What is Rheumatism? How to Relieve Its Pain?

It is a chronic disease with different types that causes inflammation in the connective tissue or joints. The question "What is it?" is frequently researched by many people who experience long-term pain, swelling, and limited mobility. These symptoms cause discomfort in the body. In this article, we discuss the symptoms, types, diagnosis, and treatment process of joint rheumatism. We also answer questions such as what is good for joint rheumatism.

It is a chronic disease with different types that causes inflammation in the connective tissue or joints. The question “What is it?” is frequently researched by many people who experience symptoms such as long-term pain, swelling, and limited mobility in the body.

In this article, we address the symptoms, types, diagnosis, and treatment process of joint rheumatism. We also answer questions such as what is good for joint rheumatism.

Although the symptoms vary depending on the type and severity of the disease, the most common symptoms are:

• Pain, swelling, and warmth in the joints
• Morning stiffness, especially in the early hours
• Restricted joint movement
• Muscle weakness
• Deformity
• Increased heat in the joint
• Fatigue and tiredness
• A sensation of pain in the joint
• Chronic fatigue

Rheumatic symptoms in the legs and inflammatory rheumatism symptoms in the lower back significantly affect daily quality of life. Rheumatism symptoms in the knees and inflammatory rheumatism symptoms in the legs make movements such as climbing stairs and squatting more difficult.

It is associated with genetic and environmental factors. Inflammation, which falls under the category of autoimmune diseases, occurs when the immune system perceives body tissues as foreign. Genetic factors, viral infections, smoking, stress, obesity, and environmental influences play a significant role in the development of the disease.

Although it is difficult to give a definitive answer to the question “What causes rheumatic diseases?”, there are some risk factors:

• Genetic factors (family history)
• The effect of environmental factors
• Malfunction of the immune system
• Viral or bacterial infections
• Hormonal changes
• Stress and psychological factors
• Improper functioning of the autoimmune system
• History of infections
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Excessive stress
• Cold and humid climate conditions

Especially in individuals with autoimmune diseases, the immune system may attack its own tissues, initiating an inflammatory process. During this process, joint inflammation becomes inevitable.

There are many types. The most common among them are:

• Inflammatory Rheumatism Rheumatoid Arthritis: It is an inflammatory disease. It manifests with pain, swelling, warmth, and stiffness in the joints.
• Osteoarthritis: It occurs due to the wear of joint cartilage. It generally increases with age. Symptoms of osteoarthritis are understood by pain during movement and crepitation (joint noise).
• Ankylosing Spondylitis: It progresses with stiffness and pain in the spine and hip joints.
• Lupus: It is an autoimmune rheumatic disease with systemic effects.
• Neural Rheumatism: It arises from conditions that press on nerve endings in the musculoskeletal system.
• Childhood Rheumatism: There are also rheumatic diseases that start in childhood due to malfunction of the immune system.
• Gout Disease: It is triggered by the accumulation of uric acid.

Which of these types is the most serious is often wondered: The answer to “Which is the most dangerous rheumatism?” is usually systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or rheumatoid arthritis, as they can also affect internal organs.

A multidisciplinary approach is essential in treatment. Here are practices that help relieve pain:

1. Medication Treatments

• Inflammatory rheumatism drugs: Steroids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and DMARDs (disease-modifying drugs) are commonly used.

• Rheumatism injection: Cortisone-containing injections may be preferred during periods of intensified pain.

• Another medication treatment is biological agents; these drugs help regulate the immune system.

2. Physical Therapy and Exercise

• Special exercises that strengthen muscles and increase joint mobility are applied.

• Exercise helps maintain joint movement.

3. Nutrition and Supplements

• Omega-3 fatty acids may reduce inflammation.

• Foods that are not good for rheumatism include processed foods, excessive salt, and refined sugar.

• Lifestyle changes include balanced nutrition, regular sleep, and stress management.

4. Psychological Support

• Chronic pain can cause depression and anxiety in individuals. Therefore, psychological support should not be neglected.

The answer to what helps with inflammation varies according to the type and severity of the disease. However, generally:

• Anti-inflammatory drugs
• Physical therapy applications
• Exercise and movement therapies
• A diet rich in antioxidants
• Surgical intervention if necessary
• Vitamin D and calcium supplements are beneficial.

The question of how to diagnose rheumatism is also important here. Rheumatism diagnosis is generally made by listening to complaints, physical examination, and blood tests.

Blood tests include CRP, ESR, and RF. Additionally, imaging methods such as X-ray and MRI are used.

It is generally determined through clinical examination, laboratory tests, and imaging methods. Especially in the following situations, one should consult a doctor without delay:

• If joint pain persists for a long time
• If there is a limitation in movement
• If there is morning stiffness in the joints
• If there is a family history

Which department should I follow?

Answer: Rheumatic diseases are usually followed by three departments.

These departments are:

• Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation
• Internal Medicine
• Rheumatology

Specialized expertise is required for the diagnosis and treatment of rheumatic diseases. So, which department treats it? In this case:

• Rheumatology specialists are responsible for the diagnosis and treatment of rheumatic diseases.
• Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation physicians provide support in pain relief and maintaining joint mobility.
• In some cases, Orthopedics or Internal Medicine specialists may also be involved in the process.

The question of how to relieve pain is one of the most frequently asked by patients. Here are effective methods:

1. Medication Treatment

Medications include painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), immune-suppressing drugs, and biological agents. Especially anti-inflammatory drugs can alter the course of the disease.

2. Physical Therapy and Exercise

Regular exercise is recommended to maintain joint mobility and reduce pain. Programs created by physical therapy specialists help control pain.

3. Lifestyle Changes

Many lifestyle changes, from nutrition to sleep patterns, reducing stress to physical activity, have a positive effect. Lifestyle changes provide noticeable relief, especially in inflammatory types.

4. Nutritional Support

When asked what is good for rheumatic diseases, healthy eating is among the first things that come to mind. Omega-3 fatty acids, turmeric, green vegetables, and foods rich in antioxidants are beneficial. On the other hand, processed meats, white sugar, and refined carbohydrates are among the foods that do not help inflammatory rheumatism.

As A Life Healthcare Group, we offer a multidisciplinary approach in the diagnosis and treatment of rheumatic diseases. Our Rheumatology, Physical Therapy, Nutrition Counseling, and Psychological Support units work in coordination to prepare individualized treatment plans for our patients. Additionally, with modern imaging methods and up-to-date treatment protocols, we can achieve effective results in a short time.