Arthritis describes an inflammatory joint disease that can lead to damage to the joint surfaces. It can be distinguished from osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease that can be associated with wear and tear of the articular cartilage. If joint inflammation occurs suddenly, this is called acute arthritis. If this develops insidiously and is repeatedly noticeable, one speaks of a chronic arthritis.
A distinction is made between different types of joint inflammation. The most common form is rheumatoid arthritis. It is usually hereditary and occurs simultaneously in several joints of the body due to an autoimmune disease, whereby the little finger and toe joints are usually affected first. Another form is bacterial arthritis, which is based on an infection. Germs and bacteria enter the joint through the blood and trigger inflammation there. In this form, only one joint is often affected. Arthritis can also develop due to metabolic diseases. In most cases, uric acid crystals are deposited in the joint by a gout attack, which triggers the inflammation.
Symptomatic arthritis is caused by swelling, pain, warming and redness of the affected joints. In some cases, fluid accumulation and movement restriction may also occur. Typical symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are also joint pain at rest and at night, a long-lasting morning stiffness of the joints and often also fatigue and fever, with the symptoms usually occurring in attacks.
Bacterial arthritis must be treated as soon as possible with a surgical procedure followed by the use of antibiotics. Arthritis, which is caused by metabolic diseases, is mainly treated with medication. The treatment of rheumatoid arthritis is also based on various medications, in addition, local treatment measures such as cold applications or ointments and physiotherapy are used here. In general, the treatment starts with pain relief before other aspects such as the mobility of the joints can be addressed.
Especially in pain-free phases, exercise is very important, not only for strengthening the immune system but also for strengthening the muscles. Joint-gentle movements such as swimming or Nordic walking are suitable for this. An adapted diet can also be supportive. Thus, various foods can be taken more often, which have an anti-inflammatory effect and can lead to the relief of the symptoms. In addition, the combination of exercise and proper nutrition can result in weight reduction in order to relieve the joints in the long term.
Rheumatology from practice. A short textbook of inflammatory joint diseases with case studies (Rudolf Puchner, 2010).
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