The main symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis refers to systemic diseases of unknown origin, in which connective tissue is affected . The disease is characterized by symmetrical inflammation of the joints (more often - the feet and brushes), and extraarticular symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are observed . The disease can begin at any age, but the peak is in men for 40 - 60 years, for women - for 35 - 55 years. Women get sick more often than men in 3 - 4 times. Rheumatoid arthritis has a progressive course and often leads to disability.

The disease is characterized by a complex autoimmune mechanism of onset and development. For unknown reasons, cells of the immune system begin to attack joint tissues. This leads to the destruction of bones, cartilage, ligaments and the formation of scar tissue in the joint. These changes occur in diseased people at different rates.

Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis

In some cases, the disease begins acutely, with sudden pain immediately in many joints. Provoking factors can be mental trauma, hypothermia, prolonged exposure to the sun.

Most often, rheumatoid arthritis develops gradually. The history of the disease indicates that the clinical picture is unfolding for several months and even years. First, stiffness and pain arise in the small joints of the feet and hands, especially after a night and a long rest. Approximately 70% of cases occur symmetrical polyarthritis, in others - monoarthritis is observed: it can be inflammation of one knee joint. Sometimes, before the appearance of joint symptoms, there is an increase in body temperature and an increase in lymph nodes. In rheumatoid disease, almost all joints can be affected, except for the lumbar and thoracic spine. Half of the people who fell ill are involved in the process of hip joints.

The characteristic symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are morning stiffness and soreness, which decrease in the daytime. The area of the lesion swells and becomes warm. Joints quickly deform, increase in size, complete bending or unbending becomes impossible, swelling of the wrist leads to compression of the tendons, muscles begin to atrophy.

Present and extra-articular symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, because in addition to the joints, other important organs also suffer: kidneys, lungs, heart, intestines.

Vasculitis, inflammation of the eyes, pleurisy, pneumonia, pericarditis, kidney damage with the development of renal failure may develop. A third of patients have subcutaneous nodules. Vasculitis (vascular disease) often causes the formation of ulcers on the legs.

Treatment

The deforming joints of rheumatoid arthritis (photos show this) are an incurable disease with severe consequences. The main thing is to avoid dangerous complications, therefore it is necessary to control the illness all your life. The treatment is primarily aimed at alleviating the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. For this, medicines, exercise therapy, and diet are used. In some cases, resort to the operational method.

Treatment consists in changing the way of life. This includes full-fledged nutrition, reduction or weight control, resting the patient's joints. At the same time, in order to avoid contractures (limited mobility), therapeutic gymnastics is necessary. If severe symptoms, to remove the load and reduce pain, you should use a cane or a walker.

To get rid of edema and pain, patients are prescribed medication. Use antirheumatic drugs that modify the course of the disease and inhibit the activity of immune cells that destroy joints. However, these medicines have many side effects, so permanent medical monitoring is important. In addition, prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs and analgesics for pain relief.