Rheumatoid arthritis is one of the chronic progressive diseases of the connective tissues with damage to the joints, mainly small ones, and frequent systemic inflammatory damage to the internal organs. The term "rheumatoid arthritis" in 1859. suggested the English doctor Herrod.
Given the widespread prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis, which varies from 0.4 to 1.5% in different countries of the world, this disease has outstanding medical and social significance, since in the absence of effective treatment it leads to a wheelchair and a reduction in the patient's life expectancy.
An important role in the development of the disease is played by a hereditary predisposition. More and more supporters are inclined to the hypothesis according to which the development of rheumatoid arthritis is stimulated by the activation of B-lymphocytes genetically predisposed to this disease.
Initially, rheumatoid arthritis often affects the proximal joints, and then - knee, wrist and other joints and loams. If the disease began with damage to the elbow, shoulder or knee joints, then after a few weeks the small joints of the feet and hands are also affected.
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 all day.
The pain syndrome with rheumatoid arthritis, as a rule, grows gradually, covering new joints without easing pain in the areas of preliminary lesion, while there is an increase in pain in the morning and decrease in the evening and in the first half of the night. With a pronounced exacerbation of the disease, joint pains are also disturbing at night, intensifying with active movements.
Classification of Rheumatoid Arthritis
There are 4 stages of the disease that help the doctor determine the severity of the patient's disease.
At the first stage of the disease, x-rays will not show damage, but signs of bone thinning may be noticeable.
In the second stage of the disease, x-rays show minor bone damage, as well as finesse around the joint. A person feels pain in the joints due to damaged cartilage or atrophy of neighboring muscles. Soft tissue changes around the joint may be observed.
In the third stage of the disease, bone damage and finesse around the joint are clearly visible. The patient is dying of muscles and deformation of the joint.
In the fourth stage, x-rays clearly show bone damage, as well as osteoprosis around the joint itself. In addition, extensive muscle atrophy, joint deformation, and changes in the soft tissue around it are evident.
Treatment
Rheumatoid arthritis is treated with a variety of means: from simple recommendations regarding rest and proper nutrition to special potent drugs and surgical operations.
The main principle of treatment is that the patient does not make large loads on the affected joint, since they lead to an increase in the inflammatory process. Also, with excessive loads, severe pain appears.
Regular rest is a must in treatment: to “soothe” an inflamed joint. Strict bed rest is sometimes attributed : to reduce the inflammatory process. To ensure the immobility of the affected joint, special tires are used.
Proper nutrition is extremely important, since it directly affects the healing process of the patient. A diet rich in vegetable fats and fish can significantly reduce inflammation.