01/23/2013
Why Arthritis?
Arthritis is a joint disorder featuring inflammation. There are many forms of arthritis (over one hundred and growing). The forms range from those related to wear and tear of cartilage (such as osteoarthritis) to those associated with inflammation resulting from an over-active immune system (such as rheumatoid arthritis). Symptoms of arthritis include pain and limited function of joints. Inflammation of the joints from arthritis is characterized by joint stiffness, swelling, redness, and warmth. Tenderness of the inflamed joint can be present. Many of the forms of arthritis, because they are rheumatic diseases, can cause symptoms affecting various organs of the body that do not directly involve the joints. Therefore, symptoms in some patients with certain forms of arthritis can also include fever, gland swelling (swollen lymph nodes), weight loss, fatigue, feeling unwell and even symptoms from abnormalities of organs such as the lungs, heart, or kidneys.
A rheumatologist is a medical doctor who specializes in the nonsurgical treatment of rheumatic illnesses, especially arthritis. Rheumatologists have special interests in unexplained rash, fever, arthritis, anemia, weakness, weight loss, fatigue, joint or muscle pain, autoimmune disease, and anorexia. They often serve as consultants, acting like medical detectives at the request of other doctors.
The treatment of arthritis is very dependent on the precise type of arthritis present. An accurate diagnosis increases the chances for successful treatment. Treatments available include physical therapy, splinting, cold-pack application, paraffin wax dips, anti-inflammatory medications, immune-altering medications, and surgical operations.
TCM’s perspectives of arthritis in their specific ideas: The Arthritis manifested a verity signs of dysfunction and weakness of almost all organs involved, but usually involves lungs, liver and kidney.
The cause of arthritis is due to poor circulation on the degenerated bones, muscles and tendons. ( Osteo or rheumatic ). When the tendons and cartilages along the joints accumulated DAMPNESS Pathogen, the free flows is interrupted and causes the acute pains and inflammation, the pains will be worsening whenever the extreme changes of weather, from dry to damp, warm to cold. That is why people suffer arthritis can tell the weather change. In TCM, the liver dominates the tendons and cartilages, and kidneys dominate the bones. The lungs dominate the skin of the body, and lose the defensive function by letting the invasion of WIND and DAMPNESS pathogens.
TCM treatments consider in different areas to study at the holistic concept in principle in term of its verity of symptoms, Acupuncture is essential to alleviate the acute pains, and herbal medicines would supplement to bring back the balance of the energy flows of the dysfunction organs.
