BENGALURU : 1. My mother is an arthritis patient for three years and her age is 50 years. Currently, she is under homeopathic treatment. Now in the legs, red patches are seen and she feel pain when she walks.
Arthritis means joint pain- it is important to ascertain what type of arthritis your mother has to treat it. It can be a wear and tear called osteoarthritis or autoimmune called Rheumatoid and there are other various forms of arthritis. I am an allopathic doctor so I can’t comment on homeopathic treatment. The patches on the legs can be due to the medicines she is consuming or due to the type of arthritis. I recommend you meet an orthopedic doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment
2. My mother has been having knee pain for 2-3 months now. We consulted some doctors, they prescribed Calcium and vitamin D tablets and she has been taking these. However, her knee-pain continues. Is there some exercise she should do or some food items that she should consume (or should not) for a better recovery?
You have not mentioned the age of your mother as it is important for treatment. Calcium is advised for women after menopause for bone health or to anyone who has osteoporosis – meaning weak bones. She can do knee physiotherapy sessions to improve the knee pain, calcium-rich food helps to strengthen bones-foods like milk, green leafy vegetables, dairy products and so on. She needs proper diagnosis for her knee pain to advise further treatment. Meanwhile you can follow what I have mentioned.
3. What is the cause of rheumatoid arthritis? What is the natural way of curing it? Without steroids, is there any permanent solution for this?
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. This means your body is attacking its own joints which lead sto swollen and painful joints. Some natural means of improving the problem include physiotherapy and occupational therapy with cold/hot compress, gentle exercises for joints to avoid stiffness, splints and braces for resting the joint. Medicines to improve inflammation and prevent joint damage can involve analgesics. Specific treatment for rheumatoid can involve steroids or other disease-modifying agents which your doctor can prescribe. Severe cases need joint replacement surgery. There is no permanent cure but medical treatment can prevent progression and improve the condition.
4. My mother (55 years) has been suffering from rheumatoid arthritis and has done her knee and hip replacement. Now her shoulder and neck joints are wearing out. Her doctor suggested to take
Humira. How effective is Humira in severe case of Rheumatoid arthritis? Will this bring a permanent relief for her? Is there any other alternatives available?
Humira is a trade name for adalimumab which is a medicine used in Rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, Crohn’s and other conditions. It is not a medicine to be taken without prescription and the doctor treating your mother will be the best person to decide if she needs it. As for the remaining questions, the answer to question three above gives a lot more insight to Rheumatoid arthritis and its treatment.
– The expert is a consultant Orthopedics, Columbia Asia Hospital Hebbal. Send your health queries to health.cityexpress@gmail.com