This guide is based on the expert advice of rheumatologists. In simple and clear language, you will learn how to maintain healthy joints, understand the causes of joint and knee pain, and discover everything you need to know about arthritis - especially rheumatoid arthritis. Let’s explore these conditions together!
What are Rheumatological Diseases?
Rheumatological diseases are a broad group of diseases that affect our joints, muscles, and bones. Arthritis is one of these diseases. They can be caused by autoimmune processes, where our body fights against itself, or simply by wear and tear.
The most common rheumatological problems:
- Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): A chronic autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and damage to the joints.
- Osteoarthritis (OA): What is osteoarthritis? It is the most common joint disease. It is characterized by the wear and tear of the articular cartilage due to aging or trauma.
- Lupus: A complex autoimmune disease that can affect many organs, in which the body attacks its own tissues.
- Gout: Inflammation caused by uric acid crystals in a joint, usually beginning with a sharp pain in the big toe.
- Psoriatic Arthritis: A type of arthritis associated with the skin disease psoriasis.
Causes of Joint Pain and Knee Pain
Why do our joints hurt? The causes of joint pain are generally divided into three main groups: inflammation, injury, or simple “wear and tear.” Knee pain, in particular, is one of the most common problems affecting our daily lives.
- Inflammation: Joint inflammation caused by autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.
- Cartilage Wear: The development of osteoarthritis (cartilage damage) due to aging, trauma, or excess weight.
- Injuries: Previous injuries to the joints or repetitive overuse.
- Excess Weight: Excess body weight significantly increases the load on the weight-bearing joints (knees, hips).
- Physical Inactivity: Decreased muscle strength and support.
Arthritis and Rheumatoid Symptoms and Arthritis Diagnosis
Early detection of symptoms of arthritis or rheumatoid arthritis is crucial to prevent serious damage to the joints.
Pay attention to the main signals your body is giving you:
- Morning Stiffness: When your joints, especially in the hands and feet, remain stiff for more than an hour after waking, it may be an early sign of rheumatoid arthritis.
- Pain and Swelling: Warmth, swelling, and pain in multiple joints, often appearing symmetrically (for example, in the fingers of both hands).
- Excessive Fatigue: Persistent tiredness and weakness, often experienced during the active phase of the disease.
- Diagnosis: Rheumatologists use a combination of physical examinations, blood tests (such as ESR and CRP to assess inflammation), and specific autoantibodies (like rheumatoid factor), as well as imaging methods including X-rays and ultrasound, to establish a diagnosis.
Treatment and Medication Recommendations
Arthritis treatment varies depending on the type and severity of the disease. The main goals of treatment are to reduce inflammation, manage pain, and preserve joint function.
- DMARDs (Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs): The main group of medications used in autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis to stop joint damage.
- Pain Relievers and Anti-Inflammatory Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are prescribed to reduce pain and inflammation.
- Corticosteroids: Used short-term to quickly reduce severe inflammation.
- Topical Creams: Ointments applied to the affected area can help relieve local pain.
Physiotherapy, Ways to Maintain Joint Health
Rheumatologists strongly recommend lifestyle changes alongside medication, because protecting your joints is in your hands!
- Movement: Low-impact activities such as swimming, walking, and yoga can strengthen your joints and reduce stiffness. Physiotherapy helps restore joint range of motion. For a more comprehensive evaluation, you may consider a check-up package with a musculoskeletal motion panel.
- Healthy Weight: Maintaining an optimal weight significantly reduces stress on your knees and hips.
- Anti-Inflammatory Nutrition: Avoid foods that increase inflammation, such as sugar and alcohol. Instead, include antioxidant-rich foods in your diet.
- Quit Smoking: Smoking is a major factor that increases both the risk and severity of rheumatoid arthritis.
Remember: If you experience persistent joint pain or symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, do not attempt to self-treat. It is essential to consult a rheumatologist for an accurate diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan.