Polyarthritis

Q I have been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. Is it possible to manage it solely through treatment at a Korean medicine clinic?

A. For moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis, combination therapy with DMARDs (Anti-Rheumatic Drugs) is the standard. It is realistic and safe to approach Korean medicine treatment not as a standalone substitute, but as a complementary treatment aimed at reducing pain, improving quality of life, and minimizing drug side effects.

Q My mother, in her 70s, suffers from pain in her knees, wrists, and ankles. Is traditional Korean medicine effective for her age?

A. Even elderly patients can experience significant pain relief and functional improvement through Korean traditional medicine. In fact, Korean traditional medicine is a suitable alternative for the elderly to the long-term use of anti-inflammatory painkillers, which place a heavy burden on the digestive system and liver. Personalized treatment is available that takes into account the number of joints and underlying conditions.

Q I have both polyarthritis and osteoporosis. Is it possible to treat both conditions together?

A. Yes, it is possible. An approach that strengthens the function of the kidneys governing bones addresses both the alleviation of joint inflammation and the protection of bone density simultaneously. The ideal approach is to strengthen both bones and joints using Korean medicine in conjunction with Western osteoporosis treatment (bisphosphonates and calcium supplementation).

Q Is it okay to exercise when I have polyarthritis?

A. Low-impact exercises that do not strain the joints (aquatic exercise, stretching, walking) help maintain joint mobility and strengthen muscles. As a general rule, you should avoid excessive exercise during the acute inflammatory phase and exercise regularly when symptoms have stabilized. If pain persists for more than two hours before or after exercise, you should reduce the intensity.

Q Does stress worsen various joint pains?

A. Stress disrupts the secretion of cortisol and cytokines, impairing immune regulatory capacity and exacerbating joint inflammation. Patients with autoimmune polyarthritis often experience symptom exacerbation following psychological stress. Sufficient sleep, relaxation techniques, and a regular daily routine are important.

Q Is it safe to insert acupuncture needles into an inflamed joint? I'm worried it might actually cause more swelling.

A. Direct needling should be avoided in areas with severe acute redness and heat; instead, stimulation of distal acupoints or indirect treatment is used. Properly administered acupuncture treatment does not worsen inflammation and actually has anti-inflammatory effects. It is safe when performed by a skilled Korean medicine doctor.

Q I am currently taking rheumatoid arthritis medication (methotrexate). Is it okay to take herbal medicine at the same time?

A. When combining methotrexate with herbal medicine, you must consider the possibility of liver toxicity. You must inform your attending rheumatologist and a Korean medicine doctor of all medications you are currently taking and make a decision after consultation. It is possible to coordinate prescriptions at a Korean medicine clinic to minimize the burden on the liver.

Q Is polyarthritis curable, or does it require lifelong management?

A. It depends on the cause. While complete recovery is possible within a few months for post-infectious reactive arthritis, for autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, the realistic goal is remission (maintaining a symptom-free state) rather than a complete cure. With consistent treatment and lifestyle management, it is possible to fully maintain daily living functions.

Q Will my joints be ruined if I don't receive treatment?

A. If left untreated, autoimmune polyarthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis, can lead to actual damage to joint cartilage and bone, resulting in deformation. The first two years after onset are the period when joint damage progresses most rapidly. Since early treatment determines the long-term prognosis, it is important to receive professional medical care at the early stages of symptoms.

Q I am a housewife in my 40s. What is the reason why multiple joints, such as my fingers, knees, and ankles, hurt simultaneously?

A. Polyarthritis occurs when an immune system abnormality attacks one's own joint tissues, or when external pathogenic factors, such as wind, cold, and dampness, simultaneously invade multiple meridians. Like rheumatoid arthritis, systemic inflammation is often the cause, and it can also manifest as a reactive response following an infection. Immune and inflammatory mechanisms are the key, rather than simple degeneration.

Q I am in my 50s and run a fish shop in Dongincheon. Does a humid environment worsen my various joint pains?

A. Prolonged exposure to a humid and cold environment can cause dampness pathogens to stagnate in the meridians, leading to pain and swelling in multiple joints simultaneously. From a Western medical perspective, low-temperature and high-humidity environments also increase inflammatory responses in the synovial membrane and lower the pain threshold. Environmental factors are major triggers that exacerbate existing joint diseases.

Q I have pain in multiple joints; what foods worsen inflammation?

A. Red meat, fried foods, refined carbohydrates, and alcohol exacerbate joint inflammation by increasing inflammatory cytokines through arachidonic acid metabolism. Trans fats in processed foods and high-sugar foods are also major triggers. Conversely, oily fish, vegetables, and olive oil help with anti-inflammation.

Q Is there a specific diet that helps with polyarthritis?

A. Freshwater fish rich in Omega-3 (mackerel, salmon), antioxidant vegetables (broccoli, spinach), and anti-inflammatory spices such as turmeric and ginger help reduce joint inflammation. There is evidence that the Mediterranean diet improves symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Increasing fluid intake and taking care of gut health are also important.

Q How often do I need to visit a Korean medicine clinic for polyarthritis treatment?

A. During the acute inflammatory phase, intensive treatment 2 to 3 times a week is required. Once symptoms stabilize, the frequency is reduced to once a week, and subsequently to maintenance treatment once every two weeks or once a month. Since the schedule varies depending on the individual's condition, the number of joints, and the degree of inflammation, it is recommended to receive a detailed plan during the initial consultation.

Q What treatment is received in the early stages of polyarthritis?

A. In the early stages, intensive acupuncture and anti-inflammatory pharmacopuncture are administered with the goal of suppressing inflammation and alleviating pain, along with accurately identifying the cause (blood tests and imaging). This is a stage where pain and swelling in multiple joints are simultaneously reduced through the rapid opening of Qi and blood circulation.

Q What treatment follows once the condition has improved to a certain extent?

A. Once symptoms stabilize, we move on to a stage where we use needle acupuncture to release adhesions around the joints and strengthen ligaments. We then shift to a focus on internal treatment using herbal medicine to restore the functions of the spleen, kidneys, and liver to prevent recurrence, gradually increasing the intervals between treatments.

Q Is acupuncture effective for multiple joints at the same time? I don't think it would be easy to cure them all at once.

A. Acupuncture is a suitable approach for polyarthritis as it effectively improves the circulation of Qi and blood in multiple joints simultaneously through the body's meridians. Rather than a complete cure in a single session, the treatment aims for a step-by-step approach of suppressing inflammation, reducing pain, and restoring joint range of motion. Consistent treatment produces cumulative effects.

Q Does herbal medicine actually reduce inflammation in various joints? It surely doesn't act as strongly as steroids.

A. Rather than immediate suppression like steroids, herbal medicine works by altering the inflammatory environment itself through immune modulation, the regulation of anti-inflammatory pathways, and the restoration of organ function. It has the advantage of reducing the frequency of recurrence in the long term and allowing for maintenance without side effects. During the acute phase, it is realistic to combine it with Western medical treatment.