Living With Arthritis

Arthritis has accompanied humanity since time immemorial and still remains one of the most mysterious. There is still no answer to the question of why rheumatoid arthritis occurs.

System failure

There are different types of joint diseases. Connective tissues become inflamed – this is arthritis. There are changes in the joints in the form of deformation – arthrosis.

Arthritis is not a specific diagnosis but the name of a group of diseases associated with joint inflammation. The role of the trigger is played by bacteria and viruses: arthritis can develop against the background of acute respiratory infections, gastrointestinal, fungal, genital or urinary tract infections.

You live and work, but suddenly your joints ache. A familiar picture? Yes, and the tactics of behavior in such cases, alas, is also quite predictable: every second person will hope that “it will pass by itself” and takes aspirin. So you can miss the onset of rheumatoid arthritis. This is an autoimmune disease, that is, associated with the fact that the immune system malfunctions and it takes up arms against the body’s own tissues – in this case, on the tissues of the joints. Why this is happening is still a question. The disease can be triggered by both infection and, for example, severe stress, a sharp change in climate, excess sun, endocrine problems. In the fall, any sudden weather changes create an additional stressful situation for the body and reduce its protective properties. It was during this period that a variety of chronic diseases raise their heads, including arthritis (rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, gouty arthritis).

What is known for certain is that the predisposition of some people to rheumatoid arthritis is hereditary. Another risk factor is gender: there are about 30 million sick people in the world, and there are 3 times more women among them than men.

Do not miss the disease!

Rheumatoid arthritis is a serious social problem due to a progressive course, early disability, and increased mortality. It is important to catch arthritis before the joints begin to collapse, or at least at an early stage when nothing else prevents you from moving your arms and legs. This disease is so rapid that it is impossible to delay the treatment. Therefore, if you notice the first signs of joint inflammation – see a doctor immediately!

Here are the typical symptoms that may indicate arthritis:

• general malaise, constantly elevated temperature (the first signs of arthritis may resemble a common cold);
• tingling and pain in the area of ​​joints. A feature of rheumatoid arthritis: joints, as a rule, are affected symmetrically – on both arms or legs;
• a feeling of stiffness in the morning, a desire to stretch the joints;
• swelling, redness;
• an increase in temperature – including local, that is, the skin over the inflamed joints;
• any deformation of the joints visible to the eye;
• small (up to 15 mm) seals (rheumatoid nodules) in the elbow joint.

Do not be surprised if the doctor prescribes a full examination – this is necessary to assess the stage of the disease. The fact is that rheumatoid arthritis affects not only the joints but also the muscles, eyes, lungs, heart, kidneys, blood vessels, intestines – in 60% of cases the disease has also affected the internal organs. A few numbers are enough to show how serious rheumatoid arthritis. 30-50 years – this is the average age of the sick. Within 5 years, almost 50% of them get a disability. Until recently, 2 out of 5 patients faced the fact that treatment did not bring noticeable results, and every third died from the complications that developed. 50% of patients surveyed by the International Arthritis Foundation admit that they cannot take care of their families enough, and every third does not know what will happen to him/her in the future.

See a doctor once a month

In recent decades, there has been significant progress in the ability to control the course of the disease. Numerous studies have shown that early treatment with basic anti-inflammatory drugs can stop the progression of the disease and improve the patient’s condition and life prognosis. A new class of basic anti-inflammatory drugs (genetically engineered biological agents that selectively block important links in the immunopathogenesis of arthritis) was a revolutionary step in the treatment of the disease and made it possible to really set and solve the problem of not only achieving clinical remission but also preventing the progression of the disease.

Patients with an established diagnosis should be actively monitored by a rheumatologist, or a local therapist or a general practitioner. The complex treatment of rheumatoid arthritis includes medication and physiotherapy. Outside of exacerbation, patients are recommended to undergo spa treatment, physiotherapy exercises are also an important part of therapy. In order for the joints to retain flexibility and mobility for as long as possible, it is recommended to expand the usual motor regime and also regularly perform therapeutic exercises 2-3 times a day for 15 minutes. You should see your doctor at least every three months.

Thus, if you closely monitor your health and can timely “catch” the onset of the disease, the properly selected treatment will be able to significantly mitigate its manifestations.

Taking medications should be long-term and continuous. The patient must realize that the disease is chronic and must be treated throughout life. The main causes of death from rheumatoid arthritis are infectious complications and renal failure.

October 12 is World Arthritis Day. The World Health Organization took the initiative to celebrate such a day in 1996.