement, or excessive medications.
- Loss of appetite: Another symptom of Rheumatoid arthritis is loss of appetite. The patient does not feel hungry or eats less than normal. Such hunger inadequacy may be due to the body’s natural response to this auto-immune condition, or sometimes excessive medications may be the real culprit.
- Bone erosion: It is a condition where bones in your body start to wear out and break away. Often the term erosion is confused with deformity but in reality both the terms are slightly different. Whereas bone erosion is a general breakdown of bones. On the other hand, deformity is an intense condition involving permanent change in the shape and size of the bones, which is possible if RA is left untreated for prolonged periods.
- Reduced bone cartilage: Sharing identical symptoms with osteoarthritis, RA can also cause great damage to the joint cartilage. Under such conditions, the patients are bothered with complications such as reduced range of motion, and a cracking sound while bending, walking, or even sitting.
- Dry mouth: Last but not least, a dry mouth is yet a common sign that indicates auto-immune diseases including rheumatoid arthritis. The patient may feel more thirsty than usual. Apart from such dryness, the loss of taste senses is also possible.
How Does Winter Trigger Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Often it is seen that patients with RA experience flares of rheumatoid arthritis during winter the most. During cold months, our body lacks exposure to sunlight causing a deficiency of vitamin D, an essential nutrient for healthy, and strong joints. Additionally, frigid temperatures may also increase the thickness of synovial (joint fluid), making joints more stiff, and immobile.
It is vital to mention that RA can be of two types- Seropositive (presence of RA with Anti-CCPs, ACPAs, and RF) and Seronegative (RA without the specified antibodies). Often Seronegative type of rheumatoid arthritis is much bothersome during winter, as no specified clinical tests are available to detect it thoroughly. As a result, many patients confuse it with normal joint pain and stiffness in winter.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment At Dr. Sharda Ayurveda
Well, you can’t control the weather, but yes! These bothersome symptoms can be eased, no matter whether it is winter, summer, or spring.
As per the feedback, and RA patient’s recovery ratio, the name of Dr. Sharda Ayurveda has been listed with golden letters. Thousands of patients who were earlier fed up with chronic pain, and inflammation have finally got relief with the Ayurvedic treatment provided by the experts.
Unlike other hospitals and clinics, a systemized pattern is followed for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, as well as other diseases. The doctors first do a Nadi-Parikshan of the patients to diagnose your body’s prakriti and prominenting dosha. After that, certain herbal medications are advised that suit best the patient’s individualised body requirements, and past medical history.
In addition to oral medications, dietary precautions, and the adoption of yoga, and meditation are also made obligatory for the patients so that they can gain long-term and immense relief.
Nutshell
Chronic diseases today were also used to be mild health issues before.
If anyone is experiencing the mentioned symptoms on a routine, or repetitive basis, then it is highly advised to consult a healthcare expert today!
Your wise action taken today, not only treats your rheumatoid arthritis at its initial stages but can also protect you from the possible miseries of the future.
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