articular rheumatism

• March 14, 1403

Confirmed by Dr. Samane Abdullah Pour

The content of this article is only to increase the awareness of users. Before taking any action, consult the doctors of Afoz Roshan for treatment.

Table of Contents

Different diseases can affect people's comfort and quality of life. One of these diseases is joint rheumatism, which chronically affects the joints and makes a person's life more difficult over time. This disease occurs due to a disorder in the body's immune system, which causes an attack on the healthy tissues of the joints and causes inflammation and severe pain. Improper lifestyle of inactivity, improper nutrition, stress and excess weight can aggravate this disease. People with rheumatism are unable to perform simple daily activities such as walking or carrying objects due to pain and limited mobility, which can have a negative impact on their social, occupational and psychological life.

Ofog Roshan Physiotherapy offers treatment services for the management of joint rheumatism by using skilled professionals and advanced equipment. For free consultation and more information, you can call 02188686800. In the rest of the article, we are going to examine the symptoms of joint rheumatism and the ways of treatment. So we invite you to accompany us to the end of our article.

What is rheumatism?

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the joints, causing inflammation, pain, and gradual destruction. This disease mostly affects small joints such as fingers, toes and wrists and usually appears symmetrically (on both sides of the body). The initial symptoms include pain, swelling, morning dryness of the joints and reduced flexibility, which can intensify over time and even lead to joint deformation.

In addition to joint involvement, rheumatoid arthritis may also affect other organs such as the lungs, heart, and eyes. Various factors such as genetics, immune system disorders and environmental factors (such as smoking) play a role in the occurrence of this disease rheumatism It is very difficult to diagnose the spread of this type of complication because in such conditions the treatment becomes extremely difficult. But with early diagnosis and appropriate treatment with anti-inflammatory drugs, physiotherapy and lifestyle changes, the disease can be prevented from progressing and severe complications.

When do people usually get rheumatism?

Rheumatoid arthritis usually occurs between the ages of 30 and 60, but it can occur at any age. If the disease appears in people between the ages of 16 and 40, it is called juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (YORA). In contrast, if symptoms begin after age 60, the disease is called late-onset rheumatoid arthritis (LORA). The age of onset of the disease can affect the severity of the symptoms and its progress.

What are the stages of rheumatism?

The progress of the disease stages is different in different people and some people may not experience the advanced stages. Early diagnosis and correct management can prevent the progression of the disease.

Stages and descriptions of the first stage In this stage, inflammation of the joints has started and mild pain and stiffness may occur. X-ray imaging still does not show destruction. The second stage of inflammation damages the joint cartilage. At this stage, joint stiffness increases and range of motion decreases. The pain may be felt more than before. In the third stage, the inflammation becomes more intense and damages the bones. The pain and stiffness of the joints increase and the mobility is greatly reduced. Physical changes such as joint deformation may also be observed. Fourth stage In this stage, inflammation stops but joint damage reaches its peak. The person experiences severe pain, swelling, stiffness and severe limitation of movement. In some cases, the joint fails completely.

Positive rheumatoid arthritis

In seropositive RA, the body produces antibodies such as rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-CCP antibody, which exacerbate inflammation in the joints. This type of rheumatism is usually progressive and is accompanied by symptoms such as pain, swelling, dry joints and extreme fatigue. In many cases, in addition to the joints, other organs such as the lungs, heart, and even the skin may also be involved. This type of rheumatoid arthritis usually responds better to immunosuppressive drugs and biologics, but if left unchecked, it can cause joint destruction and limited mobility.

Negative rheumatoid arthritis

In negative rheumatoid arthritis (Seronegative RA), the disease symptoms are similar to positive rheumatoid arthritis, but in the blood test, rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-CCP antibodies are not seen. Affected people still have inflammation, pain, swelling and dry joints, but the course of the disease may be different. Some of these patients change their laboratory results over time and become positive. In some other cases, the disease is less severe and shows a better response to traditional treatments such as anti-inflammatory drugs and immune system modifiers.

Late rheumatoid arthritis

Late-onset rheumatism or (Late-Onset RA / LORA) appears after the age of 60 and, unlike the type of young people, is usually associated with more sudden and severe inflammation in the joints. The intensity of pain, swelling and stiffness of the joints is greater in the early stages and usually affects large joints such as knees and shoulders.

This type of disease may have a different process than other types due to the weakness of the immune system due to aging. Treatment may also be associated with challenges such as side effects of drugs in the elderly and underlying diseases. In some cases, the disease progresses slowly, but in others, it leads to severe movement restriction.

Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis

It occurs in people aged 16 to 40 and can have a strong impact on the growth of joints, movement performance and quality of life. Symptoms of this disease include joint inflammation, chronic pain, fatigue, weight loss, and sometimes unexplained fevers. In some people, in addition to the joints, this disease also affects organs such as the eyes, lungs, and heart. If this type of disease is not diagnosed early, it may lead to permanent joint damage and movement problems. Treatment includes anti-inflammatory drugs, immune system modifiers, physical therapy and lifestyle changes.

Systemic rheumatoid arthritis

This type of disease not only affects the joints, but can also affect internal organs such as the lungs, heart, kidneys, and even the skin. In some cases, patients suffer from eye inflammation, breathing problems and even heart problems. The symptoms of this type of disease are more severe and require more aggressive treatments such as biological and immunosuppressive drugs. If the disease is not controlled, it may cause permanent damage to the organs and reduce the quality of life of the person. In such a situation, lifestyle management, proper diet and regular visits to the doctor are very important.

Symptoms of joint rheumatism; From swollen legs to anorexia

The symptoms of rheumatism are completely different according to age, physical condition and type of disease. For this reason, each person may have one or more types of symptoms in their body. In some, symptoms progress gradually over several years, while in others, the disease progresses more rapidly.

Many sufferers experience periods of increased symptoms or flare-ups in which pain and inflammation increase, followed by periods of relative remission in which symptoms decrease or temporarily disappear. In the following, we will discuss the important symptoms of rheumatism.

Pain and joint inflammation

One of the first and most common symptoms of rheumatism is pain and inflammation in the joints. This pain usually occurs bilaterally and symmetrically, that is, if a joint in the left hand is involved, the same joint in the right hand is likely to be affected.

A person with rheumatism may feel pain when buttoning a shirt or carrying a glass of water. This pain usually starts in small joints such as fingers and toes and gradually spreads to larger joints such as knees, wrists, elbows and shoulders.

Morning stiffness and reduced range of motion

One of the distinguishing symptoms of RA compared to other joint diseases such as osteoarthritis is prolonged morning stiffness. When patients wake up, they feel that their joints are dry and immobile. This stiffness can last for more than an hour and improve with gradual activity throughout the day.

After sleeping, when getting out of bed or brushing teeth, the affected person may feel that his fingers are as dry as wood and he is unable to move them.

Persistent fatigue and general weakness

Feeling extreme fatigue is one of the common symptoms of rheumatism, which can show itself even before the occurrence of joint pains. This fatigue is caused by widespread inflammation in the body, involvement of the immune system and lack of sleep caused by night pains.

The affected person used to be able to work comfortably for several hours, but may experience weakness and fatigue after a short period of time, even if they have not done much activity.

Swelling and warmth of the joints

Inflammation caused by RA causes swelling, tenderness and warmth in the affected joints. Sometimes the joints become red and when touched, there is a feeling of heat in that area. A person with rheumatoid arthritis will feel swelling in their feet when wearing normal shoes. Because he can hardly use shoes.

Weight loss and anorexia

Rheumatoid arthritis can affect metabolism by causing chronic inflammation in the body and lead to loss of appetite. This condition may lead to unwanted weight loss, even if the person does not change the amount of activity or diet. A person who previously had a good appetite may lose interest in food for no reason and gradually lose weight.

Deformation of joints and deformity of fingers

In the advanced stages, long-term inflammation and destruction of cartilages causes changes in the shape of the joints. These changes not only affect the appearance of the joint, but also disrupt its function and make it difficult to perform daily movements. At this stage, muscle weakness and joint instability are aggravated and in some cases, the person will no longer be able to use the injured joint.

The fingers gradually deviate from their normal position and deviate inwards or outwards, so that holding a pen or buttoning clothes becomes difficult or even impossible. In the foot joints, deformation can cause instability during walking, so that a person feels unbalanced when standing or walking.

What is the cause of rheumatism? Attack on the body's immune system

Rheumatoid arthritis is one of the diseases that occurs in the body due to complex reasons. The exact cause of this disease has not yet been fully determined, but the combination of several factors can be the cause of its occurrence. Some of these factors are genetically transmitted from family to individual, while other environmental and lifestyle factors can play a vital role in the activation of this disease. Meanwhile, abnormal reactions of the immune system are known as an essential factor that causes the body to attack its own tissues.

Genetics and an unpleasant inheritance

Some people are born with a genetic predisposition. The genes that are responsible for regulating the function of the immune system work a little differently in these people. In other words, the body is programmed from the beginning to overreact to stimuli. But genes alone are not enough; Something must activate this hidden mechanism.

environmental factors; A spark for disease outbreak

Even if a person has predisposed genes, he will not necessarily suffer from rheumatism. An external trigger must initiate this process. Various factors can play this role, including:

• Viral or bacterial infections that overactivate the immune system.
• Smoking, which not only increases inflammation, but also multiplies the risk of disease in susceptible people.
• Exposure to chemicals such as certain pollutants that may stimulate the immune system.

wrong reaction of the immune system; friend or foe?

The immune system is designed to protect the body in a natural state, but in patients with rheumatism, this system suffers a dangerous misunderstanding. White blood cells, which have to deal with pathogens, attack the joints and cause severe inflammation. This continuous inflammation gradually destroys the cartilage, bone and even surrounding tissues.

Hormonal changes and increased risk in women

Rheumatoid arthritis is much more common in women than in men. This issue strengthens the possibility of the role of female hormones in this disease. Hormonal fluctuations, especially during pregnancy or menopause, can affect the function of the immune system and provide the basis for the onset of the disease.

Stress and lifestyle to accelerate the disease

Tense life, inactivity and unhealthy diet can aggravate the inflammation process. Constant stress puts the body on alert and throws the immune system out of balance. High consumption of sugar and unhealthy fats also increases inflammation and worsens the condition.

A complex disease with many parts

Rheumatoid arthritis is not the result of a specific cause, but several factors together provide the conditions for a mistaken immune system attack. Genetics, environmental triggers, hormonal changes and even lifestyle can all play a role in this disease. Identifying and controlling risk factors can reduce the speed of disease progression and improve a person's quality of life.

How is the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis?

To diagnose rheumatoid arthritis, your doctor will first review your symptoms and medical history. Then he will refer you to a rheumatologist according to the symptoms he observes. The rheumatologist will make an accurate diagnosis by performing a physical examination of the joints, including examining the swelling and pain in the joints.

To confirm the diagnosis, the doctor prescribes a blood test to identify signs of inflammation in your body. Tests such as erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein show the level of inflammation in your body. Also, other tests are done to identify specific antibodies that are related to rheumatoid arthritis.

The doctor uses imaging methods to observe possible injuries in the joints. These images help to check the condition of bones and joints and the doctor is sure of the treatment process. X-rays, ultrasound and MRI are common methods for this purpose.

Is definitive treatment of rheumatism possible?

Although there is no definitive cure for rheumatoid arthritis, but with a combination of drug treatment, physical therapy and home care, people with this disease can experience an active and pain-free life and avoid serious complications.

Treatment of joint rheumatism with physiotherapy

Rheumatism is one of the inflammatory joint diseases that causes pain and movement limitation. The treatment of this disease usually includes various methods, and physiotherapy is one of the most effective. In physiotherapy, various devices are used to reduce pain and speed up the healing process. One of these devices is laser therapy that helps reduce inflammation and relieve pain. Also, dry needling is another method that reduces pain and muscle tension by stimulating specific muscle points and improving blood circulation.

In addition, other devices such as ultrasound to reduce inflammation, joint pain, and TENS, electrical nerve stimulation through the skin to relieve pain and improve joint movement are also used in rheumatism physiotherapy.

However, it should be noted that inflammation must be reduced before using these devices. Otherwise, the use of physiotherapy devices may aggravate the symptoms. Therefore, the primary treatment of inflammation with drugs and other medical methods is necessary to then use physiotherapy to improve the condition of the joints.

Afq Roshan is the best physiotherapy in Tehran, which provides joint rheumatism treatment services with the help of its specialists, new modalities and the most equipped devices. You can contact the specialists of this collection to book a free consultation.

Treatment of rheumatism at home

Rheumatoid arthritis treatment at home can help control and improve the patient's condition, especially when combined with medication and physical therapy. One of the most important aspects is doing home physiotherapy exercises, which are important for strengthening the muscles around the joints and maintaining the range of motion of the joints. Stretching, strengthening and balance exercises can prevent dry joints and reduce pain. Also, mild physical activity such as walking or swimming helps to maintain body mobility, although it should be done under the supervision of a doctor to prevent further injuries.

Adhering to an anti-inflammatory diet is another important factor in controlling rheumatism. Also, proper rest and stress management with techniques such as meditation or yoga can regulate the body's immune system and have a positive effect on joint health. Using cold or hot compresses is also effective in relieving pain and reducing joint swelling and can be used daily at home.

Treatment of rheumatism in children

Treatment of rheumatism in children requires a comprehensive and specialized approach, the aim of which is to reduce pain, reduce inflammation and improve the function of the affected joints. Physiotherapy is one of the effective methods in this treatment, which helps to improve the child's condition by using special exercises and different devices.

Physiotherapy exercises include strengthening the muscles around the joints, improving flexibility and increasing the range of motion of the joints. These exercises help to reduce joint stiffness and pain and restore the normal movement of the joint.

Treatment of rheumatism in children is more focused on therapeutic exercises and therapeutic routines to maintain joint movement and prevent possible deformities. In addition to these methods, electrical currents such as FES and TENS are used to reduce pain and improve muscle function. Functional electrical stimulation (FES) helps activate weakened muscles, while a TENS device helps reduce pain and increase children's tolerance for joint inflammation by sending mild electrical pulses.

Dry needling is generally not recommended for children because it may cause pain and side effects. Finally, before using these methods, the inflammation must be treated with medicine. Physiotherapy after reducing the inflammation can help to improve the condition of the joints and reduce movement problems.

What should we eat to treat joint rheumatism?

Diet plays an important role in controlling rheumatoid arthritis and can reduce inflammation. Consuming certain foods can help improve symptoms and prevent disease exacerbation.

• Salmon and sardine fatty fish
• green leafy vegetables, spinach and kale
• Walnuts and seeds
• olives and olive oil
• Colorful fruits of strawberry, raspberry, apple and...
• Green tea
• Flax seed
• anti-inflammatory spices of turmeric and ginger
• Avocado
• peas and lentils
• Tomato
• Broccoli
• Sweet potato
• whole grain oats and brown rice
• Garlic
• Chia seeds
• Tofu
• Pomegranate juice
• Pistachios
• Abghora

What is the life expectancy of rheumatoid arthritis patients?

The life of patients with rheumatism depends on various factors, but with timely treatment and proper management of the disease, these people can continue to live a long and healthy life. If the disease is detected and treated in the early stages, the chances of recovery and having a longer life span increase than those who do not have such a disease.

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis may live about 5 to 10 years less than people without the disease, but this length of time varies depending on individual circumstances. In addition to improving the quality of life, rapid and continuous treatment can increase a person's life span and enable them to live an active and productive life. Therefore, proper management of the disease and follow-up treatment is the key to a long, healthy and pain-free life.

If rheumatism is not treated, serious complications such as heart disease, respiratory problems and reduced organ function may occur, which can affect the quality and length of a person's life. However, modern treatments including anti-inflammatory drugs, physical therapy and biologics can reduce inflammation and prevent further damage.

What will happen to patients with rheumatism?

The fate of patients with rheumatism highly depends on the level of control and treatment of the disease. People who receive treatment on time will have more chances to recover and have a quality life. Using advanced medications, physical therapy, and appropriate medical care, inflammation is reduced and joint damage is limited. These people can continue their daily activities and even achieve a productive life.

On the other hand, if the disease is not controlled, various complications such as heart, respiratory problems or permanent joint damage may occur. These problems can affect the quality of life over time and in some cases lead to a reduction in life expectancy. Ultimately, timely care and ongoing treatments can help patients not only avoid further damage, but also live healthier and longer lives. Fast and continuous treatment is the key to having a healthy and fruitful future.

Rheumatism pill and its role in controlling pain and inflammation

The use of joint rheumatism drugs should be done with a doctor's prescription. Otherwise, you have to wait for its dangerous and harmful side effects. In the table below, we have examined some drugs and pills for joint rheumatism.

MedicinesDescription Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ibuprofen and diclofenac are used to reduce joint pain and inflammation. Disease-modifying drugs methotrexate, which slows the progression of the disease and reduces joint inflammation. Biologic drugs denexumab and toxilizumab, which target the immune system to prevent joint damage. Corticosteroids, prednisolone, which reduces severe inflammation, but Its long-term use should be cautious. Hydroxychloroquine antimalarial drugs, which are mostly used for patients with mild symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Calcicorin and cilciporin, which are used in certain cases to suppress the immune system and prevent joint damage. Thyroid drugs are used in patients with rheumatic disorders to help with treatment.

Complications of joint rheumatism

Rheumatoid arthritis can cause many complications that affect a person's quality of life. One of its most important side effects is the destruction of the joints, which over time can lead to the loss of joint movement and its shape change. In this case, damage to the cartilages and bones severely reduces the person's mobility.

This disease may also affect different body systems. Chronic joint inflammation can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. In some people, inflammation in veins and arteries can cause high blood pressure or even dangerous heart problems.

Pulmonary problems are also possible complications of rheumatism. Lung inflammation and even lung fibrosis in some cases seriously affect the respiratory function. In addition, dry eyes and mouth are among the common side effects that may make a person chronically uncomfortable.

Other side effects such as digestive disorders, skin problems and inflammation in the soft tissues of the body may also occur in some people. These factors, in total, affect a person's quality of life, and for this reason, the treatment and control of joint rheumatism is of great importance.

Certain treatment of joint rheumatism and enjoyment of life

Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory disease that causes pain, swelling and stiffness in the joints. Over time, this disease can cause the destruction of cartilage and bones and eventually limit the movement of the joints. Symptoms usually include joint pain, swelling, redness, morning stiffness, and decreased range of motion. The exact cause of rheumatoid arthritis is still not fully understood, but it appears that a combination of genetic and environmental factors, such as infections and immune system disorders, play a role.

To treat this disease, physiotherapy is one of the effective methods that can help relieve pain, reduce inflammation and improve joint movement. Afogh Roshan, the best physiotherapy in Saadat Abad, uses various techniques such as strengthening exercises, stretching and improving balance. Also, devices such as laser therapy and ultrasound are used to reduce inflammation and relieve joint pain. These methods should be used with caution and under the supervision of an expert.

Besides physiotherapy treatments, home methods can also help the treatment. Adequate rest, use of hot or cold compresses, and gentle stretching are effective in reducing joint stiffness. Also, a healthy diet and taking anti-inflammatory supplements can help control the symptoms of the disease. In general, the combination of medical treatment and physical therapy can speed up the healing process and improve the quality of life of the person.

To book an appointment, you can call 02188686800. You can also share your comments and questions. Experts will definitely answer as soon as possible.

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