Rheumatology is a specialized medical field that deals with the diagnosis and therapy of rheumatic diseases. Rheumatic diseases, or Rheumatism, are diagnosed by taking a medical history, doing a physical examination and detecting genetic markers and antibodies in the blood.
Rheumatism Medicine
General practitioners, rheumatologists, physiotherapists, orthopaedists, occupational therapists, osteopaths and dieticians each have a particular role to play in the treatment of rheumatic diseases. There are various types of rheumatism, various causes of rheumatism and various rheumatism treatments. Rheumatism medicine is a wide field that we all need to learn more.
Rheumatologists specialise in rheumatism diagnosis and therapy, like gout, rheumatoid arthritis and other rheumatic diseases. Rheumatologists doctors work in specialist practices or clinics. They come from the fields of internal medicine, orthopaedics or paediatrics and adolescent medicine.[1]
Rheumatologists – A Joint Specialist
A rheumatologist is the doctor that treats articular rheumatism. He is an internist or pediatrician who received further training in the diagnosis (detection), and treatment of diseases that affect the joints, bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Rheumatism has many different symptoms. These diseases can cause pain, swelling, stiffness, and potentially cause joint deformities. Rheumatism symptoms are easy to notice.
Rheumatologist is thus a joint specialist. He works in liaison with the general practitioner, confirms the latter’s diagnosis and can perform certain medical procedures, for example the puncture of a joint effusion. He can also refer the patient to other specialist doctors, such as a surgeon, if necessary. Consultations with the rheumatologist can take place either in his private practice or in clinic, especially in the case of more complicated complementary examinations such as an arthroscopy (examination of the inside of a joint by inserting a small camera).[2]
Rheumatism Diseases
Rheumatism is a generic term for all joint disorders. This can be osteoarthritis, arthritis, osteoporosis or autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. These osteoarticular disorders are among the leading causes of disability and handicap.[3]
These diseases are part of the treatment options for rheumatologists:[4]
- Autoimmune-caused, chronic inflammatory conditions in the movement and conditional chronic inflammatory diseases of the muscle skeletal system (rheumatoid, psoriatic, vasculitis), collagenosis.
- Metabolic disorders that lead to rheumatic complaints (e.g. gout)
- Soft tissue rheumatism (e.g. fibromyalgia).
- Diseases of the bone, which lead to complaints of the spinal column (e.g., osteoporosis)Degenerative or age-related rheumatic diseases (e.g., degenerative spinal diseases)
Rheumatism Symptoms
One of the main reasons why inflammatory rheumatism is often misdiagnosed is that the symptoms are still relatively unknown.[5] Knowing the symptoms of inflammatory rheumatism is simply a better way to prevent it.
Among the symptoms, inflammatory rheumatism is manifested by:
- Pain or sensitivity in the affected joints
- One or more swellings in the affected joints
- Redness
- Persistent morning stiffness lasting up to an hour.
- Constant and unexplained fatigue
- An outbreak of fever
Inflammatory rheumatism, such as rheumatoid arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis, affects the joints, particularly in the hands, wrists, hips, knees, feet, etc. It is a very uncomfortable disease, especially as it can be very painful depending on the case and the areas affected.
If inflammatory rheumatism is misdiagnosed or diagnosed too late, the complications can be serious and difficult to bear for those affected. These include motor difficulties, but the disease can also spread to other circulations. In the most difficult cases and depending on the psychological situation of the person affected, inflammatory rheumatism can lead to depression, the main cause of which is pain. Inflammatory rheumatism can be lived with, thanks to special treatments and a regulated lifestyle.
Rheumatism Treatment
To treat rheumatism, doctors prescribe analgesics and painkillers such as paracetamol, but also non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. If this first line of treatment fails, rheumatologists may offer patients corticosteroid injections to relieve the inflammation. In the case of chronic inflammatory rheumatism, background treatments are combined with painkillers to control the disease and space out inflammatory attacks.[6]
Physiotherapy and physical activity are non-pharmacological approaches common to all rheumatic diseases, as they are essential in preventing painful attacks: in order to feel less pain, the joints must be mobilised.[7]
Finally, in some cases, surgery can be considered. In particular, it can be used to prevent destruction of cartilage or tendons or to repair tendons or to replace a destroyed joint with a prosthesis in the case of rheumatoid arthritis. In arthritic patients, surgery is mainly used to install total or partial knee or hip prostheses.
But before going to the clinic, if rheumatism is not so advanced, we recommand you to go to see a rheumatologist to relief your pain, but also take home remedies, such as: Curcumin and Boswellia.
Learn more about: Gout Treatments.
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The best way is to use natural methods. Alternative doctors often use herbal therapy (phytotherapy) to treat rheumatism. Well-known herbs in herbal medicine are devil's claw, comfrey, nettle and arnica. Acupuncture, herbal therapies of traditional Chinese medicine, homeopathy and Kneipp applications are also possible. The focus is on improving the immune system and metabolism. This generally relieves pain and prevents the rheumatic disease from spreading. These natural remedies and practical tips for everyday life help to relieve joint pain: Rheumatism is now an easy term that is used to spell it out several different disorders. The more prevalent include osteoarthritis, rheumatic cardiovascular disease, and rheumatoid arthritis. The most frequent characteristic is these common disorders share is chronic pain. In the event that you remember that, you'll soon understand why arthritis rheumatism treatment might seem rather complicated. You can find natural treatments for arthritis rheumatoid. Many of these herbal treatments have been useful for years to greatly help relieve the pain of a number of different conditions. Dong quai, ginger, and turmeric all might help decrease the inflammation and pain connected with arthritis rheumatoid. Other treatments include physical therapy. Exercises that assist in improving flexibility and flexibility will go an extended ways towards reducing the chronic pain. You'll also want to include cardio exercises. This will assist in improving your circulation and present you energy. Without everyone can complete every one of the exercises a physical therapist may have, you do have to try them. You might find that after a while, you'll be able to perform them. Don't overdo it with regards to exercise however. You need to be sure you only go so far as you are comfortable. This isn't to say that you will not feel some discomfort, nevertheless, you should stop when it hurts. If you're overweight, an exercise program might help you tremendously. The excess weight will put a strain on your own joints and muscles. A lot of people will feel the pain within their feet, hips, and back. When you can lose as little as 10 % of your total bodyweight, you'll be amazed at just how much better you'll feel. Another important thing to keep in mind about arthritis rheumatism treatment is that don't assume all treatment will work for every single person. You need to be honest together with your doctor about which treatments usually do not work and why. If you're experiencing any side effects together with your medication, be sure you tell your doctor about this too. You needed have problems with treatment programs. You can find programs to help you, nevertheless, you may have to proceed through a few before you discover one that is right for you personally. Folk and herbal treatments for arthritis are often discovered, after scientific scrutiny, to possess beneficial effects. Turmeric may be the spice that flavors and provides yellow color to curries along with other meals. Turmeric extract containing the component curcumin is marketed broadly as a supplement for the procedure and prevention of a number of problems, which includes arthritis. First, researchs confirms the potency of an herbal dietary supplement for adjunctive treatment of arthritis rheumatoid and provides info on a possible mode of activity. Second, curcumin offers credence to the usage of turmeric in standard supplement form for arthritis.What is the main cause of rheumatism?
Other rheumatic diseases are caused by metabolic or immune problems, or are of inflammatory origin. Viral infections and certain intestinal bacteria are also suspected of causing rheumatism.
In general, the disease progresses chronically and causes inflammation of the joints, which can lead to their destruction.What are the first signs of rheumatism?
As well, the first symptoms of rheumatism are not always confined to the joints. There may be initial manifestations in other organs such as the skin, eyes, mouth, digestive tract, lung and kidney.
So, the first symptoms of rheumatism are not very specific and can be confused with other diseases. It can also happen that we do not attach importance to them, blaming them on age, ageing or lack of physical fitness.What is rheumatism pain like?
These are daily and nightly pains that do not leave the patients: more than half of them are awakened by their pains.
So, rheumatic diseases produce discomfort, prickling, a feeling of heaviness, tightness or tiredness localised in one area of the body (shoulder, neck, lumbar region, legs, etc.) or with a generalised or diffuse distribution, as if the whole organism were involved and which the affected person expresses with a phrase such as: “everything hurts” or “I get up worse than when I go to bed”.
A fundamental symptom is swelling of the joints. It is a consequence of the accumulation of synovial fluid inside the joint cavity and can be caused by a multitude of processes. It is a sign of joint disease that should lead us to consult a rheumatologist. Diseases of the locomotor system can also produce other symptoms, such as loss of appetite, weight loss, loss of strength, weakness, tiredness, fever or alterations in other organs or systems (skin, eyes, mouth, digestive system, lungs, kidneys, etc.).What is difference between arthritis and rheumatism?
How do you treat rheumatism?
What foods to avoid if you have rheumatism?
Red meat and cold cuts
Fried foods
Still on the subject of fats, it is important to pay attention to the amount you consume. Some fatty acids, such as Omega 6, are particularly bad because they increase inflammation. Fried foods in general should therefore be avoided, especially when combined with a large amount of salt, such as Chips or crisps.Certain vegetable oils
For the same reason as mentioned above, certain oils should also be avoided. These are all oils that are too rich in Omega 6, such as soya, corn or sunflower oil. Rest assured, other vegetable oils are rich in Omega 3s, so they can easily be replaced.Sugar
Sugar is one of the biggest enemies of the human body, especially in the case of osteoarthritis. Although it is difficult to do without it completely, it is nevertheless recommended to limit its consumption. You can use alternatives that provide taste without having harmful effects.Alcohol
Finally, for the more festive among you, alcohol is not a good idea if you suffer from osteoarthritis. Consuming large amounts of alcohol can actually increase the effects of inflammation. As with other foods, it is not advisable to give it up completely, but rather to know how to limit yourself to a glass from time to time.How do you relieve rheumatism?
What is the best way to treat rheumatism?
Heat treatments
Full and partial baths with arnica, hay flowers, fango (volcanic mud with therapeutic properties) or peat reduce pain and stimulate the metabolism and blood circulation. Potato, medicinal clay or flax seed poultices also help. In an emergency, a cherry stone heating pad is also helpful.Meadowsweet tea
2x a day a cup of meadowsweet, also known as ultima spirea, false spirea or filipendula. The herb contains acetylsalicylic acid, like aspirin, which is an analgesic and has an anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect.Regular physical activity
Despite the pain, patients with rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis should apply regular pressure to the affected joint to improve mobility and prevent cartilage degradation. Aquafit, weight training, Nordic walking, swimming and cycling are particularly gentle on joints. Talk to your family doctor or therapist and decide with him/her on the appropriate training and pace.Learn to relax
Tension and cramps make the pain worse. Use relaxation techniques such as autogenic training or breathing exercises.Diet
Along with physical activity and relaxation, a balanced diet is one of the fundamental pillars of a healthy lifestyle. Interesting tips and general information can be found on the Swiss League against Rheumatism website.What are the symptoms of rheumatism?
Joint inflammation and fever are the most common initial symptoms. Spontaneous pain suddenly appears in one or more joints that are painful to the touch. They may also be hot, swollen and red. The joints may be stiff and contain fluid. Ankles, knees, elbows and wrists are usually affected. However, the shoulders, hips and small joints of the hands and feet may also be affected. When pain decreases in one joint, it appears in another (migratory arthralgias).
The joint pain may be mild or severe and usually lasts for about 2 weeks, rarely more than 4 weeks.
Rheumatic fever does not lead to long-term joint damage.What is rheumatism?
Are there natural treatments for rheumatism?
How is a common treatment for Rheumatism?
Does obesity affect your rheumatism?
What to remember when treating Rheumatism?
How to treat arthritis?
Does curcumin combat arthitis pain?
Sources
Nutrition and Rheumatic Disease
Springer Science & Business Media. 2008
In this book, experts provide a comprehensive review of current knowledge regarding nutrition and dietary management for the complex set of rheumatic conditions. Within the disease-specific chapters, the authors present a historical perspective, a discussion of the major clinical features, current management and treatment, a review of the literature related to nutritional status and diet, and dietary recommendations, based on current scientific evidence. The field of rheumatic diseases...
The Primary Prevention of Rheumatic Diseases
CRC Press. 1993
The ultimate objective of all aetiological research is the primary prevention of rheumatic diseases. This book emphasizes what can be done in the prevention, for example, of rheumatic symptoms arising out of occupational overuse, injuries and infections of joints. It also provides advice on pain tolerance and control.
Changing Health Care Systems and Rheumatic Disease
National Academies Press. 1997
Market forces are driving a radical restructuring of health care delivery in the United States. At the same time, more and more people are living comparatively long lives with a variety of severe chronic health conditions. Many such people are concerned about the trend toward the creation of managed care systems because their need for frequent, often complex, medical services conflicts with managed care's desires to contain costs. The fear is that people with serious chronic disorders will...
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1 Comment
Ben
I really liked this article, because I was reluctant to go to the doctor. I always have bad experiences because they never get it right, but now I understand that I should consult with a specialist and follow his recommendations. Thank you for such a good information about Gout and how to treat it!