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. Rheumatic disease is a general term used to describe a variety of conditions that affect the motor system and its associated tissues, such as muscles, joints, tendons and ligaments. This term includes a variety of diseases such as arthritis, myositis, connective tissue diseases, tendonitis, and others. Rheumatic conditions are usually characterized by pain and swelling in the joints, difficulty in movement, and may be accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, fatigue, and general weakness. Rheumatism can be caused by various causes, including rheumatoid arthritis, which is considered a chronic disease that can affect the quality of life of individuals.
Symptoms
. Symptoms of rheumatism can vary greatly depending on the type and severity of the disease, but among the common symptoms that may appear in cases of rheumatism are:
1 Joint pain:
Pain can include swelling and redness in the affected joints, and the pain may worsen during movement.
2 Difficulty moving:
A person may have difficulty moving, bending, or extending in the affected joints.
3 Morning stiffness:
Some people feel difficulty moving early in the morning due to joint stiffness, which is common in many cases of arthritis.
4 Redness and swelling:
Affected joints may be red and swollen as a result of inflammation.
5 General weakness and fatigue:
A person with rheumatism may feel general fatigue and weakness, and the disease may cause a reduction in his ability to fully perform daily activities.
6 Fever:
Fever may appear in some severe cases of rheumatoid arthritis.
. You should consult a doctor if these symptoms appear regularly, as rheumatism can be diagnosed and the appropriate treatment determined by a specialized medical team.
When do you visit the doctor?
. A person should see a doctor if they experience symptoms such as joint pain, swelling, and difficulty moving, especially if these symptoms persist for a long time or if they worsen over time. It's also a good idea to see a doctor if there are symptoms such as fever, extreme fatigue, or any signs of severe inflammation.
. Furthermore, if you have a family history of rheumatism or if you have chronic conditions such as diabetes or heart disease, periodic follow-ups with a doctor may be needed to evaluate your general health and evaluate your potential risk of developing rheumatism.
. It is very important that you seek medical help if you feel any sign of a health problem, as a doctor can provide the correct evaluation, diagnosis, and appropriate treatment.
the reasons
. The causes of rheumatism vary according to its types, and among the common causes are:
1 Rheumatoid arthritis:
Rheumatoid arthritis is one of the main causes of rheumatism, and is characterized by joint damage as a result of an autoimmune reaction where the immune system attacks the body's healthy cells.
2 Degenerative arthritis:
occurs as a result of gradual wear and tear of the joint due to aging, previous injury, or incorrect use of the joint.
3 Connective tissue diseases:
such as lupus erythematosus, multiple sclerosis, vasculitis, and others, where vasculitis affects the blood vessels and surrounding tissues.
4 Myositis:
such as fibromyalgia and severe disseminated polymyositis.
5 Inflammation of tendons and ligaments:
may occur due to excessive stress or sports injuries.
6 Genetic factors:
Genetic factors play an important role in some cases of rheumatism, as a family history of the disease plays a role in increasing the risk of infection.
7 Environmental factors:
such as exposure to smoking, exposure to harmful environmental factors, and climate changes may increase the probability of developing rheumatic diseases.
. Understanding what leads to rheumatism can help guide treatment and manage symptoms effectively.
Risk factors
. There are several factors that may increase the possibility of developing rheumatism. Among these factors:
1 Genetic factors:
Having a family history of rheumatism increases the risk of developing it.
2 Gender:
Women generally have a greater risk of developing rheumatism than men.
3 Age:
Aging increases the risk of developing rheumatism, especially for people over the age of fifty.
4 Smoking:
Smoking is an important risk factor for several rheumatic diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis.
5 Exposure to harmful environmental factors:
such as occupational exposure to harmful chemicals can increase the likelihood of developing some types of rheumatism.
6 Obesity:
Excess weight puts pressure on the joints, which increases the risk of rheumatic diseases.
7 Previous joint injuries:
Joint injuries may increase the likelihood of developing rheumatic problems in the future.
. Understanding these risk factors can help take appropriate preventative measures and reduce your risk of developing rheumatic disease.
The treatment
. Treatment for rheumatism depends on the type and severity of the disease, and can include a variety of treatments aimed at relieving symptoms and slowing the progression of the disease. Among the common treatments:
1 Drug treatment:
. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): such as ibuprofen and naproxen to relieve pain and swelling.
. Steroids: such as cortisone to reduce inflammation and relieve symptoms.
. Immunosuppressive medications: such as methotrexate and sulfasalazine to reduce the immune response and reduce inflammation in cases of rheumatoid arthritis.
. Tumor necrosis factor alpha inhibitors (TNF-alpha inhibitors): such as adalimumab and etanercept to control severe rheumatoid arthritis.
2 Physical and rehabilitation therapy:
. Physical therapy and rehabilitation sessions to strengthen the muscles surrounding the affected joints, improve range of motion, and reduce pain.
. Use assistive devices such as walkers or crutches to relieve pressure on affected joints.
3 Lifestyle changes:
. A balanced diet helps manage weight and reduce inflammation.
. Exercise regularly to improve muscle strength and flexibility and support joints.
. Reducing stress and psychological pressure through relaxation and meditation techniques.
4 Surgery:
. In some severe cases that do not respond to medication or physical therapy, surgery may be necessary to repair or replace the affected joints.
. Treatment options vary based on each individual's condition, and a specialist doctor must be consulted to develop an appropriate and effective treatment plan.