Arthritis – Common Guideline

Arthritis is a group of diseases that are invariably associated with joint damage. One of the most severe (also common) forms is rheumatoid arthritis. It is a chronic autoimmune disease of unknown etiology that manifests itself in progressive joint destruction associated with chronic inflammation.

The disease affects both adults and children. Women most often suffer from arthritis – three times more often than men.

The disease rarely follows a person just like that: the risk factors include smoking and previous infectious diseases. However, there is still no clear reason for the formation of an ailment affecting blood vessels.

Arthritis symptoms

There are a number of symptoms that are found in a person with arthritis. Everyone needs to know about them, so that in case of occurrence, immediately seek help from a doctor. After all, diagnostics at an early stage will allow you to start treatment in a timely manner and help yourself. We list the most common signs of arthritis.

The first is pain. The nature of painful sensations can be different, depending on the condition of the person. But we must remember that they appear mainly during movements and additional physical activity.

At the same time, a person may not always understand that this pain is abnormal and is a sign of a dangerous illness. At first, people do not attach any importance to it at all, and they come to the doctor in a neglected state. In the second stage, the pain manifests itself even with a slight load, and in the third even at rest. Also know: no matter what position a person takes, with arthritis, the pain will not disappear.

Secondly, a crunch is a sign of the disease. This happens because the cartilaginous layer is destroyed, bone friction occurs. But if your joints sometimes crunch, this is not a reason to immediately panic and immediately rush to the doctor. The crunch in arthritis is special: it is not a simple light click, it is rough and dry. And the more advanced the disease, the stronger the crunch.

Thirdly, mobility decreases and stiffness in movements appears. In the affected joint, the amplitude usually decreases, which makes movement impossible. There may also be stiffness not only in the sore joint, but even throughout the body.

Fourth, arthritis causes joint deformation and swelling. Due to the disease, it becomes inflamed, dense nodules appear, the temperature increases at the site of inflammation. The sore spot may even feel hot to the touch. Also, the general body temperature rises, psoriasis, eye inflammation, chills or increased sweating, weakness, veginal secretions are possible. Therefore, for all of the above symptoms, you should immediately consult a doctor.

Diagnosis and treatment of arthritis

It is extremely important to diagnose arthritis in time, no matter what type of disease it is. To do this, a person will need to go to a doctor who will prescribe the appropriate tests. The physician will be based on clinical symptoms, physical signs, X-ray data, results of cytological and microbiological analysis of synovial fluid.

When arthritis is diagnosed, the patient is referred to a rheumatologist in order to exclude the rheumatic nature of the disease. If necessary, X-rays can be supplemented with tomography, arthrography, electro-roentgenography, magnifying radiography (for small joints).

Etiological treatment of arthritis is carried out only for several of its forms: infectious, gouty, allergic.

Subacute and chronic arthritis are subject to general pharmacotherapy with anti-inflammatory nonsteroidal and steroid drugs. When acute inflammation subsides, doctors add physiotherapy, which will have an analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect.

It is also possible to prescribe physical therapy and massage, which will help prevent the development of contracture and functional disorders in the joints.

It is no less useful to apply balneotherapy, mud therapy, spa treatment. In some cases, surgery may be required.

One thing follows from this: independent treatment of arthritis is impossible. Therefore, at the first signs, you should consult a doctor who will conduct the necessary research and prescribe competent therapy.

Prevention

There are certain preventative measures that can help prevent arthritis. In particular, you should not overwork and keep moderate physical activity. This will allow not only not to get sick, but also to reduce weight, improve blood circulation, and strengthen muscles. All of these are extremely important for the arthritis prevention.

Secondly, joint exercises should be performed. Your doctor can give you an advice. It is quite simple and does not require any special equipment. It is also recommended to swim in the pool, as the load on the joints is much less in the water.

Do not forget that bad habits also contribute to the development of arthritis, so you need to give them up. In addition, you should keep proper nutrition diet, which will make you feel much better.

Category: Health Care

Tags: arthritis, human health, orthopaedics