The term rheumatism includes many different diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, as well as gout. Common features of these complaints are pain and inflammation.
Rheumatism refers to pain in the joints, spine, bones, muscles or tendons. Often, a limited functionality of the respective areas is associated with it. Freely translated, the word of Greek origin means something like “pulling pain”.
Arthritis is the most common rheumatic disease
Rheumatologists distinguish about a hundred rheumatic diseases that affect not only the musculoskeletal system. They can also affect nerves, skin and internal organs. Among all these rheumatic diseases, rheumatoid arthritis isthe most common. It is also called polyarthritis.
In Germany, up to one percent of the population suffers from rheumatoid arthritis, which is about one million people. Rheumatism can affect people of all ages. Most new cases occur in women between 55 and 64 years. Not only do men get less and less often, but also later: they are at the peak of the age between 65 and 75 years.
These rheumatic symptoms are typical
Signs of rheumatoid arthritis are on the one hand painful and stiff joints, especially on the fingers and feet. At rest, the symptoms are more pronounced. Mostly finger and toe joints are affected with the exception of the end joints.
Other typical symptoms of this type of rheumatism include painful hand, knee, shoulder or ankle joints on both sides of the body (symmetrical pain). Very often rheumatism patients also report a morning stiffness on their fingers and toes.
For the patient, the following symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis on the joints are noticeable and visible:
- swelling
- joint pain
- overheat
- limited mobility of the joints
- less common is redness of the affected joint
These signs of rheumatoid arthritis are also the five classic signs of inflammation.
The following joint groups are often affected in rheumatoid arthritis:
- Hand-
- Shoulder-
- Knee and
- hocks
- spinal column
Rarely involved are hip and temporomandibular joints.
In the further course of the disease, the joint changes in rheumatism can be manifested by deformations, functional disabilities or instability. Possible damage depends on the duration, activity and severity of the disease as well as on the early start of comprehensive treatment.
Serious signs and sequelae of rheumatism
For example, there is the “wobble knee” with an unstable and restricted in the movement of the knee joint. In the hip, the stretch may be obstructed. Spinal column changes cause pain in the neck area with transmission in the shoulder, arm or back of the head. Finger and wrist joints are often affected by characteristic changes such as gooseneck deformity.
The so-called head ulnar syndrome arises from a loosening of the carpal bones. In this case, a malposition of the hand occurs, which deviates to the side of the elbow (in the direction of small fingers). Hand movements are then only possible with restrictions.
Typical symptoms of inflammation on the hands
Tendons, tendon sheaths and bursae may also be involved in the inflammatory process. The popliteal fossa, elbow, shoulder and Achilles tendon are preferred sites of bursitis . Pain and movement restrictions are also disease symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Fingers and hands are most commonly affected by tendonitis or tendonitis. Typically, the joints in rheumatism are symmetrical, so affected on both sides.
Causes and risk factors
The causes of rheumatoid arthritis have not yet been fully elucidated. A number of factors seem to play a role. The existence of a hereditary predisposition probably forms the basis. Under these conditions, triggers such as bacterial or viral infections can trigger rheumatoid arthritis. Also, gingivitis ( periodontitis ), smoking and nutrition are risk factors that can favor joint inflammation.
Arthritis due to misfired and aggressive cells in the joint
Insights into the development of joint disease have increased significantly in recent years. Faulty immune cells migrate into the joints and produce there pro-inflammatory messengers, which are directed against the body’s own structures. As a result, the arthritis arises as (autoimmune) arthritis. According to current research, this theory would also explain the typical spread of arthritis.
Diagnosis Rheumatism
Early diagnosis of rheumatism is important to avoid consequential damage such as joint deformity. In addition, the earlier rheumatoid therapy is started, the better the prognosis for rheumatoid arthritis. The doctor thoroughly examines the patient after the anamnesis for joint changes. In addition, laboratory tests of the blood give indications of the degree of inflammation. Imaging procedures such as x-rays or MRI can additionally secure the diagnosis.
Rheumatism and arthritis: treatment with drugs
The treatment of rheumatism consists mainly in the administration of various drugs. In addition, for example, physiotherapy and occupational therapy, but also psychological care are used.
Many sufferers have also had good experiences with complementary medical forms of therapy. The additional intake, for example, of homeopathic medicines for rheumatism is considered to be a well-tolerated and low-side-effect treatment option.
Patients can also do a lot themselves to relieve the pain. Among other things, this includes giving up or not quitting smoking and adapting the lifestyle in terms of exercise and nutrition to rheumatoid arthritis.
Proper nutrition for rheumatism is important
Patients with rheumatism should put fruits and vegetables and dairy products on the daily diet. On the other hand, they should rarely eat fatty meats and sausages because animal foods contain the fatty acid arachidonic acid. This promotes inflammatory reactions in the human body. Rich in fatty acids are mainly pork or egg yolk. A healthy alternative is fish, which often contains omega-3 fatty acids – these in turn prevent inflammatory reactions caused by arachidonic acid.
Learn more about nutrition in rheumatism here.
Can you prevent rheumatism?
Rheumatoid arthritis can not be prevented, but the initial situation can be significantly improved by doing something good for your joints early on. Joint-friendly sport ( swimming , cycling , walking and gymnastics ) is suitable for keeping the joints flexible and also for keeping joint cartilage fit.
In addition, it is recommended to provide open wounds near the joint particularly fast and targeted. This can reduce the risk of inflammation entering the joint from the outside.
Some underlying diseases such as gout can promote the development of arthritis. In these cases, the original condition should be treated carefully to prevent arthritis.