The contents
What is arthritis?
The symptoms of arthritis
Diagnosis and treatment of arthritis
Prevention of arthritis
October 12 is world Day against arthritis. Such initiative was put forward by the world health organization (who). In honor of this event we published an article in which you can learn about the disease everything from the first warning symptoms to treatment methods.
What is arthritis?
Arthritis is a group of diseases that are invariably associated with lesions of the joints. One of the most difficult (it is common) forms is rheumatoid arthritis. Is a chronic autoimmune disease of unknown etiology, which manifests itself in progressive destruction of joints associated with chronic inflammation.
According to who, in Russia, this disease affects about 300,000 patients. But it’s just statistics – the actual numbers may be much larger and frightening.
The disease affects both adults and children. Most often, arthritis affects women three times more often than men. Also, it is understood that the disease is seldom to haunt you: the risk factors include Smoking and infectious disease. However, it is still clear the causes of disease affecting the blood vessels, no.
The symptoms of arthritis
There are a number of symptoms that have plagued man with arthritis. They need to know everyone that in the case of immediately seek help from a doctor. Because early diagnosis will allow early treatment and help yourself. List the most common symptoms of arthritis.
First, it’s a pain. The character of pain may be different, depending on the condition of the person. But we must remember that
they appear mostly during motion and additional physical exercise. While people may not always understand that this pain is abnormal and is a sign of dangerous illness. At first, people do not give it value, and to the doctor to come already in poor condition. In the second stage, the pain occurs even at low load, and the third even at rest. Also know that whatever the state did not take people with arthritis pain to subside is not.
Second, a symptom of the disease is the crunch. This is because the cartilaginous layer is destroyed, the bones RUB together. But if you sometimes crack joints, that is no reason to immediately panic and immediately rush to the doctor. The crunch of the arthritis in particular: it is not a simple easy clicking, it’s tough and dry. And than neglected disease, the harder the crunch.
Thirdly, arthritis, reduced mobility and there is a stiffness in the movements. In the affected joint is usually reduced amplitude, which makes impossible movement. Can also be stiffness not only in the diseased joint, but even throughout the body.
Fourth, arthritis is joint deformity and swelling. For a disease it is inflamed, appear dense nodules, increased temperature at the site of inflammation. To touch a sore spot maybe even hot. Also raises overall body temperature, possible psoriasis, inflammation of the eyes, vomiting or excessive sweating, weakness, discharge from the genitals. So with all of the above symptoms should immediately seek medical attention.
Diagnosis and treatment of arthritis
It is extremely important to diagnose the arthritis, no matter which types of disease it was not. This person will need to go to the doctor, who will prescribe appropriate tests. The medic will be based on clinical symptoms, physical signs, x-ray data, the results of cytological and microbiological analysis of synovial fluid.
The detection of arthritis a patient’s guide to a rheumatologist to rule out rheumatic nature of the disease. If necessary, x-rays may be supplemented by imaging, arthrography,electroretinography, magnifying radiography (for small joints).
Etiological treatment of arthritis is performed only when several forms: the infectious, arthritic, allergic. Arthritis subacute and chronic course podlegaeva pharmacotherapies using anti-inflammatory non-steroidal and steroid drugs. When the subsidence of the acute inflammation doctors add physical therapy to provide the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect. It is also possible appointment of therapeutic physical training and massage that will help to prevent the development of contractures and functional impairment in the joints. Equally useful to applied balneotherapy, mud therapy, sanatorium and resort treatment. In some cases, may need surgery.
This implies one thing: self-treatment of arthritis, and diagnosis is impossible. Therefore, when the first alarm bells to go to the doctor, who will conduct the necessary research and appoint competent treatment.
Prevention of arthritis
There are certain preventive measures that will prevent the emergence of arthritis. In particular, you should not overwork and to comply with reasonable physical activity. This will not only prevent sickness, but also to reduce weight, improve circulation, strengthen muscles. This is all extremely important for the prevention of arthritis.
Secondly, you should do joint exercises. About this you can consult the doctor. It is quite simple and requires no special equipment. It is also recommended to swim in the pool, as the water load on the joints is much less.
Don’t forget that bad habits also carry their contribution to the development of arthritis, so it is necessary to refuse them. In addition, you should observe proper diet that will allow you to feel much better.