Rheumatology

You may face severe joint pain due to the autoimmune disorder rheumatoid arthritis. Antibodies may develop in the blood, and blood tissues are attacked by these antibodies, resulting in extreme pain. The lining of your joints may be affected, which causes swelling, redness, and even a burning sensation. 

Generally, this disease affects the feet and hands, but spreads to other areas such as lungs, skin, eyes, heart and nerves. If your joint pain has not been reduced by medication and other methods, you should get a test done specifically for rheumatoid arthritis. In India, there are highly experienced and reputed specialists to diagnose and treat your case, as every case of this disease needs personalized care.

India has hospitals as well as clinics that offer specialized rheumatoid treatments. Rheumatologists are world-renowned and facilities and technologies for joint surgeries are the latest and comparable to the best in the world. The cost of joint surgeries such as Arthroplasty, Synovectomy, Arthrodesis, and Tendon repair are much cheaper than in the US and other European countries.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment

Rheumatoid arthritis doesn’t have a cure at present. The current treatments will reduce the symptoms such as swelling and inflammation of joints, joint deformities etc. Physiotherapy, regular exercise, occupational therapy and medication will be recommended to you. 

Non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs, immuno-suppressants, biologics and steroids are generally prescribed. Your physician may ask to opt for surgery if medication and therapies do not work.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Surgeries 

Arthroplasty: The affected joint is replaced completely by a plastic or metallic artificial joint. 

Synovectomy: This procedure surgically separates the affected joint’s lining.

Tendon repair: This method surgically restores torn tendons.

Arthrodesis: Also called artificial ankylosis, this surgical procedure is done in order to facilitate bone fusion.

Diet Recommendation

A doctor or wellness therapist specializing in nutrition may prescribe a diet which would reduce joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and extreme fatigue that you may be experiencing. Diet and other wellness therapies are the secondary lines of treatment. 

Fish oils containing omega 3 fatty acid, fruits, vegetables, cereals, legumes, monounsaturated fats are full of antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties. Calcium tablets, Vitamins E, D, B as well as folic acid are also recommended. Weight management and heat/cold compresses also will help to reduce your pain.

Alternative medicine/therapy

Some alternative medicines seem to be promising and complement the conventional treatment strategies. A few studies have found fish oil supplements to help in reduction of pain due to rheumatoid arthritis. Plant oils such as borage, black currant, evening primrose which are rich in fatty acids may help in morning stiffness of the joints as well as pain reduction.

Tai chi: this body movement practice is accompanied by deep breathing has been beneficial as discovered in a small study. 

Before starting any alternative medicine or therapy, it is imperative to get your doctor’s recommendation/permission.