Inflammatory rheumatism can generally affect people of all ages, from young adults to the elderly. Symptoms of inflammatory rheumatism usually manifest as joint pain, swelling, stiffness and limitation of movement. In addition, the disease can often affect other parts of the body, for example, symptoms such as rashes on the skin, inflammation of the eyes and inflammation of internal organs may occur. Diagnosis and treatment of these diseases are complex and may require long-term follow-up. However, it is possible to control the symptoms with early diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Treatment usually includes medications, physical therapy, exercise and lifestyle changes.
What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis, or inflammatory rheumatism as it is commonly known, is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the joints. In autoimmune diseases, the immune system attacks the body’s own healthy tissues. In rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system targets the membrane surrounding the joints, called synovium. This inflammation causes symptoms such as pain, swelling, increased temperature and stiffness in the joint. Genetic factors play a role in the development of inflammatory rheumatism. People with a family history of RA have a higher risk of contracting the disease. Smoking, some infections and hormonal changes may be among the triggers of inflammatory rheumatism.
What are the symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Inflammatory rheumatism has a significant impact not only on physical health, but also on emotional and social health. While those living with this disease often experience limitations in daily activities, they may also face difficulties in social relationships and work life.
Rheumatoid Arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of the joints (arthritis). In this disease, the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues by targeting the joints. Rheumatoid Arthritis symptoms include:
- Pain, swelling and stiffness in the joints. These symptoms are usually more severe in the morning and may decrease with movement.
- Stiffness may be felt in the joints in the morning or after being inactive for a long time. This stiffness may decrease over time once you start moving.
- Chronic fatigue is a common symptom of inflammatory rheumatism.
- Low-grade fever may occur.
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
- Untreated inflammatory rheumatism can lead to deformities and permanent damage to the joints.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis can sometimes cause symptoms such as eye redness, inflammation, and dry eyes.
- In some cases, skin problems associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis may occur.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis can affect the heart and lungs over time, leading to serious problems such as pericardium, pleura, or vascular inflammation.
How is Rheumatoid Arthritis treated?
Although there is no definitive cure for inflammatory rheumatism, with the right treatment and lifestyle changes, patients can lead active and productive lives. Early diagnosis is very important for the treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis and plays an important role in improving the long-term consequences of the disease. Methods and treatments that can be used in the treatment of inflammatory rheumatism are listed as follows:
- Medications can be used to reduce inflammation caused by inflammatory rheumatism.
- Medications can be used to slow the progression of the disease and joint damage.
- Biological drugs can be used to regulate the immune system.
- Steroids can be used to reduce inflammation for short periods of time.
- Physical therapy and exercise programs can increase joint mobility, strengthen muscles and reduce pain.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis can cause severe fatigue. Therefore, it is important that patients get adequate rest and sleep.
- Special shoes, walking aids, and other supportive devices can increase mobility by reducing joint loading.
- Consuming foods with anti-inflammatory properties can reduce inflammation and relieve symptoms.
- In cases of severe joint damage that cannot be controlled with medications and other treatments, surgery may be required.
This information is for informational purposes only. If you have a medical question, it is important to consult your doctor.