Identical joints on either side are affected and, if accompanied by pain on movement, stiffness and fever, you could be suffering from Rheumatoid Arthritis. It’s most common in people between 30 and 60 years of age.

Cause : An auto-immune reaction, preceded by sore throat.

Symptoms : Slow onset. Symmetrical involvement, swelling, especially of the hands giving ’spindled’ appearance, wrists, knees and feet. Shifts from joint to joint. Inflammation. Morning stiffness, in and around joints, which lasts for over an hour in the mornings. Fever, anemia, weight loss.

Treatment : Reassure the patient. The treatment aims at minimizing inflammation and preventing structural damage to the joints. Includes bed rest of about 3-4 weeks, active exercises, splinting, hydrotherapy and hot packs. Massages do help. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can control the symptoms. Delayed diagnosis may leave more permanent deformities. Rehabilitation is integral to the treatment.
Fresh string beans contain Vitamins A, B-l, B-2 and C and help over-acid conditions such as arthritis. Take two garlic pills a day and rub a freshly-cut clove on the painful areas.
Celery is useful due to its high sodium content that prevents joint deposits by keeping lime and magnesia in a solution form. For optimum results, it should be taken in the form of fresh extracted juice, using its leaves and the stem. Self help can take many forms in addition to nutrition — vitamin therapy, exercise, good posture and positive mental approach. Relief has been found by taking a teaspoon of cider vinegar in warm water with honey to taste, first thing in the morning, or before meals to correct deficient production of digestive acids.
Exercise should be enough to keep joints mobile but not to cause fatigue. Walking, yoga and swimming are most suitable especially in rheumatoid arthritis often associated with trauma, unresolved conflicts and chronic resentment.