Rheumatoid arthritis – causes, risk factors, symptoms. How to Treat Rheumatoid Arthritis?

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Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disease with progressive deformities and stiffening. Due to the fact that the disease process covers the connective tissue of the whole organism, it is also referred to as rheumatoid disease and belongs to the so-called collagen

Rheumatoid arthritis – what is this disease?

Rheumatoid arthritis or RA is an autoimmune and inflammatory disease, which means that the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells in the body, causing inflammation (painful swelling) in the affected parts of the body.

Rheumatoid arthritis mainly affects the joints, usually many joints at once. RA often affects the joints of the hands, wrists and knees. In an RA joint, the lining of the joint becomes inflamed, causing damage to the joint tissue. Tissue damage can cause long-term or chronic pain, instability (imbalance), and deformity (deformity). Rheumatoid arthritis can also affect other tissues throughout the body and cause problems in organs such as the lungs, heart, and eyes.

Read: Is shooting dice in your fingers really dangerous to your health?

Rheumatoid arthritis – epidemiology

Rheumatoid arthritis is worldwide with an estimated incidence of 1 to 2%. The incidence increases with age, approaching 5% in women over 55 years of age. Both the incidence and incidence of rheumatoid arthritis are two to three times higher in women than in men.

Although rheumatoid arthritis can appear at any age, rheumatoid arthritis patients most often develop the disease in the third to sixth decade of life.

1. Use YANGO glucosamine sulfate, which supports the regeneration of joints even in degenerative diseases.

See: What are the causes of toe pain?

Rheumatoid arthritis – causes

Rheumatoid arthritis, like all autoimmune diseases, is caused by a malfunction of the immune system. Normally, the body produces defense proteins (called antibodies) which are ‘programmed’ to attack a specific pathogen (called a pathogen).

For unknown reasons, the body sometimes produces autoantibodies that confuse normal cells and tissues with pathogens. Depending on the disorder, the autoimmune response can be generalized (multi-organ affects) or specific (preferably one or more organ systems).

In rheumatoid arthritis, the joints are specially attacked, suggesting that some of the immune system “mis-programs” antibodies in a very specific way. System variants are believed to be at the center of this anomaly human leukocyte antigen (HLA), the genetic site that controls the immune response.

You can reduce the pain caused by inflammation of the joints by drinking Ecological Sea Buckthorn Juice. In turn, the inflammation itself can be eliminated by supplementing with Chondroitin Sulfate, which you can buy at Medonet Market.

Rheumatoid arthritis – risk factors

Scientists examined a number of genetic and environmental factors to determine which of them increased the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis.

Risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing RA:

1. Age – RA can start at any age, but the likelihood increases with age. The onset of RA is highest among adults in their XNUMXs,
2. gender – the disease most often occurs in women than in men,
3. genetic factors – people born with certain genes are more likely to develop RA. These genes, called HLA (human leukocyte antigen) class II genotypes, can also make arthritis worse. The risk of RA may be highest when people with these genes are exposed to environmental factors such as smoking or when the person is obese.
4. smoking – according to studies, smoking increases the risk of developing RA and may worsen the disease,
5. fertility – women who have never given birth may be more likely to develop RA
6. obesity – obesity may increase the risk of developing RA. Research on the role of obesity has also shown that the more overweight you are, the greater your risk of developing RA.

Factors reducing the likelihood of falling ill:

Unlike the risk factors above, which may increase your risk of developing RA, one or more features may reduce your risk of developing RA.

1. Breastfeeding – Women who have breastfed their infants have a reduced risk of developing RA.

Prophylactically and supportively, it is worth using ON JOINTS – a herbal kit that you can buy at Medonet Market. The set includes: HAKOROŚL gel + Ginger + GLUCOSAMINE, Fix tea FOR JOINTS, capsules HEALTHY JOINTS WITH COLLAGEN.

Read: Breastfeeding is safe for women after breast cancer therapy

The disease progresses most rapidly in the first 6 years, especially in the first year. In 80% of people, within 10 years, permanent irregularities in the joints appear. The course of the disease is unpredictable for individuals.

Affected joints become tender, with erythema, swelling and limited movement. The following joints are most often affected by the disease:

1. wrist and index (2nd) and middle (3rd) metacarpophalangeal joint (most often affected),
2. arms,
3. elbows
4. hips,
5. knees,
6. proximal interphalangeal joints,
7. metatarsophalangeal joints.

The disease is characterized by periods of remission (no symptoms) and “relapses” (when symptoms cause problems). Sometimes there is an obvious cause for an exacerbation (e.g. physical or emotional stress, illness) but usually no obvious cause. Fatigue can be one of the most difficult symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis to treat.

As rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic condition (i.e. it can affect the entire body), symptoms may be similar to flu. The inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis can cause problems with other parts of the body, including:

1. blood vessels (vasculitis) and nerves
2. lungs, kidneys and heart,
3. skin, eyes and lips.

Anemia (lack of red blood cells) can also occur, which can often make you feel tired and generally feel unwell.

About a quarter of people with rheumatoid arthritis develop small, strong, mobile lumps called rheumatoid nodules under the skin. They usually appear under the skin around the joints and on the top of the arms and legs. Rarely, rheumatoid nodules may appear on the membranes of the tissues that cover the lungs and on the lining of the brain and spinal cord. Rheumatoid nodules usually don’t cause any problems and don’t usually require treatment.

About one in six people with rheumatoid arthritis will develop significant joint deformity as a result of damage to cartilage, bone, and supporting structures such as ligaments and tendons.

For severe pain and swelling caused by rheumatoid arthritis, we recommend Bay Leaf Ointment, which you can order today at Medonet Market. Other products for external use in pain relief include horse ointment or Reumatek Max ointment for muscles and joints. The Regenerating Goose Fat Balm, recommended for rheumatic ailments, is also very popular.

Rheumatoid arthritis – extra-articular symptoms

Subcutaneous rheumatoid nodules are usually not an early symptom, but eventually develop in up to 30% of patients. Visceral nodules (e.g., lung nodules), usually asymptomatic, occur in severe RA. Without biopsy, RA pulmonary nodules cannot be distinguished from other pulmonary nodules.

Other extra-articular symptoms include:

1. vasculitis causing leg ulcers or mononaryngitis
2. pleural or pericardial effusion,
3. pulmonary infiltrates or fibrosis, pericarditis, myocarditis,
4. enlargement of the lymph nodes,
5. Felty’s syndrome,
6. Sjögren’s syndrome,
7. episcleritis.

Involvement of the cervical spine may cause an axo-axial subluxation and compression of the spinal cord, and the subluxation may worsen as the neck lengthens. Importantly, the instability of the cervical spine is usually asymptomatic.

You can buy a high-quality dietary supplement for the joints at Medonet Market. Flex All Complete 400g from the Allnutrition brand has a natural composition that has anti-inflammatory properties, strengthens cartilage and reduces swelling. N ° 1 Active FLEX – a dietary supplement for joints you can now buy at an attractive price in packages of 90 capsules.

Good and quick diagnosis is necessary to select the appropriate treatment (the earlier the diagnosis, the greater the chance of withdrawal of RA). So if you have any of the following symptoms, don’t wait – see your doctor.

While waiting for a follow-up visit, rheumatoid pains can be soothed with a cooling gel. A good choice will be Mentholka extra gel with hemp oil, menthol and camphor, which have a soothing and regenerating effect.

Laboratory tests are aimed at recognizing the disease and controlling its course. We distinguish the following types of research:

1. ESR, CRP, blood counts: help to assess the activity of rheumatoid arthritis,
2. RF: the rheumatoid factor is present in about 80% of patients, but it can also be detected in people who suffer from other rheumatic diseases,
3. Anti-CCP: detectable only in the course of rheumatoid arthritis, they may occur even before the first symptoms of the disease. High levels of RF and anti-CCP suggest severe RA, with rapid joint destruction and the occurrence of extra-articular changes,
4. Other blood, urine or synovial fluid tests are performed to rule out other joint diseases and to monitor the work of e.g. kidneys and liver.

Do you want to get tested for inflammatory diseases of the joints? You can do this by ordering a mail-order diagnosis of spondyloarthritis.

Imaging tests in the diagnosis of RA

At the beginning of the development of rheumatoid arthritis, ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging is recommended, which can detect inflammatory changes before an X-ray. When a person is likely to have RA, they will be referred for x-rays of the feet and hands, or other affected joints.

In rheumatoid arthritis, soft tissues are often swollen, bone defects are often reduced, their density is reduced, and joints are deformed. With regard to the cervical spine, computed tomography is usually practiced.

The condition of the joints can be checked thanks to the blood test, which will facilitate diagnosis. It includes not only blood counts, but also Biernacki’s test and rheumatoid factor. The full rheumatological prophylaxis package – blood analysis is available on Medonet Market.

When pain occurs, it may be inevitable to resort to strong painkillers, the taking of which should be consulted with a doctor. Therapeutic baths in sulfur and radium waters have a beneficial effect on the ailments associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Make an appointment with an internist who will refer you for diagnostic tests and suggest the most effective forms of treatment.

Supportive in rheumatoid diseases can be used, for example, Lumbago – anti-rheumatic tea EKO, which contains herbs that favorably affect the bone and joint system. We also recommend For rheumatism and joint diseases – a herbal mixture available on Medonet Market at a promotional price. On the other hand, you can use Cryossil AZ directly on the skin – a regenerating gel around the joints that reduces swelling and relieves pain.

Pharmacology: medications, in addition to alleviating the symptoms of the disease, also inhibit the destruction of joints. Drugs should be started as early as possible to avoid unpleasant complications and changes in the joints. It should be remembered that the preparations will not cause us to suddenly get rid of the disease, usually their withdrawal causes a relapse.

In the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, the most common recommendations are: methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine, leflunomide, gold compounds, sulfasalazine, glucocorticosteroids, adalimumab, etanercept, golimumab, abatacept, infliximab, tocilizumab. The first effects of the treatment can be observed within 2-6 weeks. Painkillers are often used additionally – e.g. paracetmol.

Drug treatment can be successfully carried out without leaving home, because the e-Prescription can be obtained without going to the clinic. An online doctor may prescribe medications for the next 3 months of treatment during the consultation with the e-Prescription.

Non-pharmacological treatment: patients should have the support of their relatives and family during their illness. Rheumatoid arthritis often causes frustration and hopelessness from pain. You should rest and exercise a lot so that the mobility of the joints is greater, physical activity has a positive effect on the overall improvement of well-being as well as the stability and mobility of the joints.

It turns out that Chinese cupping can be helpful in treating arthritis. Try a set of glass Chinese fire bubbles available at an attractive price on Medonet Market.

Patients can, for example, ride a bike, swim or walk (this should be adjusted individually to the patient). Appropriate diet is also important in the treatment of RA, patients should avoid overweight or obesity, which automatically burden the joints and cause the development of atherosclerosis. Also, extreme malnutrition is not beneficial as it weakens the body and causes muscle wasting. Patients should regularly receive adequate amounts of vitamin D and calcium to avoid the development of osteoporosis.

For rheumatoid arthritis, make regular warm compresses to help reduce pain. Buy the selected size of compresses now:

1. FLEX Mini compress for cold and warm compresses,
2. FLEX Standard compress for cold and warm compresses,
3. FLEX Medium compress for cold and warm compresses,
4. FLEX Max compress for cold and warm compresses.

You can also try natural dietary supplements. Reach for the preparation with boswellia, which has anti-inflammatory properties and reduces pain. Its regular use helps to alleviate the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. If you suffer from joint pains, check the effects of Thermolka Cannaderm warming patches, which you can buy at Medonet Market.

Topical treatment of a specific joint:

1. puncture (administering anti-inflammatory drugs inside);
2. synovectomy: surgical, chemical – eliminates changes on mucous membranes;
3. corrective and reconstructive treatments improve the structure and function of deformed joints;
4. endoprosthesis: the damaged joint is replaced with a prosthesis;
5. arthrodesis: stiffening of the joint that relieves pain;
6. reducing the pressure of the carpal tunnel syndrome.

As a support for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, it is worth reaching for the VITAMMY Heat electric heating pillow, which you can buy at a promotional price at Medonet Market.

It also happens that, despite appropriate treatment, rheumatoid arthritis is aggravated. It should be remembered that the disease in some way limits the efficiency and shortens the life expectancy. RA cannot be prevented, which is why early detection of the disease is so important, the earlier RA is diagnosed, the greater the chance of its regression.

In the case of eyelashes, it is worth using natural Bioherba linseed oil with anti-inflammatory properties.

Remission of rheumatoid arthritis is very common in pregnant women, but symptoms begin to worsen again 3 months after delivery.

After the treatment is completed, you need to be constantly monitored and periodic examinations (ultrasound of the abdominal cavity, chest X-ray, mammography or gynecological examination). In addition to consulting a rheumatologist, patients should take part in rehabilitation and exercise at home.

Are you looking for a facility offering rehabilitation? Use the website cliniki.pl.

Rheumatoid arthritis – complications

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has many physical and social consequences, it can lower quality of life, causing pain, disability and premature death. Here are just some of the complications of rheumatoid arthritis:

1. premature heart disease People with RA are also more likely to develop other chronic conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. To prevent the development of heart disease in people with RA, RA treatment also focuses on reducing risk factors for heart disease. For example, doctors will advise RA patients to quit smoking and lose weight.
2. obesity People with RA who are obese have an increased risk of developing risk factors for heart disease such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Obesity also increases the risk of developing chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. Finally, people with RA who are obese experience less benefit from treatment compared with people with RA who are not obese.
3. professional exclusion – RA can make work difficult. Adults with RA are less likely to be employed than those who do not have RA. As the disease worsens, many people with RA leave their jobs. Job loss among people with RA is highest among those with physically demanding jobs. Job losses are lower among those who work with low physical requirements or where they have an impact on the pace of work and activities.

For daily care of bones, muscles and joints, use MSM YANGO – Organic Sulfur extracted from DMSO. The supplement strengthens the musculoskeletal system and accelerates regenerative processes.