HomeAnswersAyurveda Specialistrheumatoid arthritisShould I take steroid medicine for rheumatoid arthritis?

Should I try steroid medicines for my rheumatoid arthritis?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Answered by

Dr. Alka

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At October 16, 2017
Reviewed AtFebruary 6, 2024

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis two years back. I am on Ayurveda treatment and have taken Panchakarma treatment as well. There is a slight improvement, but still, my swelling on the left knee is not coming down, and recently a pain in the left wrist has begun. My ESR and CCP are very high, and the cartilage in the left knee is torn. I cannot walk fast or climb the stairs. I also started Methotrexate 7.5 mg and Vitamin D recently. Please give me the best advice to deal with RA. Should I continue with Ayurvedic medicines or should I try steroids?

Answered by Dr. Alka

Hello,

Welcome to iclniq.com.

I just read your query and saw all the reports (attachment removed to protect patient identity).

In RA (rheumatoid arthritis), allopathic medicines like painkillers and corticosteroids are prescribed which will give you temporary relief, but in the long term, these medicines have multiple side effects. However, in an emergency, you can use it for short term. I suggest you continue your Ayurvedic treatment along with your current allopathic medicines. However, keep some time gap between your medicines.

In Ayurveda, diet has a major role in RA. So, avoid taking curd, fish, spinach, cold and frozen food and water, black gram, high-fat meat, meet, fish with milk, junk food, and heavy food or caffeinated drinks. Add ginger, garlic, turmeric, hing (asafoetida), fenugreek , cumin, etc. in the diet.

  1. Sleep properly at night, and avoid sleeping in the daytime.
  2. As you are already taking Ayurvedic treatment, I will not add much medicine but along with other medications, follow these regularly for few days:
  3. First of all, you can do hot fomentation with sandbags, and it will ease your pain.
  4. Take one or two teaspoons of castor oil along with hot water or hot milk before sleeping for some days (for seven to 10 days). It is extremely beneficial for your problem. However, be cautious because it can cause severe purgation. Castor oil removes toxins from your body.
  5. Take tablet Shallaki (Shallaki) two tablets two times a day with water after food for four weeks.
  6. Maha Rasnadi Kwath (Gokshura, Ashwagandha, Fennel, Atis) one tablespoon with an equal amount of water twice a day after food for four weeks.
  7. Add Ajmodadi Churan (Ajamoda, Vidanga, Devadaru) one teaspoon three times a day with lukewarm water after food for one month.
  8. Try these things regularly with your other medications for few days as I have mentioned and you will definitely feel positive results.
  9. Try to be active as much as you can but do not push yourself beyond your limits.

Follow up after four weeks.

I hope you are satisfied with my answer.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Alka
Dr. Alka

Ayurveda Specialist

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