Are you worried about rheumatoid arthritis? Do not worry - there is a way out!

Rheumatoid arthritis is one of the chronic progressive diseases of connective tissues with joint damage, mostly small ones, and frequent systemic inflammatory lesions of internal organs. The term "rheumatoid arthritis" in 1859 Suggested the English doctor Gerrod.

Given the widespread prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis, which varies from 0.4% to 1.5% worldwide, this disease has an extraordinary medical and social significance, since in the absence of effective treatment, it leads to a wheelchair and a shortened life expectancy of the patient.

An important role in the development of the disease is played by hereditary predisposition. More and more adherents are inclined to the hypothesis that the development of rheumatoid arthritis is stimulated by the activation of B-lymphocytes genetically predisposed to this disease.

In the beginning, rheumatoid arthritis often affects the proximal joints, and then - knee, wrist and other joints and joints. If the disease began with lesions of the elbows, shoulder or knee joints, then in a few weeks, the disease and small joints of the feet and brushes.

Signs of rheumatoid arthritis

One of the most common signs of the disease is a feeling of stiffness. In some patients, it lasts for an hour, in others it lasts a whole day.

The pain syndrome in rheumatoid arthritis tends to gradually increase, embracing new joints without weakening pain in the areas of pre-injury, with increased pain in the morning and a decrease in the evening and in the first half of the night. With severe exacerbation of the disease, pain in the joints disturb at night, intensifying with active movements.

Classification of rheumatoid arthritis

There are 4 stages of the disease, which help the doctor to determine the seriousness of the patient's illness.

At the first stage of the disease, X-ray images will not show any damage, but there may be signs of subtlety in the bones.

In the second stage of the disease, X-ray images show minor bone injuries, as well as finesse around the joint. A person feels pain in the joints due to damaged cartilage or atrophy of neighboring muscles. There may be changes in the soft tissue near the joint.

At the third stage of the disease - clearly visible damage to the bone and finesse around the joint. Disease of muscles and deformation of the joint occurs.

At the fourth stage, X-ray images clearly show damage to the bone, as well as osteo-prozhesis around the joint itself. In addition, extensive muscle atrophy, deformity of the joint and changes in the soft tissue around it are evident.

Treatment

Rheumatoid arthritis is treated with various means: from simple recommendations regarding rest and proper nutrition to special powerful drugs and surgical operations.

The main principle of treatment is that the patient does not make heavy loads on the affected joint, as they lead to an increase in the inflammatory process. Also, excessive pain causes severe pain.

Regular rest is compulsory in treatment: for "calming" the inflamed joint. Sometimes attributed to strict bed rest: to reduce the inflammatory process. To ensure immobility of the affected joint use special tires.

Excessive nutrition is extremely important, since it directly affects the patient's recovery process. Diet, rich in vegetable fats and fish, contributes to a significant reduction in inflammation.