Rheumatoid arthritis or Aamavata is one of the most serious of bone-related concerns. Millions of people all over the world are suffering from rheumatoid arthritis and putting up with the problems related to the ailment. Rheumatoid arthritis is almost always a chronic disease, i.e. it can last for several years in the body, though it may not show the symptoms. When the disease symptoms are shown, they are observed as sharp pains in the joints of the body. People with rheumatoid arthritis find it very difficult to perform any physical task, and that includes walking, running, lifting heavy objects or even sitting down in particular postures.

In fact, rheumatoid arthritis is just one of the over hundred forms of arthritis that afflicts human beings. But it can be called as the most popular and the most severe of all forms of arthritis. Unlike its close cousin osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis affects younger people also; it has been seen that people between the ages of 20 to 50 years are susceptible to the disease. Also women are more vulnerable than men.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a very popular ailment, but unfortunately, there is no permanent medical cure for it. However, some Ayurvedic techniques can prepare an arthritic person to lead a fulfilling normal life, despite the disease.

Rheumatoid arthritis or Aamavata is an autoimmune disease which causes chronic inflammation of the bone joints.

The human body is protected by an immune system which combats against toxins and microorganisms that attack the body from time to time. This immune system is a system of various complex hormones and enzymes that have to understand the changes that are occurring within the body. But sometimes, there is a misinterpretation of the bodily signals. At such times, the immune system works more than necessary, and this is what causes the immune system to attack the body itself. Such a disease is called as an autoimmune disease.

Rheumatoid arthritis is also an autoimmune disease. The articulation of bones, i.e. the joints, is covered by a membrane called as the synovium. The function of the synovium is to protect lubrication for the movement of the joints. For some reason, the autoimmune cells of the body come to rest in the synovium. An extensive action of the autoimmune cells here causes inflammation, resulting in the condition known as rheumatoid arthritis.

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Rheumatoid arthritis is itself a type of arthritis, of which more than a hundred types are known. However, since its effects are extensive, other organs of the body can also be involved, leading to what is known as extra-articular rheumatoid arthritis. Depending on which other organ is involved, there are the following types of extra-articular rheumatoid arthritis:-

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As already explained above, rheumatoid arthritis is caused when the autoimmune system of the body happens to attack the joints of the body causing an inflammation. However, why the autoimmune effectuates this attack is not known very clearly. Thus, to some extent, the reason of the onset of rheumatoid arthritis in humans remains a mystery to medical science.

Though the exact cause is not known, there are some suspected triggers, i.e. risk factors that may cause the condition of rheumatoid arthritis. Some of these triggers are:-

• Infections by microorganisms, including viruses and bacteria
• Smoking and alcoholism
• Genetic propensity

Ayurveda has a slightly different explanation for the onset of rheumatic arthritis. In Sanskrit, aama means rheum, which is a fluid deposited in the cells as a result of improper digestion. When the vata dosha of the body is vitiated, then there is more circulation of aama in the body. This aama settles in the membrane surrounding the joints, leading to pains. This also explains the etymology of the Sanskrit name, aamavata.

In Ayurveda, there are more triggering factors for aamavata than those mentioned above. They are:-

• Exhaustion for long periods of time
• Excessive masturbation and sex
• Emotional disturbances

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The most prominent symptom of rheumatoid arthritis is the pain in the joints which it causes. Though the pain can be felt in almost every articulation of the body, the most common joints are those of the hands and the legs, such as:-

• The elbow joint
• The articulations between the carpals, i.e. the bones of the wrist
• The articulations between the phalanges, i.e. the bones of the fingers and toes
• The knee joint
• The ankle joint

The following kinds of symptoms help to diagnose the condition of rheumatoid arthritis:-

Pain in the joints generally arises in the morning after getting up, or after long periods of rest, such as sitting in a particular position.

The pains will occur symmetrically. Meaning that, joints on both sides of the body will be affected at the same time.

There is a loss of sensation in the joints.

The muscles attached to those particular joints become weak and cannot be used to do any kind of heavy work.

There is a constant tired feeling, which may become too extreme when there is a sharp bout of pain.

There may be fevers when the pains are acute.

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Rheumatoid arthritis or Aamavata is a chronic disease, i.e. it can persist for several years. Naturally then, it can cause several complications in the long run. Some of the complications that rheumatoid arthritis can cause in the human body are as follows:-

If rheumatoid arthritic pains continue for a long time, it may cause deformity of the joints. Thus a person must seek treatment as soon as possible.

Small lumps are formed over time under the skin at the regions of the joints. These lumps are called as subcutaneous rheumatoid nodules. Generally these nodules are not painful, but they can cause deformities. Nodules are mostly formed at the elbows, knees and at the Achilles’ tendons.

Rheumatoid arthritis does not confine itself to the bones and joints alone. Over time, several complications can arise in different parts of the body. The following is a list of the critical complications that rheumatoid arthritis can cause in parts of the body other than the bones and joints:-

(i) Lungs – Fibrosis can be caused.

(ii) Kidneys – Amyloidosis can be caused.

(iii) Heart and Vascular System – Complications such as pericarditis, endoscarditis, valvulitis, fibrosis and failure of the left ventricle can be caused.

(iv) Eyes – Xerophthalmia, i.e. the dry eye condition can be caused.

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Since the cause of Aamavata is shrouded in mystery until now, it is not easy to say what the transmitting factors of the disease are, and whether it can actually be transmitted from one person to other. The contribution of viruses and bacteria in spreading the disease are being surveyed and also the role of hereditary factors is under study.

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Rheumatoid arthritis or Aamavata is not a very difficult disease to control. A health-conscious person can easily keep the problem at bay by taking a few general precautions.

Regular Exercise – Regular exercise keeps the different joints of the body active and generates the necessary lubrication required for them. This drastically reduces the chances of having rheumatoid arthritis in the future. It has been observed that Aamavata is more prominently seen in people who do not exercise much and lead a sedentary lifestyle. Hence, keeping active may be the key to keep rheumatoid arthritis at bay.

Keep weight under control – People who are obese have much more chances of getting rheumatoid arthritis than slimmer people. This is because, in obese people, there is more stress on the bones and the joints. Hence, keeping a proper tab on the weight reduces the chances of Aamavata.

Proper Diet – Aamavata is one of those diseases that can be avoided just by having a nutritious diet. For the ideal diet for arthritic persons, see the next heading below.

Taking medication on time – People with problems with Aamavata must take regular medicines as prescribed by their doctors. The common mistake done by arthritic persons is that they take medicines only when there is a flare-up of the pain. This makes the pain more severe. Taking regular medicines will ease the severity when there is a flare-up.

Using cold packs – For temporary relief, cold packs can be placed on the areas where the pain occurs more severely. Cold causes the affected area to become numb and thus it desensitizes the pain when there is a flare-up.

Heat therapy – Alternately, heat can also be used to get temporary relief from the arthritic pains. Heat makes the tissues tender and allows better blood circulation. This eases the pain.

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Diet is one of the most important prophylactic (i.e. preventive) rheumatoid arthritis treatments. An orderly diet can just nip the pains in the bud, as suggested by Ayurveda. The following foodstuffs are potent in keeping aamavata at bay:-

Both sugar and salt must be reduced.

Fried and gassy foods such as potatoes and pulses must be kept at a minimum.

Fats that are consumed must be of plant, and not animal, origin.

Cut short on the intake of chilies, peppers and tomatoes.

Only castor oil has the capacity to reduce the aama. Other oils must be avoided.

At least one bitter and pungent dish must be included in every meal. This controls vata and relieves aama.

Ginger tea with lemon and honey is good when there are flare-ups of pain.

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