Such a diagnosis as rheumatism of the lower extremities is far from being perceived by everyone as a serious threat to health. Nevertheless, this disease can cause significant harm not only to the legs, but even to the connective tissue of various organs, which makes it truly dangerous.
What is dangerous rheumatism of the legs
Rheumatism of the joints of the legs is a disease of the musculoskeletal system and is able to develop imperceptibly. But its consequences can be more than tangible. The very essence of the disease boils down to damage to the connective tissue in the joints themselves. In some cases, complications can cause damage to internal organs. Many people are of the opinion that rheumatism of the toes and the lower extremities themselves as a whole is characteristic mainly for people of advanced age. In fact, this disease most often affects the joints of children from 7 to 15 years. Among adult patients who are forced to treat rheumatism, approximately 80% have not reached the age of 40 years.
It is worth noting that this disease is often called rheumatoid arthritis, or polyarthritis. This is due to the fact that the symptomatology in most cases is related to the joints, although arthritis can affect the connective tissue of the cardiovascular system, internal organs and muscles. In some cases, even the human nervous system is affected by the pathological process.
Why rheumatism occurs
Often this disease is manifested in those people whose relatives also had joint problems. Owners of a rare protein of group B are also at high risk for connective tissue damage. Signs of rheumatism of the legs are often manifested in the case of constant hypothermia or frequent cases of infectious diseases. As another reason why you can hear a similar diagnosis, it makes sense to consider a previously transmitted streptococcal infection. The bottom line is that the consequence of this disease is inflammation of the connective tissue in various organs and joints, including.
Studies have shown that rheumatism manifests itself as a body reaction to the infection process with one of the beta-hemolytic streptococci belonging to group A. Such diseases as scarlet fever, tonsillitis, chronic pharyngitis, middle ear inflammation (tonsillitis) and others can precede rheumatism.
When streptococcus is in the human body, the reaction of the immune system is quite active, since this type of bacteria is defined as a significant threat. As a result, specific antibodies are produced. It is important to note the following fact: the same molecules as those that are attacked by antibodies in the fight against streptococcus are also present in people who are prone to rheumatism. And then the immune system begins to have a devastating effect on connective tissue. This can lead to damage to various organs and joints.
Rheumatism of the legs: symptoms
In most cases, rheumatism develops 1-3 weeks after streptococcal infection of the upper respiratory tract (tonsillitis, tonsillitis, pharyngitis). It is important to know that far from every case the manifestation of infection can be called bright. Sometimes the disease proceeds imperceptibly and even atypically - the sore throat is mild and the temperature is minimal. For this reason, often with such symptoms, doctors diagnose ARI without considering antistreptococcal treatment as a real need. And such a mistake can lead to the fact that re-infection against a background of weakened immunity will cause the development of articular rheumatism.
It manifests itself (rheumatism) within a few days after re-infection and affects large joints - knee, ankle, etc. Rheumatism of the legs has easily recognizable symptoms: joint inflammation occurs alternately, and the affected part noticeably swells, and also hurts when pressed. For example, the knee joint becomes inflamed first, after a few days, and sometimes hours, the inflammation subsides along with the pain, and the disease begins to affect another joint, then the next. It is this - one by one - lesion of connective tissue in different parts of the lower extremities that is an obvious sign of rheumatism of the legs. One attack on a particular joint lasts a maximum of 12 days. But in the end, it’s not only the legs that suffer - significant harm is done to the heart.
Leg rheumatism, the symptoms of which are almost imperceptible, makes itself felt in most cases through mild, but constant weakness after moderate exertion. Such sensations are very similar to ordinary fatigue at the end of the day. Another characteristic symptom that indicates inflammation of the connective tissue is a temperature that rises quickly and quickly returns to normal, after which the jumps are repeated again.
Topic: “Rheumatism of the legs: signs and treatment” is very relevant and serious. After all, if the disease is not treated, you may encounter such an unpleasant consequence as rheumatic heart disease (inflammation of the heart). There are mild rheumatic heart disease, medium stage and severe. In the process of its development, the valves of the heart, membranes (pericarditis) and the heart muscle (myocarditis) are affected.
Continuing to study how leg rheumatism manifests itself, it is important to note that the mild form of rheumatic corditis usually goes unnoticed, but the middle one makes itself felt through moderate cardiac hypertrophy (it increases in volume). In this case, patients feel unpleasant sensations behind the sternum, shortness of breath and a noticeable heartbeat with relatively light loads (walking, climbing stairs) also appear.
In the case of severe rheumatic heart disease, the size of the heart increases significantly. Chest pain, shortness of breath and palpitations disturb even at rest. Moreover, edema appears on the legs. With this form of rheumatic heart disease, there is a high probability of heart disease.
The mechanism of the development of the disease
As mentioned above, with rheumatism, only one joint is extremely rarely affected - painful sensations constantly change dislocation. At the same time, according to doctors, rheumatism of the legs affects primarily those joints that are more loaded. Also at risk are joints that previously underwent stable hypothermia, bruises, prolonged pressure and other adverse effects. If you resort to properly organized treatment, that is, there is every chance of defeating the disease in 1-2 weeks. In some cases, the inflammation stops after the 3rd day of treatment.
It is worth noting that rheumatism does not always have a radically destructive effect on connective tissue. There are frequent cases when patients, even in the presence of repeated inflammation, retain the ability to actively move and do not feel severe pain.
Diagnostics
Going deeper into the topic: “Rheumatism of the legs: signs and treatment”, it is important to pay attention to the methods for detecting the disease. The basis of the diagnosis in this case are laboratory tests and a number of clinical signs that make it possible to determine organ damage.
In order to identify the negative effects of inflammatory processes on the heart, it is necessary to undergo an ultrasound or ECG. It will not be superfluous to conduct differential diagnosis with non-specific infectious polyarthritis, tuberculosis, septic endocarditis, neurosis and other diseases.
It is worth knowing that in the case of the development of the acute phase of rheumatism in the blood, neutrophilic leukocytosis will be observed. It is also possible to reduce hemoglobin levels in the early days of active inflammation. In case of constant relapse, there is a risk of developing anemia.
Children's rheumatism of the legs: symptoms and diagnosis
If we talk about the symptoms of rheumatism in children, then it is worth saying that they are very similar to the above: fever and the development of polyarthritis (severe pain) in the affected joints.
In this case, rheumatic polyarthritis may have some features:
- Children develop inflammation of large joints very quickly, sometimes even within a few hours. Then the skin at the site of the affected joint becomes red, hot to the touch and swells.
- In some cases, inflammation of several large joints at the same time, for example, both knees, is possible.
- Rheumatoid arthritis in children lasts an average of 4-5 days.
- The child feels severe pain, which prevents him from moving freely. There are frequent cases when, with rheumatic fever, children cannot get out of bed.
Children's rheumatism of the legs, as in adults, can manifest itself through chest pain, shortness of breath, increased heart rate, weakness, and interruptions in the work of the heart. At the first signs of rheumatism in a child, he needs to conduct a heart examination and prescribe appropriate treatment. If the disease is started, then the development of severe heart defects is not excluded, which in the future can turn into heart failure.
Another sign of rheumatism in children is the appearance of a reddish rash called annular erythema.
As for the diagnosis, if rheumatism is suspected, the following examinations should be carried out:
- blood chemistry;
- general blood analysis;
- ultrasound of the heart ;
- blood test for ASL-O level;
- electrocardiography, it is an ECG.
Diagnosis is best not to neglect, so as not to deal with complications later.
Rheumatism treatment
Trying to get an answer to the question of how to treat rheumatism of the legs, you must first realize the need for an immediate visit to the doctor at the first suspicion of the development of the disease. This is important for the reason that the course of the disease may in some cases be different, which means the need for an individual and professional approach to the treatment process.
Typically, the following methods are used:
- the use of glucocorticoids, as well as immunosuppressants in order to ensure the protective functions of the body;
- the use of antibiotics (Amikacin, Sumamed, etc.) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Ketoprofen, Movalis, Diclofenac - should be taken until the tumor disappears completely);
- a complex of vitamins for recovery after antibiotics (Supradin, Oligovit, Vitrum, Centrum);
- after the acute symptoms are relieved, various physiotherapeutic procedures are used for complete recovery (paraffin baths, UHF, electrophoresis and infrared light heating with a lamp);
- if conventional treatment does not help to neutralize the symptoms of rheumatism, then doctors prescribe plasmapheresis - purification of blood from antibodies and toxins.
Some doctors recommend reducing the intake of carbohydrates and increasing the amount of protein in the diet for a more fruitful treatment process. In any case, the treatment should be comprehensive.
If the scheme for overcoming the disease was determined correctly, and the patient followed all the recommendations of the doctor, then full recovery can occur within 2 weeks. In cases where the visit to the doctor was immediate, the recovery process will take only a few days.
How to treat rheumatism at home
One of the basic principles of home exposure to the disease can be determined by proper nutrition and herbal medicine. As for the recipes for various decoctions, in this case it is definitely better to consult with doctors who can take into account all the features of the course of the disease in a particular person.
Meals should be organized in such a way that all dishes are without salt. The use of seasonings will also have to be limited. This is important for the reason that during a rheumatic attack there is a metabolic disorder.
When answering the question of how to treat leg rheumatism at home, it is important to pay attention to the harmful effects of dishes that contain extractive substances (vegetable and strong meat soups, as well as broths). You will have to forget about instant soups and various bouillon cubes during the treatment. As mentioned above, for quick recovery, it is necessary to limit the consumption of foods that are a source of easily digestible carbohydrates (honey, sugar, jam, jam and confectionery).
From the patient’s diet, it is also worth excluding products based on beans, mushrooms, spinach, sorrel and peas. But grape juice and grapes themselves can be consumed. Vegetables must be boiled thoroughly, and meat and fish are only in a slightly stewed or boiled form.
If you look at the topic: “Rheumatism: symptoms and treatment of the legs” from the point of view of traditional medicine, it is worth noting that, according to doctors, sand can help in the fight against inflammation. To do this, it must be washed and sieved through a sieve, preferably fine. The most suitable option would be sea sand. After sifting, it is necessary to heat it to 50 degrees and pour it into a convenient fabric bag. It is this bag of hot sand that is applied to the place where the pain is felt. But this method should not be used for those people who have been diagnosed with skin and heart diseases, tuberculosis, exhaustion and tumors.
Another technique that everyone who is interested in the topic should know about: “Rheumatism: symptoms and treatment of the legs,” is clay. It can be used in the form of compresses and wraps. Clay is relevant for such a disease by its ability to relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
Prevention
In order to prevent the re-development of leg rheumatism, it is necessary to focus on two goals: to protect the body from a new infection with streptococcal infection and to strengthen the immune system. And this means that, if possible, everyone who suffered from rheumatism should visit a specialized sanatorium.
After the restoration measures are taken, it is necessary for 1-2 years not to visit other people's climatic zones for recreation, being content with their native lands. Since rheumatism of the legs involves a comprehensive treatment, it is necessary to consider all factors that can create favorable conditions for the development of the disease. If, within a few years after a rheumatic attack, we go to a foreign climate zone, we will have to face acclimatization, which, in turn, can lead to certain complications.
Those who have experienced a rheumatic attack should not get carried away with bathing in cold water and a long tanning process. Active sports are undesirable because the heart weakened by the disease will not be ready for intense stress. But it is worth doing physical education, as well as competent hardening. In this case, in case of an increase in heart rate to 120 beats and the appearance of shortness of breath, it is necessary to pause.
Summary
Rheumatism can definitely be attributed to those diseases that require special attention due to the risk of significant complications. Therefore, as in the case of any serious diagnosis, with symptoms of inflammation of the connective tissue, you need to respond quickly - go to the doctor and begin treatment. Well, of course, you should always remember about prevention.