Rheumatism

What is rheumatism?

In the vernacular it means a disease with recurrent joint pain. It is always worth investigating the complaint, as there are many possible causes of joint pain. There are around 200 known types of rheumatic diseases, so it is important that a specialist rheumatologist investigates and identifies the possible cause.

These types of disease are very common in older people, but can occur at any age. The most common symptom is joint pain, which can be associated with inflammation and joint stiffness. Back pain involves inflammation of the small joints of the vertebrae of the spinal column. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can prevent joint degeneration, destruction and severe disability.

The best known disease is rheumatoid arthritis (RA). RA starts with stiffness in the morning in the small joint of the hand, followed by pain and joint inflammation. It is an autoimmune disease and in advanced cases the joints become severely deformed.

• Gout: sudden onset of joint inflammation with severe inflammation caused by a build-up of uric acid.
• Bekhterev’s disease – spondylosis: severe wear of the small joints of the spine due to an autoimmune process.
• Osteoporosis: the loss of bone mineral content, which can easily lead to fractures in response to minor trauma.

If you experience these symptoms, who should you contact?

In such cases, it is important to consult a specialist rheumatologist with knowledge in immunology as soon as possible in order to make the correct diagnosis. Physical examination, laboratory and usually X-ray examinations can help to define the disease and to set up the appropriate therapy.

Medications are used to reduce inflammation, thereby reducing pain and overall symptoms. The first steps in treatment are the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and steroids, but physiotherapy, special joint physiotherapy and anti-inflammatory wraps are also recommended.

Our rheumatology specialists are waiting for patients in Pest, Buda and Óbuda.