Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain Management

What is rheumatoid arthritis?The term arthritis is used to refer to a variety of conditions secaracterizan by pain, loss of mobility and joint inflammation. Although most cases occur in adults as well children are suffering from some form of arthritis. The causes are varied and include genetic defects, illness and infection and immune disorders.There are two main types of arthritis: rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. This article will discuss the issue of rheumatoid arthritis. In another article we discussed the issue of osteoarthritis.Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory type of arthritis that usually affects people over 40, although it can occur at any age. The incidence of rheumatoid arthritis is about thirty cases per hundred thousand. A greater proportion of women than men have. In some American Indian groups the incidence is much higher and among some black people in the Caribbean region the incidence is lower.SymptomsThe main symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are pain and swelling in joints lasmanos, arms, or legs. A feature of rheumatoid arthritis is that usually occurs symmetrically, ie the same joints on both sides of the body are affected. It also produces insomnia and a general feeling of tiredness. You can also develop a fever is not very high, pallor, anemia, morning stiffness, Nodules under the skin (the latter is usually a sign that the disease is more severe than usual) and loss of appetite, among other symptoms. The joint pain usually begins later.Damage caused by rheumatoid arthritisRheumatoid arthritis, in addition to affecting the joints, can cause damage to other parts of the body like the heart, muscles, lungs, eyes and nerves. In some cases it may occur suddenly but more commonly it develops gradually affecting more and more joints. In most cases it begins to manifest itself in the small joints of the fingers or toes, wrists, hands, elbows and ankles. In some people with rheumatoid arthritis has only mild symptoms that last a short time. However, in most cases the disease follows a progressive course and lasts a lifetime. Rheumatoid arthritis is considered the most serious and disabling the various forms of arthritis.In the elderly rheumatoid arthritis can cause deformities of the hands and feet. This occurs when arthritis causes weakening of muscles, tendons and shrinking an abnormal enlargement of the anterior part of the bones. There are cases where the bone is eroded and the joint is dislocated being immobilized in a position.CausesRheumatoid arthritis is, in many cases, an autoimmune disease, ie it is a condition in which our immune system, which is responsible for defending attacking viruses and bacteria that invade us, begins to attack and destroy parts of our body . It is believed that one or several genetic factors may play a role in the development of this disease. However, it is considered that genetic factors are the only ones involved. It is thought that some external factor such as a virus or bacteria can serve as a trigger trigger that initiates the development of rheumatoid arthritis. They have identified several genes that predispose to certain types of rheumatoid arthritis. Other cases of rheumatoid arthritis are caused by crystal deposits in joints and some infections.DiagnosisThe diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis can be difficult because other diseases such as gout, acute rheumatic fever, Reiter's syndrome, pseudogout, Lyme disease, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, gonococcal arthritis, and arthritis psoriatic may have some similar symptoms. In many cases, require laboratory tests such as a test used to detect one type of antibody known as rheumatoid factor present in about 70 percent of people with rheumatoid arthritis. This test is not specific as the rheumatoid factor is found in people with other diseases such as Sjrogren syndrome (an inflammatory disorder characterized by excessive dryness of the eyes, mouth and other mucous membranes) chronic liver disease and some infections. About 90 percent of people with rheumatoid arthritis test that measures the sedimentation rate of erythrocytes (red blood cells are red blood cells) is high. This test measures how quickly red blood cells come together and go to the bottom of a test tube. You can also carry out an examination of synovial fluid (fluid that fills the joint cavity and serves as a lubricant). Another test has been developed recently which detects the presence of a type of antibody known as ACP. This test is more specific than rheumatoid factor, and that contrary to what happens with the latter rarely is positive in people without rheumatoid arthritis.Medical treatment of rheumatoid arthritisIn the medical treatment of rheumatoid arthritis can be used from simple measures such as rest and adequate nutrition to various types of drugs and surgery. The drugs used are the disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs for short in English) that generally work by reducing or suppressing immune responses. These drugs, among which are azathioprine (Imuran), methotrexate (Rheumatrex) and cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan) are effective in reducing the inflammation of rheumatoid arthritis but have a number of side effects can be severe and even fatal including liver toxicity and bone marrow, lung inflammation and increased susceptibility to infections. Cyclophosphamide may also cause bleeding from the bladder.Also used an injectable drug called Kineret (anakinra). This is an artificial protein that blocks interleukin-1 which is a protein that has inflammatory effects.In late 2005, was approved in the United States a new drug that also acts on the immune system, through a novel mechanism called Orencia (abatacept). This is a drug used to reduce symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and retarding structural damage it causes in patients who have not responded to other medications. Side effects of this medicine include: respiratory problems including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and increased susceptibility to infection. Other common side effects but not serious are headache, nasopharyngitis and nausea.Another type of medication are called inhibitors of tumor necrosis factor (TNF by its acronym in English), a protein produced by the immune system that causes inflammation. These include medications such as infliximab (Remicade) administered intravenously and etanercept (Embrel) and adalimumab (Humira) is given as injections.They are also used corticosteroids such as prednisone. These are extremely effective in reducing inflammation in the early stages of use. However, they lose effectiveness over time. Moreover, although they may alleviate inflammatory symptoms these drugs do not slow the progression of rheumatoid arthritis. Other serious side effects such as osteoporosis, diabetes, hypertension, cataracts, increased levels of glucose, bruising, psychosis, skin becomes more thin and delicate and others that can affect almost every organ in the body. For this reason they are usually used for short periods and at lower doses showing effectiveness.Other drugs used are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents including aspirin and ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil). The doses used are usually quite high and can have effects such as upset stomach and damage the protective lining of the stomach. May also occur headaches, hypertension, confusion, edema and in some cases even kidney damage. In the United States has requested that manufacturers of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents on the label include a warning that they may increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes and gastrointestinal bleeding.The gold-based compounds are another type of medication that can help reduce bone deformities caused by rheumatoid arthritis. In the short term can cause a remission. It is usually used as injections but there is a drug of this type called auranofin (Ridaura) used orally. These drugs may make some people more sensitive to sunlight. These people may suffer from a rash in the sun or a rash already present can agravárseles. Other side effects include irritation or sore tongue, metallic taste, burning or rashes, bleeding, pain or inflammation of the gums, ulcers, sores or white spots in the mouth, lips or throat. It can also occur a decrease in the number of red blood cells. People with severe liver disease, kidney disease, or certain blood disorders should not use gold-based compounds.Penicillamine is another drug that has beneficial effects similar to those of gold-based compounds. It is used in place of these when they are not effective when a patient does not tolerate them. However, it also has potentially dangerous side effects, including suppression of blood cell formation in bone marrow, kidney, muscle diseases, rashes and a bad taste in the mouth. When these effects occur should stop using penicillamine.Surgery is used in some cases of rheumatoid arthritis. Through it tries to correct the joints that have been severely affected. In some cases, perform a total knee replacement or hip. This type of surgery could mean for patients maintain their ability to work independently rather than relying almost entirely on others.Exercise is another type of therapy can be helpful to patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Exercise should be of a type that does not impose significant impact stress on joints affected. For this reason one of the most recommended exercise is swimming and other water exercises. Some exercises are designed to maintain range of motion of joints. Various physiotherapy are also used and may help slow the loss of joint function.Natural AlternativesAlthough rheumatoid arthritis usually can not be cured by the use of certain nutrients, supplements and herbs slow the progression of the disease and relieve inflammation and pain characteristic of this disease.Essential fatty acids omega-3 - fatty acids when we talk we are referring to based substances which are composed of body fat. The term essential means that our body can not manufacture and therefore must be supplied through diet. Everyone needs some fat in the diet because it performs important functions in the body. A characteristic of omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory effects, while other fatty acids, on the contrary have inflammatory effects. One problem noted in the contemporary diet is extremely high in monounsaturated fats or fatty acids that promote inflammatory conditions, while being very poor in those with inflammatory properties. There is more than a dozen studies showing that omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial for people with rheumatoid arthritis. The omega-3 fatty acids alleviate symptoms such as morning stiffness and tenderness in joints. It has also been found to help suppress the production of inflammatory compounds that are secreted by white blood cells. The best way to increase consumption of omega-3 is to eat cold water fish like salmon, sardines and mackerel. Also get omega-3 capsules. However, polyunsaturated fatty acids group they belong to the omega-3 compounds are easily oxidized creating harmful and many of these capsules have a good amount of oxidized oil. Therefore it is better to eat fish.Curcumin is the yellow pigment that gives color to the curry. Obtained from the root of a plant called turmeric (Curcuma longa), also known as Indian saffron and Turmero, among other names. It has been shown to have great anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants. The anti-inflammatory activity has been observed in studies conducted on animals. Some human studies have shown beneficial effects can be compared with prescription drugs, reducing the duration of morning stiffness, increasing the time a patient can walk and decreasing swelling of the joints. This without the typical side effects of prescription drugs. Moreover although turmeric has anti-inflammatory drugs like NSAIDs do not have direct analgesic properties.To achieve anti-inflammatory effects of a dose between 400 and 600 milligrams of curcumin three times a day. Curcumin is often achieved in combination formulas with bromelain, a mixture of enzymes derived from pineapple that you create to help its absorption by the body. Using this combination should be taken on an empty stomach, at least twenty minutes before a meal or between meals. It's also got combined with fish oils, lecithin and other substances are also thought can help absorption.Precautions - Although no side effects were detected with the use of curcumin some laboratory and animal studies suggest it can inhibit blood platelets and increase the risk of bleeding when used in conjunction with blood thinning drugs such as aspirin, Coumadin (warfarin) and heparin. O antiplatelet medicines such as Plavix (clopidogrel) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn). Moreover, curcumin can protect the stomach against stomach ulcers caused by these anti-inflammatory drugs.Other animal studies suggest that curcumin may interfere with the processing of certain drugs, which may cause the blood level of this increase causing adverse reactions or even serious.People with diabetes who use insulin or medications should consult their doctor and that curcumin has the ability to reduce blood sugar and may have to lower the dose of antidiabetic drugs used.Bromelain Bromelain or - a mixture of enzymes found in pineapple. Bromelain has anti-inflammatory. There is evidence that bromelain may help reduce inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis patients. It is believed that anti-inflammatory action of bromelain is due to inhibition of inflammatory compounds and the activation of compounds that break down fibrin, a protein that promotes the inflammatory response. Bromelain also inhibits the production of various compounds produced during inflammation that increase swelling and cause pain.If you eat fresh pineapple and try it frozen or packed that destroyed at least partly beneficial enzymes.Ginger - Ginger inhibits the formation of inflammatory compounds in addition to having direct anti-inflammatory properties. It also acts as an antioxidant. In a study conducted with a group of seven patients who had received no relief with conventional medications was found that all reported a substantial improvement with different formulations of ginger. In another study involving 28 rheumatoid arthritis patients found that 75 percent of these reported relief of pain or swelling.A dose that can be used is two to four teaspoons ground ginger powder. One way to consume is sprinkled on fruit juices or vegetables. Buy small quantities and that eventually loses its potency. Store in a sealed container in a cool, dark place to prevent loss of flavor.Garlic and onions - contain sulfur-based compounds that aid in the healing process of bones, cartilage and connective tissue. The egg and asparagus also contain good amounts of this type of compound. Two studies based on clinical data that were published in 1934 and 1935 indicate that sulfur-based injections can improve pain and swelling in arthritis patients. It is speculated that increasing the sulfur content of our body through the consumption of foods rich in sulfur may have a similar effect.Pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) - has found that pantothenic acid levels in rheumatoid arthritis patients are lower than in people without the disease. We have also found that while these levels are higher, the lower the severity of rheumatoid arthritis and conversely the more low pantothenic acid levels greater severity of rheumatoid arthritis. In an experiment reported in 1980 found that patients who consumed two grams of vitamin B5 as calcium pantothenate reported feeling improvement in morning stiffness, degree of disability, and pain level.Avoid taking iron supplements or multivitamins containing iron - is suspected that iron may promote joint destruction, pain and swelling.