Rheumatoid arthritis - Inflammation of the many joints
Author Dr. Dóra Mihola | 2020.01.13.
What are the symptoms of polyarthritis?
First of all, the rheumatoid arthritis affects the small joints of the hands and feet. Sometimes other joints can also be affected. Symptoms can include joint stiffness in the morning, which can lead to difficulty gripping within a few weeks. It may be more difficult to grip objects, there may be severe pain, hand weakness and swelling, fatigue, fever or even anaemia.
A polyarthritis is not a disease of the elderly, rheumatoid arthritis can occur at almost any age, even in childhood, although it typically affects people aged between 20 and 40 years. Rheumatoid arthritis affects about 1% of the population and is much more common in women, but can also affect men. Laboratory tests are the most reliable way to determine whether an inflammatory process has started in the body. Sometimes nodules may appear on the joints. In any case, a specialist rheumatologist is needed to diagnose the disease accurately and to determine the appropriate treatment.
What can cause polyarthritis?
Polyarthritis can start even in childhood. Genetic factors play a role in its development, but viral infections can also trigger the disease. Treatment starts with stopping the inflammation in the joints, using anti-inflammatory, basic therapeutic agents. Where possible, we try to avoid the use of steroids to avoid adverse side effects. Polyarthritis can be caused by several genes and several viruses, so it is more difficult to prevent the disease, as the same factor does not trigger the symptoms. However, early detection, accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment are important, and a specialist rheumatologist is the first point of contact.
What treatment can help with polyarthritis?
Appropriate medication and biological therapeutic agents can help speed up the healing process. In addition, or in addition to physiotherapy and appropriate physiotherapy procedures can also help to enable the patient to continue living life to the fullest extent as soon as possible. Untreated polyarthritis can cause long-term damage to cartilage and bones, which is why it is important to see a specialist as soon as possible. Rheumatoid arthritis is not yet completely cured, but with proper treatment and exercise, the process can be stopped and movement can be pain-free.
In the treatment of musculoskeletal conditions, it is often more than just taking a box of medicine, it is important that the patient understands and accepts that they need to be an active part of the healing - the healing process. Of course, there is a need for joint puncture, local injection. In addition to the more widely used hyaluronic acid, I have good experience with the use of collagen injection techniques for appropriate indications
Whatever treatment is chosen, it must be planned and carried out in a personalised way, after the patient has been informed and in agreement with us. I like puzzles and jigsaw puzzles; I think that making a diagnosis is often similar to solving them. It's a time-consuming process, and it requires curiosity, attention and thoroughness. The real winner of an unexpected diagnosis is, of course, the patient, but it can also be a success for the doctor.
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