What is the difference between rheumatic diseases and each other? How to detect the problem early?
Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic inflammatory disease of the connective tissue, in which the patient affects small joints (elbows, knees, hands and feet) of an erosive-destructive type. The result is bone erosion and subsequent deformity. Over time, the symptoms of the disease worsen and lead to disability. About 60 million people in the world suffer from this disease. The diseases are more often affected by women, whose average age is from 30 to 35 years.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease that affects the cartilage tissues of the ankle, knee, shoulder, hip joints and feet. The progressive form flows into osteoarthritis, which creates limitations in the person's motor activity. The disease can develop in two symmetrical joints at the same time. Sometimes in different, for example, knee and hip in one limb.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a real problem of modern rheumatology. The disease, in addition to the joints, also spreads to the internal organs and muscles. The disease develops symmetrically in both arms or legs. The disease often leads to disability.
Rheumatism affects the connective tissue of the cardiovascular and musculoskeletal system, knee joints, elbows, ankles and the heart itself. Locally, the disease can affect a person's internal organs and systems. The disease needs timely treatment. If this is not done, then there will be complications with a fatal outcome.
Key differences
Patients come to the doctor with complaints of joint discomfort, pain and limited mobility. The symptoms of gout and arthritis are similar, but there are distinctive differences.
arthritis changes:
- the synovial membrane with fluid, the joint capsule becomes inflamed.
- heat;
- redness in the painful area.
- two joints hurt at the same time.
- no distortion of the joint.
Cartilage inflammation is initiated by infection, injury or a disturbance in the metabolic process.
Joint physiology:
- Modified joint;
- cartilage tissue worn down with age.
- inflammation, swelling and redness are not observed.
- normal temperature;
- only one joint was affected.
Diseases cause discomfort to a person when performing simple actions: bending, bending, straightening, lifting legs or arms. The patient barely sits in a chair, goes down the stairs.
Signs and symptoms
Diseases have common symptoms:
- difficulty walking;
- the presence of pain in the inflamed area.
- poor mobility of the problem area.
The usual way of life of a sick person is disturbed. Every morning, getting out of bed, you have to "scatter" to go to the kitchen, overcoming the pain.
What's more dangerous?
Diseases bring a lot of pain and trouble to the patient.
Arthritis occurs due to inflammation in the body. He is being treated. It is important to contact a specialist in time and not wait for bone erosion and other complications.
Arthritis is a "disease of the elderly" with changes inside the joint. The worn cartilage thins. Synovial fluid, which is the source of tissue nutrition, is not restored. The consequences of the disease are irreversible. To relieve a person's condition can be a specialist who will determine a diagnosis and prescribe treatment.
Diagnostics
It consists of carrying out various procedures and activities. During the examination, the doctor finds out from the patient with arthritis information about past infections and injuries. Determines the course of the disease and prescribes diagnostics:
- Blood test to detect uric acid.
- Ultrasound of a joint.
- X-ray of the affected area.
- CT.
- Arthroscopy.
The results show the clinical picture of the disease completely.
Step-by-step diagnosis of arthrosis:
- Visually, the doctor evaluates the mobility of the joint. Whether or not ossified areas are seen in the problem area, or a tingling sensation is heard. What state are the muscles around the painful joint in?
- Bone growths and joint deformation help to see on the radiograph.
- Synovial fluid analysis and histology.
- Complete blood test.
PHYSICAL EXERCISE
I would like to note that gymnastics, swimming - effectively help in the prevention and treatment of arthropathy. Physical activity aims to restore joint mobility. Increasing the movement of blood flow to the affected area stimulates the cleansing and restoration of synovial tissues.
We must not forget the limitations of physiotherapy exercises:
- It is carried out during the remission period in the absence of severe pain.
- In old age, the existing set of diseases or severe deterioration of the joint do not allow you to do physical exercises.
- Overweight patients are allowed to do limited exercise without heavy load.
- The result of exercise therapy is regular exercise, alternating with periods of rest for the joint.
Rheumatic diseases are treated by rheumatologists and orthopedic traumatologists. Early diagnosis and proper treatment will allow you to live without complications. A patient who seeks help in time will have the opportunity to continue to exist normally. With arthropathy, this is a relief of the condition, stopping the progression of the disease. And most importantly, don't become disabled.