Darrick Robles Rheumatoid arthritis, commonly referred to simply as rheumatism, is a chronic joint disease that affects many people. The disease cannot be cured, but it can be treated. Patients can do a lot to improve their condition themselves.
Rheumatism or Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Even if the two terms rheumatism and rheumatoid arthritis are often used synonymously, they do not mean the same thing. Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease from the so-called rheumatic group of diseases – by far the most common form of rheumatism . Therefore, rheumatism is often used colloquially (and not quite correctly) as a short form for rheumatoid arthritis.
Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis
The disease often begins insidiously and progresses in phases. Typical symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis often appear on the fingers or toes . The joints may be swollen or red. They may hurt or feel stiff, especially in the morning. Over time, the joints can become deformed.
The following, rather unspecific symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis can also occur:
- fatigue
- listlessness
- loss of appetite
- Light fever
Rheumatic disease can cause inflammation throughout the body . After hands and feet, larger joints can also be affected, such as elbows, shoulders or knees. Rheumatism can, among other things, promote the development of tendonitis . Finally, symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis can also appear in blood vessels, pericardium or eyes.
Causes of Rheumatoid Arthritis
At present it is not entirely clear what causes rheumatoid arthritis. This gap in knowledge makes rheumatism treatment considerably more difficult. It is known that smoking, obesity and genetic make-up are factors that, both individually and in combination, can increase the risk of rheumatoid arthritis.
The genes can only be slightly influenced. However , changing your diet , improving exercise habits and giving up cigarettes are within the power of each individual.
Rheumatoid arthritis is more common in women than men. The disease can affect people of all ages. The average age of those affected is 55 years.
Diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is often misinterpreted by the patient as a flu infection, especially if the joints are not yet affected. However, the disease can be clearly diagnosed by taking a precise anamnesis, a physical examination, a blood sample and, if necessary, imaging procedures such as X-rays or ultrasound . Then a timely rheumatism treatment can be initiated.
Suspected rheumatoid arthritis
If you suspect you have rheumatoid arthritis, you should contact a doctor as soon as possible . It is extremely important to initiate the appropriate rheumatism treatment immediately in the event of illness. In the case of untreated rheumatic diseases, the joint functions can deteriorate rapidly and the pain can increase.
You can do this yourself for rheumatoid arthritis
In the case of a relapsing rheumatic disease, close cooperation between doctor and patient is of central importance. Even if the disease is causing you pain, you should not stop moving . In this way, muscles and joints can be strengthened. Avoiding nicotine and eating a balanced, anti-inflammatory diet can also counteract the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Relaxation techniques often bring relief.
Treatment options for rheumatoid arthritis
The aim of rheumatism treatment is to suppress the inflammatory processes in the joints as early and as completely as possible. There are highly effective medications for this . This can slow down the progression of the disease. Rheumatism cannot be cured; the doctor formulates individual therapy goals together with the patient .
This is how Med-Healths can help with rheumatoid arthritis
At Med-Healths you can get initial advice on the subject of rheumatism. In order to initiate rheumatism treatment, further examinations by a rheumatologist are likely to be necessary.
