How does rheumatoid arthritis get worse?

Every year in Spain people are diagnosed with 20,000 new cases of rheumatoid arthritis. A chronic disease of more than 200 known rheumatic and autoimmune diseases, such as gout, osteoarthritis or lumbago. First of all, this concerns them. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 70% of people suffering from it are womenand 55% are over 55 years of age.

It is characterized by inflammation throughout the body and usually joint pain. If left untreated, rheumatoid arthritis can seriously damage joints and surrounding tissue and cause problems with the heart, lungs, and nervous system.

However, despite its complications and relative prevalence, diagnosis is usually delayed. This is partly because people often don’t associate certain symptoms with the possibility of having rheumatic disease.

Initial symptoms

The cause is unknown, and treatment today relieves symptoms but does not lead to a permanent cure.

This happens because the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells in the body, causing inflammation in the affected parts. Unlike osteoarthritis, which affects cartilage, rheumatoid arthritis affects the lining of the joints—the areas where two or more bones meet—which can lead to erosion and bone deformation.

At first, smaller joints tend to be affected first, especially those that connect the fingers to the arms or legs, explains the Mayo Clinic. As the disease progresses, symptoms spread to wrists, knees, ankles and even elbows, hips and shoulders. Subsequently, it spreads to neighboring elements with changes in cartilage, ligaments, capsule and bone.

How does rheumatoid arthritis get worse?

The condition often appears feeling of stiffness in one or more joints, which is accompanied by pain when moving. It may also be experienced as swelling in these areas, which completely disappears after a few days or weeks. Then the discomfort returns in the same or other joints, and its intensity increases over time.

And rheumatoid arthritis is unpredictable disease in his behavior. “One day your joints feel pretty good. The next day, the swelling and pain worsen, and you can barely get out of bed,” describes the Arthritis Foundation.

These Episodes of exacerbation of the disease are called outbreaks.. They can vary in intensity, duration and frequency, but are usually reversible, especially with timely treatment. During these crises, in addition to increased pain, swelling, or stiffness Joints may experience fatigue, general discomfort, night sweats, or even fever.

Although in many cases it is not known what causes them, how infections such as stress These can act as triggers, Oxford University Hospital notes. “It’s helpful for patients to keep track of flare-ups, such as in a diary or planner,” says rheumatologist Joseph Shanahan, a professor in the department of rheumatology, allergy and immunology at Duke University Medical Center.

What to do during an outbreak

When you experience a flare-up, it is appropriate to rest and give the body a chance to recover. Although slowing down does not mean stopping completely. This is because your Joints need movement to avoid stiffness. “

Move them with as much range of motion as possible,” recommends the Arthritis Foundation. raising and lowering legs slowly, sitting. But if something causes more pain, stop immediately.

Apply hot or cold joints can reduce pain and inflammation. The British hospital advises using these procedures for no more than 15 minutes. Always place a towel between the leather and the bag to avoid damaging the leather.

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Tags: Diseases, Health, Healthy lifestyle