What is rheumatism?
Rheumatism is a chronic disease that can be seen in people of all age groups, including children,
Rheumatism is a chronic disease that can be seen in people of all age groups, including children, and progresses with pain and limitation of movement in the movement system consisting of muscles, skeleton and ligaments. Contrary to what is known, this disease, which also affects internal organs in some cases, is not a disease caused by weather events. Although it is roughly divided into inflammatory rheumatism and non-inflammatory rheumatism, there are many different subtypes of rheumatism.
Symptoms of rheumatism
Generally, in rheumatic diseases, muscle, back and low back pain, pain and swelling in the joints, digestive system complaints, and negativities in the heart and vascular system are seen. In addition to these, the main symptoms of rheumatic diseases are listed as follows:
• Neurological complaints
• Decrease in kidney functions
• Shortness of breath
• Limitation of movement
• Stiffness in the joints in the morning hours
• Sensitivity of the skin to the sun
• Gland formation under the skin
• Stiffness seen in different parts of the body
• Weakness
• Inflammation in the eyes
• Deterioration or loss of vision
• Prolonged high fever
What causes rheumatism?
Rheumatic diseases are damage that affect joints, muscles, bones and ligaments, which are part of the movement system in the body. Although rheumatism is genetically inherited and its cause is not fully understood, the causes of inflammatory rheumatism and non-inflammatory rheumatism are also different. Although inflammatory rheumatism types are thought to be genetically inherited, it has not yet been understood what causes this disease. However, non-inflammatory rheumatism can mostly be caused by genetic factors, excessive wear of the joint, overweight, sports injuries and traumas. In addition to environmental factors, gender and age are also very important in all types of rheumatism.
Types of rheumatism
Rheumatoid Arthritis, known as joint rheumatism, is a chronic, systemic inflammatory disease of unknown cause. As a result of affecting many joints at the same time, it causes deformities and injuries. Since joint rheumatism is an inflammatory disease, which reduces the quality of life considerably, organ involvement is also seen from time to time. Its incidence in the community is between 0.5% and 1%, and although it can be seen at any age, it mostly starts between the ages of 30 and 50. It is two to three times more common in women than men. Although the cause is not known exactly, it is accepted that genetic and environmental factors are effective. Among environmental factors, smoking is the biggest risk factor for rheumatoid arthritis. Mild fever, weakness, weight loss, fatigue and joint pain, which develop in a few weeks in approximately 70% of patients, are among the first symptoms of the disease. Joint pain is mostly felt after sleep and rest. Morning stiffness is one of the most important findings. Some other symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis are listed as follows:
• Swelling and pain in the hands
• Swelling in elbows and knees
• Neck pain caused by involvement of some vertebrae
• Painless subcutaneous nodules
• Heart and lung involvement
• Sudden redness and pain in the eyes
• Neurological involvement
Fibromyalgia, called muscle and soft tissue rheumatism, is characterized by widespread pain. Here, the pain is not caused by the joints, but aches and pains are commonly felt. Morning stiffness and fatigue are accompanied by the presence of sensitive points in the body, sensitivity to internal and external stimuli, and sleep disturbances. In muscle and soft tissue rheumatism, which is very common in the community, patients usually have bilateral pain, but more on one side. Pain is often felt in the neck, shoulders, back, chest, waist, hips, and knees. From time to time, the severity and location of the pain may change. Fatigue and exhaustion are severe enough to reduce the patient's quality of life and can last all day long. Patients wake up in the morning unrest and their sleep is extremely light. They feel the need to go to the toilet during the night. Complaints increase with cold, fatigue, hard work or inactivity, and decrease with heat, massage, rest and light exercise. Patients generally have sensitive personalities and because some antidepressant drugs are good for the person, depression can be diagnosed even though they are not depressed. There are no risks such as organ involvement in non-life-threatening fibromyalgia disease.
Rheumatism tests
There are many test methods for the diagnosis of rheumatic diseases. First of all, the patient's story is listened carefully and the genetic history is carefully examined. After the physical examination and the symptoms are examined, laboratory tests are requested when the physician needs it. Although 70% of the diagnosis can be made with a good history, anamnesis and physical examination, laboratory tests are required in the differential diagnosis. Although there is no test called rheumatism test, the type of rheumatic disease is clarified by applying different tests. These tests can be listed as follows:
• Calcium, phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase measurements to assess bone metabolism
• Blood tests to understand the presence and severity of inflammation
• Detection of the presence of anemia
• Immunological tests
• Examination of the fluid taken from the joint space
• Tissue examination with biopsy
• Electromyographic and radiological examinations
As in almost all diseases, early diagnosis is extremely important in rheumatic diseases. Disability and organ involvement can be prevented with early diagnosis.
Rheumatism treatment
After the complete diagnosis of rheumatic disease, personalized treatment is started. Medicines are administered systemically, that is, internally so that they can have an effect on the whole body. At this point, the aim may be to relieve the symptoms or to stop or regress the progression of the disease with drugs that have a positive effect on the course of the disease. Anti-inflammatory, disease-modifying drugs, cortisone and many other methods can be used due to their positive effects. In addition, local treatments can be applied to the joints. It is extremely important to apply the treatment method recommended by your doctor regularly and continuously.
Which department deals with rheumatism?
Rheumatologist physicians in the rheumatology department treat rheumatic diseases. Rheumatology; It is a branch of science that studies rheumatic and other musculoskeletal diseases. In the rheumatology department, rheumatologists, physical therapy and rehabilitation physicians work together.
Is rheumatism genetic?
Genetic inheritance is very important in rheumatic diseases. Although the presence of people who have been diagnosed with rheumatic disease in the family increases the susceptibility, genetic factors are not certain about the cause of the disease. However, having a family history of the disease makes the diagnosis easier.
What is good for rheumatic pain?
The types of pain found in rheumatic diseases are found in a fairly wide range. This makes the treatment method special for the pain and other complaints caused by the disease. For example, while spa treatment increases the complaints of rheumatic patients with inflammation, calcification may also be beneficial. Before trying different methods, you should definitely consult your doctor.
rheumatism medicine
In the treatment of rheumatic diseases, drugs are used to stop and regress the progression of the disease. The patient should go to the doctor's control regularly and his condition should be evaluated again and again with the doctor and aim to increase the quality of life. As with all drugs, rheumatism drugs should be used under the supervision of a doctor. Medicines can be in the form of injections and pills. Exercise is also beneficial when recommended by your doctor.
Foods that are not good for rheumatism
Although the foods that increase the complaints of the patients vary from person to person, it may be inconvenient to consume white bread, sugary desserts, ice cream varieties, fried potatoes and margarine.
rheumatism in children