Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It causes joint pain, stiffness, and swelling, making movement difficult and interfering with daily life. In RA, the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the joint lining, leading to ongoing inflammation and, over time, joint damage.
RA varies from person to person. Some people have mild symptoms, while others experience severe pain and limited movement. Without treatment, RA often worsens over time. It progresses through four main stages, each with different symptoms and increasing joint damage.
ANF Therapy®️ is the most advanced treatment for rheumatoid arthritis. It aims to reduce inflammation from its root cause, the leading cause of pain. It not only aims to alleviate the symptoms but also treats the underlying cause of the disease.
Understanding these stages can help people recognise early signs and find the proper care to manage symptoms and protect their joints.
Four stages of rheumatoid arthritis
There are four stages of rheumatoid arthritis, each with its own range of symptoms. As the condition progresses, inflammation and joint damage can worsen. Here’s a closer look at what happens at each stage and the symptoms people might experience:
1. Early-stage RA
In stage 1, also known as early-stage rheumatoid arthritis (RA), people often experience mild symptoms that can be easy to overlook. At this point, joint tissues begin to swell. It affects the joint lining known as the synovium and causes inflammation (swelling).
However, although the inflammation is present, the cartilage and bones remain intact and undamaged, which means the joint structure is still relatively stable.
Symptoms during this stage are subtle. Many people may notice
- Slight pain in their joints
- Stiffness, particularly in smaller joints like the fingers and knuckles
- Fatigue or malaise
Because these symptoms are often mild, they can be easily dismissed as usual or age-related pain. As a result, many people may not realise they are developing RA, which makes early diagnosis challenging.
2. Mild RA
As the condition progresses, the symptoms become more noticeable. At this stage, the inflammation of synovium progresses towards cartilage, which protects bones. As a result, the cartilage starts to wear down, reducing space between nearby bones. It leads to more severe and persistent pain, which limits joint movement.
In addition, your body starts producing antibodies, such as rheumatoid factors. This targets the healthy tissues, leading to further damage. Some common symptoms of mild RA include:
- Constant joint pain
- Increased joint stiffness, especially in the morning
- Mor visible swelling in joints, especially after waking or prolonged inactivity
- Reduced mobility, which is noticeable when moving fingers or knees
3. Moderate RA
By stage 3, the symptoms worsen, which is why it is often considered a severe stage. At this stage, the symptoms are more persistent and interfere with everyday activities.
The bones rub together since extensive cartilage damage has occurred by this stage. This leads to bone erosion, resulting in permanent changes in joint structure. At this point, you may feel intense pain and swelling, muscle weakness, and loss of mobility.
Joint deformities or changes in the bone structure become quite visible. For example, people might notice thick knuckles or twisted fingers. In addition, it may compress tendons, leading to problems like tendon rupture or carpal tunnel syndrome. In some cases, lumps, called rheumatoid nodules, can also develop under the skin around joints.
At this stage, people may experience:
- Severe joint pain
- Persistent swelling
- Reduced range of motion
- Joint deformities, such as twisted fingers
- Symptoms of conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome due to inflammation around the wrist
4. End-stage RA
Stage 4, or end-stage RA, is the most advanced stage of rheumatoid arthritis. By this point, the inflammation seen in earlier stages decreases, but the damage it causes is permanent and irreversible. The joints may no longer function. In addition, nearby muscles can weaken due to lack of use and degeneration of surrounding tissues over time.
In this stage, the bones in the affected joints may fuse, a condition known as ankylosis, which leads to permanent immobility. The symptoms become more intense and severe. Here are some signs people may experience:
- Chronic pain and stiffness
- Limited range of motion
- Reduced muscle strength
- Severe fatigue and a general feeling of malaise
The loss of joint function and structure makes even basic movements difficult. This affects a person’s ability to perform daily tasks and results in a decline in quality of life.
What is the most effective treatment for rheumatoid arthritis?
ANF Therapy®️ may be the most effective treatment for rheumatoid arthritis.
It addresses the root causes of pain, inflammation, and joint dysfunction. Unlike conventional treatments focusing solely on symptom relief, ANF Therapy®️ aims to target imbalances in the body’s neural communication and biochemical processes. It uses specialised ANF Devices charged with specific frequencies. This therapy aims to support the body’s natural healing capabilities to reduce inflammation, alleviate pain, and improve joint mobility. This drug-free, noninvasive method provides a safe and effective solution for individuals seeking long-term relief from the debilitating effects of rheumatoid arthritis.
How does ANF Therapy®️ treat rheumatoid arthritis?
Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis with ANF Therapy®️ involves:
- Taking a detailed history.
- Performing a physical and neurological examination.
- Applying ANF Devices.
- Conducting follow-up sessions.
History:
Your ANF Therapists will take a detailed history of your disease. History includes the following points.
- What are your active complaints?
- What is the onset and duration of the disease?
- Which joints of your body are affected?
- Do you have morning stiffness? If yes, then how much time will it take?
- How much pain do you feel?
- Does this pain affect your daily lifestyle activities?
- Do you have any other medical illnesses?
- What is your occupational history?
- Family history?
Physical examination:
Your ANF Therapists will do your detailed physical examination. They will examine your joints and movements to look for any abnormalities or pain in the joints. The physical examination includes the following points:
Inspection:
During the inspection, your ANF therapists will examine your joints to check their shape, abnormalities, and movement.
Palpation:
After inspection, your ANF Therapists will palpate your joints to check the following:
- Tenderness in the joint
- Stiffness in the joint
- Any bone growth, also known as osteophytes
Neurological examination:
During a neurological examination, your ANF Therapists will examine your nerves, including your upper and lower limb nerves, to check their functionality and whether they are inflamed. They will also assess your upper and lower limb reflexes to check whether the nerves are intact.
Diagnostic criteria for rheumatoid arthritis:
Your ANF Therapists will diagnose rheumatoid arthritis according to these criteria. The diagnostic criteria are as follows;
- Morning stiffness lasting for more than one hour
- Soft tissue swelling of three or more joints
- Symmetrical swelling of the joint
- Swelling of proximal interphalangeal joints and metacarpophalangeal joints
- Presence of rheumatoid nodule
- Radiographic erosions of the small joints, such as the wrist joint
- Positive rheumatoid factor
Rheumatoid arthritis is positive if four or more criteria are positive.
Application of ANF Devices:
After gathering a detailed history of your symptoms and conducting a comprehensive assessment, your ANF Therapist designs a personalised treatment approach based on the severity of your condition. Various types of ANF Devices may be applied, targeting areas such as inflammation, oxidative stress, and blood flow.
These devices are believed to work in harmony, potentially offering significant benefits for your body by:
- Supporting the reduction of inflammation, a common contributor to pain
- Addressing oxidative stress, which may assist in the regeneration of muscles and tissues
- Enhancing blood flow to affected areas
- Supporting nerve function and biochemical signalling
- This approach aims to focus on more than just alleviating symptoms, potentially addressing underlying issues contributing to your condition.
Expected outcome:
Rheumatoid arthritis takes time to heal. However, ANF Therapy®️ has treated multiple patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Most patients feel pain relief and improved muscle stiffness soon after applying ANF Devices in the first sessions. However, it can also vary from person to person depending upon the underlying cause and severity of the disease.
Follow-up:
ANF Devices are changed after three days of application. Your ANF Therapists will create a personalised treatment plan for you and educate you about the changes.
Regular follow-ups are essential in treating rheumatoid arthritis and assessing the correct placement of devices. Your ANF Therapist will guide you on the number of follow-up sessions and treatment duration.
Start your journey with ANF Therapy®️:
ANF Therapy®️ is the newest treatment for managing rheumatoid arthritis. If you or your family members have a history of rheumatoid arthritis, consult an ANF Practitioner or find an ANF Therapist at https://www.anftherapy.com/find-clinic/ to start your treatment with ANF Therapy®️ today!
If you’re a healthcare practitioner and want to enhance your clinical skills with frequency medicine, learn more about the ANF Therapy®️ and ANF Clinical education program by visiting www.anfacademy.com.
FAQs:
What is the latest treatment for rheumatoid arthritis?
ANF Therapy®️ is the latest treatment for rheumatoid arthritis. It addresses pain and inflammation from their root cause with the help of frequency-charged ANF Devices. This therapy works on the principles of frequency medicine to activate your body’s own natural healing process.
Which drink is good for arthritis?
Yes, ANF Therapy®️ can be helpful in treating ocular migraines. This therapy aims to modulate neurological frequencies with the help of ANF Devices. You can consult an ANF Practitioner or find a nearby clinic at www.findanf.com.
