New therapies
No new therapies for the treatment of polyarthritis have yet been published. At present, attempts are being made to reduce inflammation to a minimum via basic therapy, which is done by increasing the drug dose or changing the medication. A study is currently trying to use immune cells of affected persons for defence. These immune cells recognize the aggressor early and should initiate a counter attack from the immune system. So far, however, this approach has only been able to suppress inflammatory reactions.
Heal naturally
Due to the strong side effects of drug therapy, many patients resort to a natural “healing method”. This is usually a collaboration with an alternative practitioner. Based on a detailed anamnesis and blood tests, the practitioner finds out the missing substances in the body.
In most cases, homeopathic remedies are prescribed to correct the imbalance. Schüssler salts or calcium or magnesium substrates present in effervescent tablets are combined in a specific arrangement to achieve the desired effect. A vitamin C deficiency can also be compensated by a supplement. However, it is important to work together with an alternative practitioner or doctor and not to make any changes on your own. In addition to dietary supplements, a healthy diet is important for the improvement of symptoms.
Nutrition
Nutrition plays a major role in the treatment of polyarthritis. Decisive is the inflammation-promoting arachidonic acid, which is mainly found in any fatty food, such as meat, egg and certain dairy products. Vegetable foods, fish and low-fat dairy products do not contain the acid, or are positively supported by a lot of omega-3 fatty acids.
Foods such as butter, cream, eggs, high-fat sausage and cheese should be replaced in plenty of vegetables and fruit. Reduce meat dishes to 2 times per week and include 2 fish dishes. When cooking, omega-3 rich oils should be used, which are mainly found in rapeseed or walnut oil.
As a snack, nuts are generally a good choice; they are rich in valuable fatty acids and vitamins.Yoghurt, quark and low-fat milk are also very healthy and provide additional calcium. Drinking a lot and avoiding alcoholic drinks and cigarettes have a positive effect on the whole organism. In general, polyarthritis cannot be cured, but it can be positively influenced by a healthy diet.
The hands and fingers are particularly affected by polyarthritis. Due to long-standing, recurring inflammatory processes in the membrana synovialis, bony stiffening of the small joints occurs. This stiffening becomes visible, in addition to the pain symptoms, through bent fingers and hands.
The patient suffering from polyarthritis lacks fine motor skills, as the fingers cannot be moved completely. In addition, the strength in the hand and fingers dwindles. Due to the curvature, things such as pens or cards can no longer be held and regularly cause problems in everyday life.
The state of curvature of the hand is classified into different degrees of severity (1-4). An occupational therapist helps to improve the lack of fine motor skills. Working with marbles, stones or similar stimulates the sensory system and improves blood circulation. In general, physical therapy can be done with cold or heat, which stimulates the blood circulation and especially when it is warm, the fingers can be moved better. The kerosene bath is particularly popular with rheumatism patients.
