Rheumatic Diseases. The term comes from the Greek rheuma, meaning "flowing like a river or stream" and the suffix-ologi, which means "knowledge". The rheumatologist mainly deal with issues involving the state of the connective tissue.
Rheumatism can affect almost any joint, but is most frequently attacked are the joints in the wrists, knuckles, knees and ankles feet. Other joints may be attacked, including the joints in the spine, hips, neck, shoulders, jaw and even joints between very small bones in the inner ear. Rheumatism can also affect organs such as the heart, blood vessels, skin, and lungs. Attacks usually symmetrical arthritis that attacks the joints are the same on both sides of the body, in contrast to osteoarthritis is usually limited to one joint.
Symptom
Arthritic symptoms vary in each person. The most common symptoms are:
Joint stiffness in the morning. Stiffness lasts for at least an hour. (In contrast to the stiffness of osteoarthritis usually disappears within half an hour.)
Swelling and joint pain. Joint swelling and pain that usually feels warm and soft to the touch. The pain usually occurs in joints on both right and left sides (symmetrical) but the severity may differ, depending on which side is more frequently used.
Nodules (lumps). In about 20% of patients with rheumatoid arthritis, inflammation of small blood vessels can cause nodules or lumps under the skin the size of a green pea or slightly larger and are often situated near the joints. Nodules can form along the course of the disease.
Retention. Fluid may accumulate, especially in the ankle. In some cases, the joint sac behind the knee accumulates fluid and forms what is known as a Baker's cyst. This cyst feels like a tumor and sometimes extends down to the back of the calf and cause pain. However, Baker's cysts can also develop in people who do not have rheumatoid arthritis.
Flu-like symptoms. Fatigue, weight loss, and fever may accompany early rheumatoid disease. Some people feel like the symptoms of a cold or flu. The difference, arthritic symptoms can last for years.
Although arthritis is a chronic and systemic disease, symptoms of its coming and going. There were times when the joint becomes inflamed and painful called flares or flare. This flare may occur suddenly for no apparent reason, and then followed by periods of remission or with minimal inflammation. In the first few years, arthritis can cause permanent damage and disability in the joints.
Cause
The cause of rheumatoid arthritis is unknown to date, but allegedly triggered by a combination of factors, including genetic susceptibility, viral infection or hormonal changes. Women are more likely affected by rheumatic diseases than men. In women who are affected by arthritis, pregnancy and breast-feeding may exacerbate the condition.
Diagnosis
The doctor will diagnose arthritis by studying the symptoms, physical examination and diagnostic tests requested. Blood tests are usually required to check the levels of RF. Most patients with arthritis in the body to form antibodies called RF (rheumatoid factor). This factor determines the aggressiveness / malignancy of the disease. You called rheumatism affected if your blood test results indicate the presence of RF. However, a negative RF does not always mean you are free of arthritis, especially in the early stages of disease. Approximately 20% of patients with rheumatoid arthritis showed no positive RF results.
X-ray examination to see if your joint damage. However, x-rays rarely show changes in the early stages of arthritis. Diagnosis of arthritis often requires time and expertise because the symptoms can be similar to other types of arthritis. If your doctor suspects rheumatoid exposed, you will be referred to a rheumatologic is a doctor who specializes in the field of arthritis.
Treatment
Currently there is no cure for rheumatism. However, medical science has advanced rapidly in the last 20 years so that new drugs are now very helpful to limit joint damage and manage symptoms. With proper care, many arthritis sufferers can lead a normal and active life.
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