Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a joint disease in which joints become inflamed, swollen, stiff and painful. Joint deformity can also occur over time if it is not treated properly in time. It is of autoimmune origin and occurs when our immune cells begin to damage the lining of joints due to a misdirected response. In cases where rheumatoid arthritis is suspected, antibodies called rheumatoid factor (RF) and anticyclic citrullinated peptides (anti-CCP) are the main blood tests performed. 70% of such cases have a positive diagnosis. If a person suffers from joint inflammation with all the signs and symptoms similar to RA, but the antibody test including rheumatoid factor and anti-CCP turns out to be negative, then it is called seronegative rheumatoid arthritis.
The diagnosis is made based on the combination of clinical symptoms, physical examination and x-rays of the affected joints. There are certain common factors that increase the risk of both seropositive and seronegative rheumatoid arthritis. First, having a family history of rheumatoid arthritis increases the risk. Women are at greater risk for rheumatoid arthritis than men. Obesity, smoking and certain infections also increase the risk.
Individuals with seronegative RA suffer from the same symptoms as those of seropositive RA. The signs and symptoms include red, swollen, and stiff joints. The joints are sensitive (painful when touched). The stiffness is worse in the morning and lasts longer than 30 minutes. Joints on both sides of the body are affected. The joints mainly affected initially are the small joints of the hands and feet, but over time other joints may become involved, such as ankles, knees, hips and elbows. Weakness may be accompanied by the above complaints.
Homeopathic treatment
There is a wide scope in the treatment of cases of seronegative rheumatoid arthritis in homeopathy. There are 100% natural medicines in homeopathy that help in reducing joint inflammation and excellently controlling its symptoms. These medications enhance the body’s natural healing mechanism to reduce inflammation and overcome joint pain and stiffness naturally. Moreover, swelling, redness and heat in the joints are also well controlled. Homeopathy is a symptom-based science, which means that medicines for any health problem are prescribed based on the patient’s symptoms in each individual case. There are no separate medicines for seropositive and seronegative rheumatoid arthritis in homeopathy. The medicines remain similar for both types and as mentioned above, homeopathic medicines for health problems including joint problems are selected from the various available medicines for joint problems as laid down in homeopathic medicines based on symptoms. A thorough case evaluation is required before prescribing homeopathic medicines for any case of RA. It is advised to take any homeopathic medicine after consultation with a homeopathic doctor and in any case avoid self-medication.
Homeopathic medicines for seronegative rheumatoid arthritis
1. Rhus Tox – Top recommended drug
Rhus Tox is the most commonly used homeopathic medicine to treat various joint complaints. The main characteristic feature indicating its use is the obvious stiffness in the joints. More specifically, stiffness worsens in the morning, during rest, and after periods of inactivity. Joint movement helps relieve stiffness. Warm applications and massage of joints also relieve stiffness. In addition to stiffness, joints are also painful. This medicine can be used in any of the affected joints in the body.
2. Antimonium Crudum – For arthritis in the fingers
This medicine is the best choice when it comes to treating arthritis in the finger joints. This medicine is well indicated for swollen and painful finger joints. A characteristic pain is experienced in the fingers. In most cases, cold worsens the pain. A decrease in pain could be observed with warm applications on the fingers.
3. Bryonia – For pain that is made worse by movement
Bryonia is the next prominent drug that is very suitable when joint pain is aggravated by movement and gets better by absolute rest. The affected joints are swollen and red. The affected joint is also warm and sensitive to touch. The pain can be stabbing or tearing in nature. In cases where this is necessary, the commonly affected joints are the shoulder, hand, elbow and knee joint.
4. Actaea Spicata – For wrist, finger, ankle and toe joint pain
It is an important medicine to help cases of minor joint inflammation. The joints involved include those of the fingers, toes, wrist and ankle. Of these, the wrist joint is most noticeably affected. It is very swollen and painful. It is red and also warm to the touch. In cases where this medicine is necessary, exercise worsens joint pain. The pain also gets worse when touched. Finally, mild fatigue also increases joint pain.
5. Arnica – for sensitive (painful) joints
Arnica is a leading medicine for sensitive joint pain. Even the slightest touch is unbearable for the affected joints due to the pain. The joints feel bruised as if they have been beaten. Any joint can be affected, but the most commonly affected joints are those of the feet. The pain is worse in the evening. The big toes are strikingly red.
6. Caulophyllum – For shifting pain in small joints
Caulophyllum is a well indicated medicine for treating minor joint pains that keep shifting from joint to joint. The pain wanders between the finger, wrist, ankle and toe joints. Rapid movement of pain between these joints is seen. In addition to pain, the affected joints are also stiff. One feels pain when closing the hands.
7. Ledum Pal – For joint pain that starts in the joints of the lower extremities
This medicine is very useful when the pain starts in the joints of the lower limbs and then moves up to the joints of the upper limbs. The affected joints are swollen and warm. Stiffness is also present in the joints. Drawing or stabbing pain is felt in the joints. The pain gets worse with movement. It gets worse in the evening and due to the warmth of the bed. Applying cold water to the affected joints helps relieve joint pain.
8. Pulsatilla – For varying joint pain
Pulsatilla is an effective medicine for managing varying joint pain. The pain gets worse at night. Sleep is disturbed by joint pain. Exercise also worsens joint pain. The affected joints are red and swollen.
9. Formica Rufa – When pain gets better with pressure
Formica Rufa is indicated when joint pain improves due to pressure. The pain appears suddenly and is worse on the right side than on the left. The joints feel stiff and contracted. The pain mainly occurs in the elbow joint, knee joint and wrist joint. In addition to pain, there is clear restlessness.
10. Kalmia – For pain in almost all joints
The use of Kalmia is recommended when pain is present in almost all joints. The pain keeps shifting from one joint to another. The pain is worse by movement and also by exposure to cold air. In addition to the pain, the joints feel warm and are red and swollen. In cases where this is necessary, the pain usually starts in the joints of the upper extremities and then shifts to the joints of the lower extremities. There is an increase in pain during the evening. Of all the joints, the ankle joints are most affected.