Doctors named an interesting treatment for rheumatoid arthritis

The human immune system is an essential part of the body, as it is the immune system that helps to recognize and fight viruses and bacteria throughout life. Sometimes there are problems with the defense forces and they attack their own healthy cells and tissues instead of "aliens". In such cases, autoimmune diseases develop. One of these is rheumatoid arthritis, an illness that causes chronic inflammation, pain, and restriction in the joints.

In its early stages, the disease can be difficult to recognize, and there is no cure for it today. OBOZREVATEL analyzed the available information and told how not to miss arthritis and what will help to alleviate its symptoms.

What complicates the diagnosis is that the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis develop over a long period of time, and may appear and disappear suddenly. According to Mayo Clinic specialists, in the initial stages, people complain of swelling and fever in the small joints of the fingers and toes, impaired mobility in the morning and after inactivity, fatigue and loss of appetite.

Because the immune system attacks a variety of healthy cells, some may have complaints unrelated to their joints. For example, about 40% of patients with rheumatoid arthritis experience problems with the skin, eyes, lungs, heart, kidneys, bone marrow, and blood vessels. Over time, the progression of the disease can lead to deformities and dislocations of the joints.

To date, doctors have no unequivocal answer about the causes that cause the development of the disease. However, among the possible factors that increase the risk of its occurrence are called:

gender: women get rheumatoid arthritis more often than men;

age: although the disease can develop at any age, but most often begins in middle age;

family history: the risk of the disease increases if your family has already had cases of it;

smoking: the bad habit increases the risk of arthritis and complicates its course;

overweight: people who are overweight are slightly more likely to have rheumatoid arthritis.

Unfortunately, it is impossible to cure the disease completely, but early diagnosis increases the chances of stopping its rapid development and alleviating its manifestations. Therapy will always be aimed at stopping the inflammatory process, preventing the destruction of joints and organs, and minimizing long-term complications.

Despite the difficult course, doctors advise not to despair and help yourself to fight the disease. For example, Healthline told about the achievement of occupational therapy. One of the newest and progressive methods of treatment of rheumatoid arthritis can be occupational therapy.

If the development of the disease affects the functioning of daily life, the occupational therapist will help you to adapt and improve your activities, taking into account the individual characteristics and manifestations of the disease. For example, the specialist may recommend regular, simple daily exercises that include housework, cooking, dressing or bathing, developing certain hobbies, etc. How can this help you?

After a personal conversation and determination of your arthritis degree, the occupational therapist will teach you ways to reduce joint pain, advise you to avoid prolonged immobility, and teach you exercises to help build muscle mass and strength. Also in the process of treatment, you will learn which activities are best avoided and which, on the contrary, will be beneficial. For example, swimming or walking will help with pain and stiffness in the knees and feet.

If the disease has progressed, occupational therapists will advise you to choose assistive devices to relieve your condition. These may include instruments that act on injured joints with heat or cold to soothe or relax them, compression sleeves for support, and special equipment for descending or ascending. In addition, if necessary, you will be able to consult with specialists on maintaining a proper work and rest routine, as well as fine-tuning your emotional state.

Of course, occupational therapy cannot cure a damaged joint and return it to its former skill, but doing certain activities under the supervision of a specialist will give you confidence and help you perform daily activities independently without compromising your health.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an unpleasant and incurable disease that can affect anyone. If you notice alarming symptoms, do not hesitate to go to the doctor and confidently start treatment. Timely diagnosis, a positive attitude and the help of specialists will help to delay the progression of the disease, to relieve its manifestations and give confidence in the future.

Previously OBOZREVATEL told about the unexpected effects of intestinal bacteria. Experts say that gut dysbacteriosis can cause inflammation of the skin and joints.

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