heumatoid arthritis

 Written by: Abdul Mutalib Jawad

Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease that affects the joints, muscles and bones of humans. According to medical experts, the main cause of rheumatism has not been determined yet, but a disorder in the immune system or the body's defense causes this disease.

AEPO’s writer/producer has talked to some patients and a physician about the symptoms, causes and treatment of this disease.

Muhammad Asim, a resident of Kabul city says, “I am suffering from rheumatism. I work and walk the whole day and feel no pain but in night, I cannot go to sleep from the pain of my legs.”

Sharifa Ahmadi, a resident of Ghazni province says, “My mother-in-law is suffering from rheumatism. She always complains from pain of legs and arms and she doesn’t have sleep at night.”

Doctor Sarajuddin Barati, orthopedist at one of the hospital in Kabul city says, “Rheumatism patients often complain of joint pain and general aches, and says that their joints have swelling and tingling in their hands and feet.

If the disease progresses, , it bends and tilts the joint, and it also damages other parts of the body, such as the lungs and heart.”

What do some patients think about the causes of this disease?

Ghulam Muhammad, a resident of Alar village, Qarabagh district of Kabul province says, “I think cold water and not walking cause rheumatism.”

A patient, Lutfullah says, “Damp rooms, wet weather and sitting on concrete cause rheumatism.
Doctor Barati says, “The pain of rheumatoid arthritis increases when they patients do not walk like the increasing of pain at night, because they do not move. Eating some foods like pepper also increase such patients’ pain.”

How do some people treat rheumatism?

Bibi Afghani, a resident of Kabul city says, “I regularly take my medicines; I sit in the sun and prevent any kind of using cold water.”

Sayed Aqa says, “When I apply mustard oil, the pain reduces and I can walk safely.” Doctor Barati says, “Those who are suffering from rheumatism, should contact a specialist this disease needs continuous treatment, because the treatment of this disease is time consuming, which for any reason does not have access to a doctor, can be a series of treatments at home.

Have strength, for example, keep warm, do not overwork, foods that they think are harmful, for example, a number come and say that when eating onions is a lot of pain, have an exercise diet. And exercise for lunch and dinner, for example, if the pain is in the knee area, lie on your back and straighten your legs up and down, left and right, or sit in a chair and move, move your neck, at home. At least walk around, walk.