Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic (whole body) connective tissue disorder which affects mainly the synovial joints. it occurs mainly between the age of 20-45 yrs. and maximum incidences are between the age of 35-40 years. females are affected more than males.
Causative factors : probable causes of RA are -
(1) Family history
(2) Physical or emotional shock
(3) Exposure to damp cold weather
(4) Trauma
However, exact cause of RA is not known.
Symptoms :
(i) Slow or acute development with symmetrical involvement of one or more joints.
(ii) Joints are swollen and painful.
(iii) Severe early morning stiffness.
(iv) Tenosynovitis (inflammation of tendons).
(v) Carpel tunnel syndrome ( disease of the wrist caused by the compression of median nerve, characterized by pain and numbness of wrist and fingers).
(vi) Fatigue.
(vii) Weight loss.
(viii) Fever
(ix) Most affected joints are those of fingers, wrists, knees. the joints are warm, swallon & tender (sensitive).
(x) Gradually damage occurs to the tendons, to ligaments resulting into instability and partial or total dislocation of joint. severe joint damage causes deformity of joints.
(xi) Overriding & partial dislocation of toes with callosities (hardening of the skin).
(xii) Partial dislocation of cervical vertebrae.
(xiii) Chronic RA is called Osteoarthritis.
Acupressure treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis :
(1) local points of the affected joints.
(2) DU 20
Ex 28,31 32
LI 4
GB 34
Sp 10
St 34, 35, 44
Reflex points for Rheumatoid Arthritis :
Brain, spinal column, kidneys.