
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.
Detailed Answer
Since joint damage progresses rapidly if left untreated, controlling the disease through DMARDs such as methotrexate is essential. Korean medicine treatment serves as a complement to Western medicine, not a substitute, and is effective in improving pain, fatigue, and morning stiffness, as well as alleviating the side effects of anti-rheumatic drugs (gastrointestinal disorders and hepatotoxicity). An integrated approach involving both treatments demonstrates superior quality of life indicators compared to monotherapy. At Dongjedang, even for patients undergoing Western medical treatment, we accurately assess their treatment history and design parallel therapies aimed at restoring organ function and facilitating meridian circulation while minimizing the burden of medication. By combining internal and external treatments—replenishing depleted vital energy and clearing dampness and blood stasis—we can expect a synergy that enhances the efficacy of Western medicine while minimizing side effects.
Related FAQs
-
Q
My mother, in her 70s, suffers from pain in her knees, wrists, and ankles. Is traditional Korean medicine effective for her age?
#Possibility / Realistic Goals
-
Q
I have both polyarthritis and osteoporosis. Is it possible to treat both conditions together?
#Comorbidities
-
Q
Is it okay to exercise when I have polyarthritis?
#Lifestyle Management
-
Q
Does stress worsen various joint pains?
#Lifestyle Management
-
Q
Is it safe to insert acupuncture needles into an inflamed joint? I'm worried it might actually cause more swelling.
#Safety
