Rheumatoid arthritis is estimated to affect approximately 0.24 to 1% of the Indian population and is twice as common in women when compared with men. It affects more than 180 million people in India. The prevalence is higher than many common diseases such as diabetes, AIDS, and cancer. Around 14% of the Indian population seeks a doctor's help every year for this joint disease. Medicircle is conducting an exclusive series on Rheumatoid Arthritis to spread awareness about this disease.

Dr. Amit Verma is a leading Ayurvedic Doctor, Arthritis Expert, Health and Wellness Coach, a TEDx Speaker, and an Author. He is also the CEO and Founder of Vrikshkalpa Ayurveda, Delhi. He is an expert in cure and reversal programs of chronic diseases. He wrote his first book “NO MORE ARTHRITIS PAIN” – Gift a new life to your joints.

 Vrikshakalpa Ayurveda is a promising beginning in the field of ayurvedic treatment. With the motto “A Promise for Care & Cure” Vrikshakalpa Ayurveda is committed to take Ayurveda science to every door across the country. It aspires to enhance the quality of life of the people by providing simple yet effecting medical care. Through a team of highly dedicated doctors, it has created patient-friendly environment with healing as the prime objective.

Not Just the Old but the Young suffer from arthritis too

Dr. Amit Verma informs, “Arthritis is becoming a very major problem for our society. We used to think that arthritis is a disease of older age. But it can start from our childhood and youngsters who are the backbone of our country are sufferers of this disease too.”

The Process does not Start in One Day

Dr. Verma explains, “Rheumatoid Arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease. So, it's very clear from the word “chronic” that the process does not start in one day. It is a process of months or years. It starts when the autoimmune system reacts oppositely. When the same autoimmune system which is meant to protect our joints and associated structures start damaging them, Rheumatoid Arthritis hits.” 

Symptoms are Easily Identifiable

Dr. Verma emphasizes, “Pain or stiffness in the joints, tenderness in a joint area and pain when touched or decrease in range of motion of joints are simple symptoms of RA, which can be identified by anyone. If you find that by use of primary remedies these symptoms are not subsiding within a week then consult a doctor. It majorly starts with larger joint areas like wrist, shoulder, knee, ankle, and backbone joints, etc. In most cases, the pain will be symmetrical and bilateral. If one knee is getting affected by the pain, the pain will be in the other knee as well. Apart from this, there is early morning stiffness. Stiffness which worsens in the morning time and is taking usually two hours of minimum time to subside is an indication that you are suffering from RA,” says Dr. Verma.

Some other RA symptoms

Dr. Verma points out, “In some cases, there will not be much pain but the swelling will be evident more in the early morning or nighttime and would be painful when touched. There can be a mild fever, especially in the evening time. You might also feel lethargic and week. There is a heaviness in the body too.”

Don’t Allow it to Aggravate

Dr. Verma suggests, “Symptoms start much early than it actually affects the joints. Any layman can understand symptoms. He/she should meet the doctor if symptoms are not subsiding within a week.”

Recovery is Fast by Dietary Precautions

Dr. Verma informs that as per Ayurveda, whatever we consume reflects in our body. Certain food items can be avoided for eg. curd. Even if one is having it then at least he/she should not have sour or cold curd otherwise inflammation may aggravate. One has to rule out all factors that are causing the disease to aggravate.

Early the Diagnose Easy the Cure

Dr. Verma explains, “It is all about what is the stage of the disease when you have identified your symptoms and consulted your doctor. It’s all about how much loyal you are towards your body and how much you respect your body to immediately consult a doctor if there are symptoms. If you have identified in the earlier stage, the cure is possible. It depends on the stage of the disease. If it is in a stage when the deformity of joints has started then too recovery and cure are possible but the cure of deformity might not be possible. The pain will subside. Stiffness will subside. So, it’s a complete myth that cure is not possible,” says Dr. Verma  

Don’t Lose Hope

Dr. Verma emphasizes “Many people do not do anything about their disease thinking that since they have rheumatoid arthritis, their life is over but it is a very wrong thought process. People should improve their condition by consulting doctors and also spread awareness that RA is curable instead of passing negative information to hundreds of others,” says Dr. Verma.

(Edited by Amrita Priya)