Treatment of Arthritis and Other Rheumatic Diseases

Rheumatism are characterized by inflammation (signs are redness and / or heat, swelling and pain) and loss of function. Symptoms of rheumatic diseases in pain, swelling and stiffness. They mainly affect joints, tendons, ligaments, bones and muscles, although some rheumatic diseases may also involve internal organs. An estimated 43 million people in the United States have arthritis or other rheumatic conditions; They are the leading cause of disability among adults aged 65 years and older. Many people use the word "arthritis" to refer to all rheumatic diseases. However, the word literally means joint inflammation. There are more than 100 rheumatic diseases and the various forms of arthritis are just a portion of the rheumatic diseases. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, which affects about 21 million adults in the United States. When people talk of "arthritis," they are generally referring osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis primarily affects cartilage, the tissue that cushions the ends of bones in the joint. The cartilage begins at the scrum and may well wear. Osteoarthritis can cause joint pain and stiffness. Disability results most often when the disease affects the spine and weight-bearing joints (knees and hips). The causes of rheumatic disease Scientists are examining risk factors that increase the risk of developing rheumatic disease. Some of these factors have been identified. For example, in osteoarthritis, the cartilage inherited a weakness or excessive stress in the township of repeated injuries may play a role. In other types of arthritis, a combination of genetic factors and environmental triggers are believed to be important. Gender is another factor in some rheumatic diseases. The symptoms of arthritis Different types of arthritis have different symptoms. In general, people who have arthritis pain and stiffness of the joints. Some of the most common symptoms are: Swelling in one or more joints Stiffness around the joints that lasts for at least 1 hour in the early morning Constant or recurrent pain or tenderness in a commune Difficulty using or moving a common normally Heat and redness in a joint statement Early diagnosis and treatment and also help reduce the damage and help control the symptoms of arthritis and many other rheumatic diseases. Diagnosing rheumatic diseases Diagnosing rheumatic diseases can be difficult because some symptoms and signs are common to many diseases. A general practitioner or family doctor may be able to assess patients or refer them to a rheumatologist (a doctor who specializes in the treatment of arthritis and other rheumatic diseases). The doctor will examine the patient's medical history, conduct a physical examination and to obtain laboratory tests and X-rays or other imaging tests. The doctor may need to see the patient more than once to make an accurate diagnosis. It is vital for people with joint pain to give the doctor a medical history. Answers to the following questions will help the doctor make an accurate diagnosis: Does the pain in one or more joints? When the pain occur? How long will the pain last? When did you notice the pain? What do you do when the first signs of pain? Will be active pain better or worse? Did you have any illnesses or accidents that may reflect the pain? Is there a family history of arthritis or other rheumatic disease? What medicine (s) are you taking? The doctor will examine the patient's joints for redness, heat, damage, ease of movement, and tenderness. To see what the town looks like inside, the doctor may order X-rays or other imaging procedures. X-rays provide a picture of the bone, but they do not show the cartilage, muscles and ligaments. Other methods of non-invasive imaging, such as computed tomography (CT or CAT scan), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and show arthrography entire municipality. The doctor may seek damages to a spouse with an arthroscope, a small flexible tube, which is inserted through a small incision in the municipality and transmits the image of the inside of a common to a video screen. Because some forms of arthritis can affect other organs, a complete physical examination which includes the heart, lungs, abdomen, nervous system, eyes, ears, and throat may be necessary. The doctor may order some lab tests to confirm the diagnosis. Salaries Treatments for rheumatic diseases include rest and relaxation, exercise, good nutrition, medication, and instructions on the proper use of joints and ways to conserve energy. Other treatments include the use of methods of pain relief and assistive devices such as splints or braces. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary. The doctor and the patient work together to develop a treatment plan, which usually involves several types of treatment. Rest, exercise, nutrition A sign many rheumatic conditions is fatigue. People with rheumatic disease should develop a comfortable balance between rest and activity. For example, when pain or fatigue, it is important to take a break and rest. Too much rest, however, could cause muscles and joints become stiff. People with a disease like rheumatoid arthritis can participate in a variety of sports and exercise programs. Exercise can reduce pain and stiffness and increase flexibility, muscular strength and endurance. It also helps to weight reduction and contributes to an improved sense of well-being. Before you begin an exercise program, people with arthritis should discuss with their doctors. Exercises that doctors often recommend the following: Range of motion exercises (eg, stretching, dance) to help maintain normal movement of Commons, to maintain or increase flexibility, and ease stiffness. Strengthening exercises (eg, weightlifting) to maintain or increase muscle strength. Muscles help support and protect joints affected by arthritis. Or aerobic endurance exercises (eg, walking, cycling) to improve cardiovascular fitness, and weight control, and improve the general welfare. Studies show that aerobic exercise can reduce inflammation in some joints. Another important part of a treatment program is a balanced diet. With exercise, a balanced diet helps people manage their weight and remain healthy. Weight control is important for people who have arthritis because extra weight puts extra pressure on certain joints and can aggravate the many types of arthritis. Medicines A variety of drugs are used to treat rheumatic diseases. The type of medication depends on the rheumatic disease and the individual patient. The drugs used to treat most rheumatic diseases do not provide a panacea, but rather to limit the symptoms of the disease. Medications commonly used to treat arthritis pain and inflammation. In some cases, the drug can slow the progression of the disease and prevent further damage to joints or other parts of the body. Antidouleur as acetaminophen (eg Tylenol) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (eg, Advil) are used to reduce pain caused by rheumatic conditions. NSAIDs have the advantage of reducing inflammation associated with arthritis. A side effect of NSAIDs is irritation, which can often be reduced by changing the dose or medication. Newer NSAIDs have been introduced to reduce gastrointestinal side effects and provide additional options for treatment. Hyaluronic acid products like Hyalgan and Synvisc mimic a natural body substance that lubricates the knee joint. They are usually injected directly into the community to help provide temporary relief of pain and flexible joint movement. Heat and cold The cold and heat can be used to reduce pain and inflammation of arthritis. The heat increases blood flow, tolerance for pain, and flexibility. Kinesitherapist are needed for some of these therapies, such as microwave or ultrasound therapy, but patients may ask themselves steaming hot water by placing towels or hot box on joint inflammation or taking a hot bath or shower. Cold therapy numbs the nerves around the joint (which reduces pain) and can relieve inflammation and muscle spasms. Cold therapy may involve cold, ice massage, soaked in cold water, or over the counter sprays and ointments that cool the skin and joints. Capsaicin cream is a mixture put on the skin to relieve pain or muscle when only one or two joints are involved. Hydrotherapy, mobilization therapy, relaxation and therapy Hydrotherapy to exercise or relax in the hot water. The water takes the weight of pain, which facilitates the exercise. It helps relax muscles and relieve pain. Mobilization therapies include traction control (fresh, stable traction), massage and manipulation. (Someone else that the patient moves through their stiff joints normal range of motion.) Once done by a professional, these methods can help control the pain, increase joint motion, and improve the flexibility of the muscle and tendon. The relaxation therapy helps reduce pain by teaching people ways to release muscle tension in the body. Doctors and physical therapists can teach patients a variety of relaxation techniques. D'Devices Most of assistive devices common to treat arthritis pain are splints and braces, which are used to support weakened joints or allow them to relax. Some of these devices prevent the municipality from moving; Others provide some movement. A brace or splint should be used only when recommended by a physician or therapist, who will show the patient the proper way to turn it on, make sure it fits securely, and to explain when and for how time should be worn. Incorrect use of a brace or splint can lead to joint damage, stiffness and pain. A person with arthritis can use other types of painkillers. For example, the use of a cane to walking can reduce some of the burden placed on a knee or hip affected by arthritis. A shoe insert (orthotic) can relieve pain caused by the march of arthritis of the foot or knee. Other features can help with activities such as opening jars, the slides closing, and holding pens. Surgery In some cases, surgery may be needed to repair damage to a spouse after an injury or to restore function or relieve pain in a joint damaged by arthritis. The doctor may recommend arthroscopic surgery, fusion of bones, or arthroplasty (also known as total joint replacement, in which the damaged joint is removed and replaced with artificial). Nutritional supplements and other treatments Nutritional supplements are often reported to be useful in the treatment of rheumatic diseases. These include products such as S-adenosylmethionine (SAM-e) for osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) for lupus, and the glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin for osteoarthritis. Reports on the safety and efficacy of these products should be viewed with caution given that very few applications have been carefully evaluated. At that time, the only form of arthritis that can be cured is that caused by infections. Although symptoms of other types of arthritis can be effectively managed at rest, exercise and medication, there is no cure. Some people claim to have been cured by treatment with herbs, oils, chemicals, special diets, radiation or other products. However, there is no scientific evidence that such treatments to cure arthritis. In addition, some may cause serious side effects. Patients should consult their doctors before using a treatment that has not been prescribed or recommended by the health care team to treat patients. Narrow your pain Changes in the family can help a person suffering from chronic arthritis continue to live safely, productively and with less pain. People with arthritis may become weak, lose their balance, or in the fall. In the bathroom, installing grab bars in the tub or shower and toilet, placing a safe seat in the tub, and raise the height of the toilet seat can help. Cookware can accommodate special hands affected by arthritis which make it easier meal preparation. An occupational therapist can help people who have rheumatic conditions identify and make adjustments to their homes to create a safer, more comfortable and more efficient. The role that you play in the planning of your treatment is very important. It is essential for you to have a good relationship with your doctor to work together. You should not be afraid to ask questions about your condition or treatment. You must understand the treatment plan and tell the doctor if it is or not help you. Research has shown that patients who are well informed and actively participate in their own care experience less pain and make fewer visits to the doctor.