Rheumatoid arthritis is an arthritic condition that causes inflammation to the joints which includes the hand, wrists, ankles, elbows, neck, and feet. More than one percent of the population around the world suffers from rheumatoid arthritis. More often than not, women are the target for rheumatoid arthritis over men. Approximately two out of three sufferers are women.
Rheumatoid arthritis is unique in the fact that it not more prevalent in one race over another. Sufferers of rheumatoid arthritis usually develop the condition between the ages of 25 and 50. Although there are medications to help treat the condition, they do come with some heavy side effects. These side effects make people wonder whether or not the trade off is really worth it.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatments and Side Effects
There are several different types of treatments and medications used to treat rheumatoid arthritis on the market. The medications include both steroid based and non steroid based anti inflammatory medicines. Most of the medications can be administered in either as a pill or as an injection. Some other treatments include surgery, physical therapy, and rest.
The side effects of rheumatoid arthritis medications are very excessive. One of the most popular medications used to treat rheumatoid arthritis includes side effects like mouth sores, upset stomach, low white blood counts, severe toxicity of the liver and bone marrow, headache and drowsiness, itching, skin rash, dizziness, and hair loss. Some other side effects from other popular medications include: An increased risk for cardiovascular events, gastrointestinal bleeding, stroke, bruising, psychosis, increased susceptibility to infections, cataracs, diabetes, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, and weight gain.
A recent survey published by Arthritis & Rheumatism’s journal showed that many patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis had many concerns about the medications that they were taking. The survey was conducted by the National Data Bank for Rheumatic Diseases in Wichita, Kansas. They polled 6,135 patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis and found that the result were astounding. Almost 25 percent of the patients polled were not satisfied with their current treatment or medication. Close to 73 percent of the patients that were polled were very concerned about the side effects of the medication. Lastly, a little over 68 percent were concerned that they were going to loose control of their arthritis. (1)
Natural Cures and Therapies for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Man made medicines are not the only treatment available for rheumatoid arthritis. Now more than ever people are seeking out more natural therapies and treatments. Physical therapy and acupuncture are types of therapies that have been able to improve the quality of life for those who suffer arthritis.
Many have also found herbal therapy to help with pain, stiffness, and inflammation. Ayurvedic remedies and Chinese Herbs are can be used in different combinations to treat many medical conditions including arthritis.
Green Tea, Flax seed oil, fish oil, Ginseng, and different minerals have also been very successful natural treatments.
http://www.webmd.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/news/20070628/rheumatoid-arthritis-drugs-satisfy-most
