Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic connective tissue disease that particularly affects small joints. The disease occurs in all age groups, but is still more common in older people. It has been observed that women are much more susceptible to the disease than men. The disease progresses quite quickly and leads to disability in up to seventy percent of patients, and in some cases to death. The causes of death from rheumatoid arthritis are:
Today, with timely detection of the disease, it is possible to slow down its development and minimize the destructive effect on the body.
The factors causing this disease have not yet been discovered. The main, but not yet confirmed, reason for the development of rheumatoid arthritis is a genetic predisposition to the disease, which is triggered by external factors.
Symptoms of the disease initially do not affect the joints. First of all, we observe:
Already with these symptoms you should seek medical help. As the disease progresses, secondary symptoms are added to the primary symptoms. Among them are:
The appearance of such symptoms indicates that the disease has already reached a severe stage. In this case, therapy is primarily aimed at eliminating symptoms, since it is impossible to cure the disease itself.
Complications of the disease are very serious. The main ones are:
They can often be avoided with timely treatment.
Modern medicine is not yet able to completely cure this disease. However, it is quite possible to significantly improve the patient's condition. Therapy for rheumatoid arthritis is aimed at:
In addition to medications, patients are prescribed a complex of physical therapy and a special diet.
When treating the disease, several diets are used, which can be alternated with each other if desired.
In addition to these diets, in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, healthy foods are prescribed and harmful foods are prohibited. If a disease is detected, the following are excluded from the diet:
Healthy foods that you should eat daily include:
By adhering to proper nutrition, the patient can significantly improve his condition and significantly slow down the progression of the disease.
In addition to medications, there are a large number of folk remedies to combat the disease. They are very effective, so you shouldn’t neglect them. Most of the remedies of traditional healers are time-tested, and their healing power is beyond doubt.
There are no complete ways to prevent the disease. However, doctors still advise to beware of certain factors that are believed to be able to provoke the development of arthritis. To protect yourself as much as possible from the disease you need to:
Such actions are the only way to prevent rheumatoid arthritis. At the first suspicion of the development of this disease, you should seek medical help. Only with timely initiation of treatment for the disease can one count on the longest possible period of maintaining working capacity.
Some diseases are caused by a hereditary predisposition, but some predisposing factors are required to activate the pathological process. One such disease is rheumatoid arthritis.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a connective tissue disease that develops in individuals with a genetic predisposition after exposure to certain provoking factors. The disease most often occurs in women over 40 years of age and is characterized by the development of irreversible degenerative and inflammatory processes in small joints, as a result of which their normal functioning is disrupted.
Rheumatoid arthritis can be seropositive (occurs in most cases) or seronegative. In the first case, rheumatoid factor is present in the patient’s blood, and the disease develops gradually.
When seronegative RA is detected, rheumatoid factor is absent, the clinical picture of the disease develops quickly, beginning with inflammation of the joints of the wrist or knee joint.
According to ICD 10, rheumatoid arthritis is designated M05 (seropositive), M06 (seronegative) and M08 (juvenile) - a detailed table of codes is at the end of the article.
Rheumatoid arthritis is often confused with arthrosis or regular arthritis. These are completely different diseases, although in both cases there is damage to the joints, the difference between rheumatoid arthritis and arthritis can be seen in the table:
How does the pathological process proceed?
The pathological process develops as a result of exposure to any factors on the body, against the background of which the immune system begins to produce antibodies that destroy joint tissue
Degenerative processes in the joint occur as a result of long-term disruption of its blood supply.
Age at which the disease most often occurs
Occurs at any age
In most cases, it occurs in older people, especially those who have subjected their joints to intense stress.
Develops on its own
Past infectious diseases.
Increased load on the joint;
Hypothermia of the extremities against the background of which an inflammatory process develops;
Poor circulation in the joints.
Pain syndrome that increases with joint loads;
Local hyperthermia, swelling over the joint.
Pain in the joint during exercise, which subsides at rest and intensifies when weather conditions change. When the joint moves, a crunching and clicking sound is heard.
Laboratory diagnostic indicators
Rheumatic tests reveal the presence of an inflammatory process in the joints
There are no deviations from the norm
Anti-inflammatory drugs do not cure the disease completely, but somewhat reduce the clinical manifestations
Anti-inflammatory drugs relieve pain.
If the integrity of the cartilage in the joint is not compromised, chondroprotectors are prescribed.
The development of rheumatoid arthritis can be caused by numerous factors, the most common of which are:
Most often, rheumatoid arthritis develops in the cold season; the provoking factor can be hypothermia, viral or infectious diseases, surgery, or food allergies.
At the initial stage of development, the disease may not manifest itself in a pronounced clinical manner; a patient with rheumatoid arthritis is concerned about general symptoms:
As the pathological process progresses, pain in the joint area is added, which is aching, periodic, and constant.
After the slightest physical exertion or during treatment with anti-inflammatory drugs, the pain syndrome intensifies, and symmetrical damage to small joints appears.
The inflammatory process in rheumatoid arthritis of the joints is accompanied by fever, lethargy of the patient, general weakness, and muscle pain.
A characteristic sign of rheumatoid arthritis in the hands is the appearance of stiffness in the morning, mainly after sleep. The patient cannot perform the usual actions with his fingers; they seem to not obey.
Attempts to move the fingers are accompanied by increased pain, which goes away after about 40 minutes. Morning stiffness is due to the fact that during the night pathological fluid accumulates in the area of joints affected by degenerative and inflammatory processes, which prevents full movements.
As the pathological process progresses, the patient develops visible deformations of the limbs - “walrus flippers”, spindle-shaped fingers and a swan neck. The first signs of rheumatoid arthritis include other joint lesions:
In addition to joint lesions, signs of rheumatoid arthritis are other manifestations:
The first symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis of the fingers, photo
In most cases, rheumatoid arthritis develops gradually, the first symptoms of the disease are:
A little later, to the general signs of intoxication of the body, symptoms of joint damage are added:
The first symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis of the fingers are similar to the general symptoms, but may be more pronounced:
It is important not to ignore the first symptoms of finger arthritis, but to immediately consult a rheumatologist for diagnosis and prescription of medications. Advanced cases of the disease are much more difficult to treat and restore all joint functions.
Extra-articular lesions of the body develop against the background of rapid progression of rheumatoid arthritis, as a result of which blood circulation and nutrition of the tissues adjacent to the affected joint are disrupted.
If the above-described clinical manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis appear, the patient should contact a local physician as soon as possible, who will prescribe a detailed examination to confirm the diagnosis.
Diagnosis of RA includes:
Timely diagnosis and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis can prevent numerous complications and significantly improve the patient’s quality of life.
Since the exact causes of the development of rheumatoid arthritis have not been identified, treatment of the disease comes down to symptomatic therapy and preventing further progression of joint deformity.
Drugs for rheumatoid arthritis are selected by the attending physician, depending on the clinical picture of the disease:
Outside the period of exacerbations of the disease, treatment of rheumatoid arthritis consists of exercise therapy, physiotherapeutic procedures, and surgery to correct joint deformities and restore its mobility.
In the absence of timely diagnosis and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, the patient gradually develops complications:
In order to prevent the development of rheumatoid arthritis, patients at risk should follow simple recommendations from doctors:
According to ICD 10, rheumatoid arthritis is classified in the following categories: M05 - seropositive, M06 - seronegative and M08 - juvenile.
Category M05 - seropositive rheumatoid arthritis
Category M06 - seronegative rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is dangerous because the infection can destroy not only the joints, but also the heart muscle, blood vessels, and internal organs. It is very important to promptly select an effective course of therapy that will stop the inflammatory process in the joints.
The course of therapy must be comprehensive. The disease always occurs in a severe form. If measures are not taken in time, a person may remain disabled for life. The treatment normalizes the functioning of the joints and stops the inflammatory process in them. Please note that the course of therapy not only helps to normalize the functioning of the joints, but also prevents the development of complications after an illness. In addition to the fact that the joints are very painful during rheumatoid arthritis, the following pathologies develop:
Comprehensive treatment of rheumatoid arthritis includes:
The doctor prescribes non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, as well as basic medications, corticosteroids. Separately, medications are prescribed to normalize the functioning of internal organs.
With the help of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, the inflammatory process is stopped. This way a person gets rid of pain, swelling of the joints, and normalizes their functions. These drugs include Paracetamol, Acetylsalicylic acid. Butadoin, Diclofenac, Ortofen, Nimesulide can be prescribed in injections and tablets. Please note that the listed drugs negatively affect the condition of the liver, stomach, and intestines, which are already affected by rheumatoid arthritis.
Corticosteroids have an anti-inflammatory effect. Drugs such as Hydrocortisone, Kenalog are injected into the affected joint. Prednisolone is used in injections and tablets. In addition to the fact that corticosteroids stop the inflammatory process, they improve the condition of the vascular walls, which are destroyed in rheumatoid arthritis. This group of drugs also negatively affects the gastrointestinal tract.
Basic drugs stop the acute development of rheumatoid arthritis. Most often, this group uses Crizanol, which belongs to the gold preparation. Cytostatic agents, sulfasalazine, are used quite often. The last medicine is a combination medicine, in addition to relieving pain, having an antimicrobial effect, and stopping the inflammatory process. The drug is taken when the disease is just beginning to develop.
Keep in mind that rheumatoid arthritis negatively affects not only the joints, but also other internal organs. When the heart valves are affected, cardiac glycosides may be prescribed - Riboxin, Digoxin, Mildronate. For liver diseases, Essentiale and Karsil are used.
If the gastrointestinal tract is affected, Festal, Omez, Mezim, Kvamatel can be prescribed. All medications are prescribed only after the recommendations of the treating doctor.
Additionally, in addition to drug treatment, it is imperative to undergo a course of physiotherapeutic procedures and massage. With their help you can:
In addition to gentle massage, phonophoresis with the drug hydrocortisone, ozokerite, and paraffin is used. Do not use medications if the disease worsens. In this situation, it is better to pay attention to therapeutic exercises.
Regular exercise therapy is effective. In the first days, the patient just gets used to the procedures and practices for at least 15 minutes. Then every day you need to increase the load, you can use special sports equipment - balls, balls, jump ropes, sticks. In the last days, exercises will be performed that will help consolidate the effect after the entire completed course of exercise therapy.
Diet during illness is of no small importance. It should be low calorie. If you eat everything, you will begin to gain extra calories, which will lead to excess weight. It is advised to give up fatty, sweet, fried, and salty foods.
If you have rheumatoid arthritis, you should not consume allergenic foods - honey, milk, eggs, citrus fruits. It is prohibited to abuse alcoholic beverages. It is recommended to include oatmeal, buckwheat porridge, fish, lean meats, and steamed fish in your diet. Food is often taken in small quantities.
In addition to traditional methods of treatment, it is recommended to pay attention to traditional treatment. You can do it at home, having all the necessary ingredients on hand.
It is useful to take an infusion with nettle leaves, birch, and violet every morning and evening. It’s easy to prepare: take a tablespoon of herbal mixture and brew it in a glass of boiling water. Leave for about 6 hours.
Red clover tincture should be used to constantly treat sore joints. Take 200 grams of red clover, pour 500 ml of vodka. Leave for about 10 days.
It is recommended to rub the following medicine into sore joints: take 50 grams of camphor, the same amount of mustard powder, and 100 ml of alcohol. At the end, egg white is added.
Melt and heat the paraffin, gently rub into the affected area. After this, wrap it in polyethylene and a warm scarf. The procedure is carried out before bedtime.
In this way, only complex therapy will help you improve your condition with rheumatoid arthritis.
The prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis reaches 0.5–2% of the population in developed countries, and the reduction in life expectancy of patients with this disease compared to the general population is 3–7 years. This causes enormous damage to society due to the possible onset of early disability of patients (in the first 5 years of the disease) in the absence of timely therapy.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic disease of connective tissue of a chronic nature, in which multiple erosive and destructive lesions of the joints occur, such as polyarthritis. In rheumatoid arthritis, the synovial membranes of the joints (mainly small ones) are affected. The disease is autoimmune in nature - in this case, immune cells-lymphocytes perceive their own joint cells as foreign. In this article we will talk about rheumatoid arthritis, symptoms and treatment of this disease.
The etiology of rheumatoid arthritis is not fully understood. However, studies have shown that hereditary predisposition plays a major role in its occurrence. Considering that with rheumatoid arthritis, a general blood test shows an increase in ESR and the number of leukocytes, the process is infectious in nature.
According to many scientists, the disease occurs due to the entry into the body of infectious agents that disrupt the functioning of the immune system and form immune complexes with antibodies or viruses in individuals who have a genetic predisposition to this. These immune complexes are deposited in the joint area, causing joint damage. Rheumatoid arthritis in most cases leads to disability of patients, and sometimes can even cause death (if infectious complications and renal failure occur).
Respiratory diseases (including influenza and tonsillitis) in 40% of cases precede an exacerbation of rheumatoid arthritis and are its provocateurs. Sometimes the appearance of inflammation is preceded by injury, general hypothermia, hormonal changes, heavy physical activity, stress (dismissal from work, health problems, divorce, death of loved ones), overwork, and other adverse environmental factors.
Rheumatoid arthritis has distinct individual symptoms that prevent it from being confused with other diseases:
As the disease progresses, inflammation affects more and more joints. The more joints are involved in the inflammatory process, the more severe the stage of the disease. Particularly troublesome is caused by the inflammatory process in large joints, in which the feeling of discomfort is manifested by particular stiffness and the inability to carry out active full movements.
Over time, patients may develop a Baker's cyst - a formation in the knee joint caused by the accumulation of excess fluid in the joint capsule, which causes it to stretch.
Rheumatoid arthritis can manifest itself with other, additional symptoms, such as:
There are different options for the clinical course of rheumatoid arthritis, among which are:
Rheumatoid arthritis has two phases. Remission is a period of relative well-being when the symptoms of the disease become less pronounced or disappear completely. On the contrary, during an exacerbation, not only signs of joint inflammation appear, but also general reactions.
Exacerbation of rheumatoid arthritis is manifested by the following symptoms:
It is important to recognize an exacerbation of arthritis as early as possible, since during this period all the patient’s organs suffer. Special treatment is required to relieve all symptoms and return the disease to remission.
Making a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis is quite difficult, since the symptoms of various joint diseases can be similar to each other. To confirm or refute the presence of this disease, laboratory and instrumental diagnostic methods are used.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease of the entire body, not just a few joints. Therefore, signs of an inflammatory process can be found in the blood:
In some cases, there may be a decrease in the number of red blood cells (less than 3.7 * 10 12 / l - in women; less than 4.5 * 10 12 / l - in men) and hemoglobin (less than 120 g / l). These signs often indicate severe arthritis or an exacerbation of the disease.
Biochemical analysis of venous blood can also indicate the presence of arthritis. The amount of C-reactive protein (abbreviated as CRP) increases significantly with this disease, rising above 10-15 mg/l.
The most specific method of laboratory diagnostics. It allows you to assess not just the presence of inflammation, but also confirm its autoimmune nature (when the patient’s antibodies attack his own cells). Normally, rheumatoid factor is not found in the blood, or its minimal concentrations are detected (up to 10 U/l). With arthritis, this figure increases several times.
To this day, the method has not lost its significance. This is a cheap and fairly accurate way to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis. Changes in the image can be seen within 1-3 months after the onset of the disease. The earliest radiological symptom is osteoporosis (decreased calcium concentration) of the bones that form the joint.
As arthritis progresses, new signs of the disease appear on the x-ray:
It is important to carry out repeated x-rays at different stages of treatment, which will allow one to assess the dynamic condition of the joints and the adequacy of the therapy.
This is a way to study bone density. Currently, densitometry is carried out using ultrasound, which makes the method completely safe and quite accurate. The study helps to identify the initial signs of rheumatoid arthritis, at the stage of development of osteoporosis.
Other tests such as arthroscopy, biopsy and scintigraphy are rarely used to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis. They allow you to determine the presence of damage in the joint, but such specific signs as with radiography cannot be detected.
Rheumatoid arthritis is difficult to treat and is often almost impossible to cure. The disease lasts throughout life, accompanied by periodic exacerbations, which are followed by periods of remission. Treatment of the disease is based on pain relief, inhibition of disease progression and restoration of joint function through surgery. The earlier a disease is detected, the greater the chance of reducing the harm it causes.
To treat rheumatoid arthritis, 4 main groups of medications are needed:
NSAIDs (diclofenac, ibuprofen, nimesil, movalis, indomethacin, list of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) have an anti-inflammatory effect; these drugs inhibit the activity of the enzyme that causes the destruction of articular cartilage, reduce signs of inflammation and reduce joint pain. NSAIDs must be prescribed with caution; with long-term use and the combined use of several drugs in this group, the risk of side effects increases significantly.
Basic drugs for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (sulfasalazine, methotrexate, aminoquinoline drugs, leflunomide, azathioprine, cyclophosphamide, cyclosporine, Remicade, timodipressin, etc.) in combination with hormones help reduce the activity of rheumatoid arthritis. Treatment with basic drugs is prescribed for a period of no more than 6 months. In total, there are five groups of basic drugs for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis: gold drugs, cytostatics, antimalarial drugs, sulfonamides and D-penicillamine.
Glucocorticosteroids (hormonal drugs) (prednisolone, dexamethasone, methylprednisolone, triamcinolol) are prescribed both in the presence of systemic manifestations of the disease and in their absence. Today, in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, treatment is practiced with both small and large doses of hormones (pulse therapy). Corticosteroids are excellent for pain relief.
Biological drugs (halofuginone, etanercept, Humira, Actemra, rituximab, Orencia) have a protein base and are developed through genetic engineering. Their main purpose is also to suppress inflammation due to their effect on special components of the human immune system.
The latest generation of drugs against rheumatoid arthritis are drugs that selectively reduce the activity of inflammatory substances in the body: interleukins, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and others. They have proven their effectiveness not only in pharmacological trials, but also in real clinical practice. Another advantage is the rare occurrence of adverse reactions.
The main representatives of this group of drugs:
Why are these drugs not widely used? It's a matter of price. The cost of 20 ml of the drug, on average, is 45,000-50,000 thousand rubles. Not every hospital or patient can afford this.
The severity of the inflammatory process in rheumatoid arthritis can be controlled not only with medications. For this purpose, physiotherapy is used, which, in addition to the anti-inflammatory effect, stimulates blood circulation in the affected joints. Good blood flow contributes to the gradual restoration of cartilage and normalization of the production of intra-articular fluid (synovium).
The following methods are highly effective:
In addition to classical physiotherapy, traditional methods of treatment can be used to treat rheumatoid arthritis: warm compresses, trips to the bathhouse with “steaming” the joint area, poultices.
It should be noted that physiotherapy does not replace drug treatment, but only complements it. Otherwise, rheumatoid arthritis will steadily progress and lead to damage and curvature of the joints.
In the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, lifestyle correction is of great importance. It is necessary to find a balance between the load on the joints and their rest. Let's explain with an example.
If the patient works in production and is forced to carry heavy objects every day or are in the same position (welders, assemblers and other professions), excessive stress will be placed on the joints, which contributes to their destruction.
The opposite situation is that a patient with rheumatoid arthritis works as an office worker who does not exercise. His joints receive virtually no stress, which is why little blood flows to them, fewer anti-inflammatory substances are produced, and they are more quickly damaged by the disease.
Currently, the help of surgeons in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis is resorted to only in cases of severe joint deformities. Most often, the following options are observed:
In addition to the hand, the joints of the foot and knee may also be affected. If they are so altered that the patient cannot take care of himself normally, he is offered prompt correction of the defect. Surgeons can replace the entire joint, reconstruct the affected part, or realign the bones without the use of foreign bodies.
The most dangerous phase of rheumatoid arthritis is an exacerbation. At this time, the symptoms of the disease manifest themselves most strongly (pain, fever, swelling and redness of the joints, etc.), and the joints are damaged much more intensely than during remission.
During an exacerbation, doctors use a special treatment regimen that can quickly stop rheumatic inflammation:
The doctor must inform the patient about the prognosis, course and nature of his disease, the treatment monitoring scheme, the duration and complexity of therapy, as well as unwanted side effects of drugs and their combination with other drugs. Also that during treatment, exacerbation of chronic infections is possible, and immunosuppressive drugs should be temporarily discontinued. Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis is prescribed by an experienced rheumatologist and periodic monitoring of both disease activity and response to treatment is assessed.
Is it possible to replace conventional therapy (medicines and physical procedures) with traditional methods of treatment?
Definitely not. Traditional methods such as warm compresses, poultices or bath procedures can complement drug treatment. But without it they will not have a significant effect.
What are the first signs of rheumatoid arthritis? How to recognize it at the earliest stages?
Typically, the first symptom is morning stiffness, which gradually improves throughout the day. In 80% of cases, patients complain of stiffness in the joints of the fingers and hand. To distinguish rheumatoid arthritis from other diseases, you should consult a doctor who will examine you and prescribe the necessary diagnostics.
What is the best way to take medications - inject them into the joint, use ointments or tablets orally?
Modern research has proven that intra-articular administration of drugs for rheumatoid arthritis has a negative effect, as it often damages the joint with a needle. Most drugs are prescribed orally (tablets orally), since it is necessary to reduce inflammatory processes throughout the body, and not just in one/several joints.
Reactive and rheumatoid arthritis - are there any differences?
Yes, definitely. Reactive arthritis is an inflammation of the joints that occurs after an infection (intestinal, respiratory system, etc.). It can be cured with adequate therapy. Rheumatoid arthritis is not caused by microbes and cannot be cured, only slowing down the progression of the disease.
Can reactive arthritis turn into rheumatoid arthritis?
No - these are two completely different diseases, despite similar treatment. However, patients who have had reactive arthritis develop rheumatoid arthritis more often. This is due to the peculiarity of the immunity of such people, which is prone to “mistakes” and cause autoimmune inflammation.
Is it possible to refuse basic drugs (cytostatics) due to their strong side effects on the immune system?
No, since it is cytostatics that inhibit the disease as much as possible, limiting damage to joints and internal organs. In case of severe side effects, you should contact your doctor, who will adjust the treatment (but will not note it).
How is arthrosis different from rheumatoid arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory disease. The affected joints are sore/stiff early in the day and the skin overlying it is often red or swollen. There are general symptoms such as weakness, fever, decreased appetite, etc. With arthrosis, most often only one joint is damaged. The main symptom of the disease is pain at the end of the day, which intensifies after exercise. Treatment of arthrosis and arthritis also has significant differences.
With this disease, mainly small joints are affected - arthritis develops, leading to persistent deformation of the joints and disruption of their function. Most often, this disease begins at the age of 35-50 years. Research in recent years suggests a genetic predisposition to rheumatoid arthritis.
The causes of rheumatoid arthritis are still unknown. It is known that the basis of pathological changes is autoimmune damage to the connective tissue of the joint lining. However, what triggers the immune response remains unclear.
The most characteristic manifestation is polyarthritis, i.e. inflammation of several joints at once. As a rule, symmetrical bilateral damage to the joints of one or more groups develops - the joints of the hands, feet, wrists, knees, and intervertebral joints of the neck are involved. Pain on palpation, swelling, stiffness, and increased skin temperature over the joint are noted. Stiffness in joint movements is often observed, especially pronounced after prolonged rest. Morning stiffness for more than 1 hour almost always indicates arthritis. The disease is characterized by an undulating course with periods of exacerbation and remission. As it progresses, joint deformities develop, associated with partial destruction of articular cartilage, stretching of the tendons and joint capsule.
In most patients, rheumatoid arthritis begins gradually, manifesting itself with fatigue, weakness, decreased appetite, weight loss and other nonspecific symptoms.
If rheumatoid arthritis is suspected, the doctor conducts a detailed questioning and examination of the patient, after which he prescribes additional research methods, such as a general and biochemical blood test, determination of the content of rheumatoid factor in the blood, radiography of the affected joints, etc. With rheumatoid arthritis, signs of inflammation are detected in the blood and increased levels of rheumatoid factor.
Unfortunately, an average of 9 months passes from the onset of the disease to diagnosis. The reason for such a delay is often the nonspecificity of the early manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis.
Many patients do not pay attention to the changes in the joints for a long time, considering them to be normal age-related processes associated with aging. This position is erroneous. If these symptoms appear, you should contact your GP as soon as possible. A rheumatologist treats patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
Rheumatoid arthritis cannot be completely cured. Modern treatment methods are aimed at reducing inflammation, pain relief, improving and maintaining joint function and preventing disability in patients. Relief of inflammation and pain relief in the acute period is achieved by using various anti-inflammatory drugs. Basic therapy includes immunosuppressants and cytotoxic drugs, which can help the patient go into remission, slow down the progression of the disease and joint destruction. Surgical treatment is used if it is necessary to correct severe joint deformities. Optimal treatment includes not only drug therapy, but also exercise therapy, lifestyle changes and other measures.