Recommendations and Treatment Methods for Inflammatory Rheumatism

Rheumatism, which causes pain and inflammation in the joints, muscles, and surrounding soft tissues, is a chronic disease. The disease, which is divided into two types—inflammatory and non-inflammatory—first causes damage to the joints and later leads to serious harm in other tissues of the body. Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus, Behçet's Disease, Gout, and Ankylosing Spondylitis are the most common types of inflammatory rheumatism.

Symptoms of Inflammatory Rheumatism

Redness and swelling in the joints, sensation of heat, burning
Severe pain in the joints
Stiffness in the feet, legs, hands, and arms upon waking in the morning, difficulty moving these organs, deformities in the joint areas
High fever
Fatigue and exhaustion
Unexplained weight loss, prolonged abdominal pain, chronic diarrhea
Swellings and lumps under the skin and in the joint areas, known as rheumatoid nodules
Unilateral or bilateral hip pain, redness and pain in the eyes

Causes of Inflammatory Rheumatism

Inflammatory joint rheumatism is a disease with genetic predisposition. The presence of the disease in a person's first-degree relatives increases the likelihood of developing inflammatory rheumatism.
Bone loss due to aging
Smoking is a significant factor that increases the risk of inflammatory rheumatism.
Poor dietary habits, such as excessive consumption of meat, cream, butter, and cheese, also increase the risk of developing inflammatory rheumatism. Irregular meal times, lack of physical activity, and obesity are important factors in the development of the disease.
Inflammatory rheumatism is more common in women. Hormonal imbalances during periods like pregnancy, breastfeeding, and menopause can trigger inflammatory joint rheumatism.
Body inflammations caused by harmful microorganisms such as parasites, yeast, bacteria, and viruses can also cause inflammatory rheumatism.

Treatment for Inflammatory Rheumatism

The goal of treatment is to eliminate or control inflammation and alleviate the symptoms of the disease. After a definitive diagnosis, the doctor prescribes nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory and anti-rheumatic medications to halt the progression of the disease. These medications help relieve pain and, when used regularly, prevent tissue damage.
To support drug therapy, patients are referred to a specialist physiotherapist, where appropriate exercises help maintain joint mobility.
In cases where medication and physiotherapy are ineffective, cortisone treatment is started. The cortisone, injected into the affected joint, helps reduce pain and swelling.
If the disease has caused significant joint damage, surgical methods may be used. Surgery restores joint mobility and alleviates pain.

Recommendations for Inflammatory Rheumatism

Reach Your Ideal Weight: Excess weight causes excessive strain on the legs and waist, leading to joint damage, which increases the risk of inflammatory rheumatism.
Eat Healthily: A sufficient and balanced diet makes fighting rheumatism easier. Sugar and sugary foods should be consumed cautiously, and foods high in omega-3, such as fish, walnuts, flax seeds, eggs, and purslane, should be added to the diet. Additionally, omega-6-rich olive oil and vegetables and fruits with high vitamin C content should be included.
Increase Water Intake: Inflammatory rheumatism patients may experience disruptions in their gut flora. It is essential to drink at least 2 liters of water daily to strengthen bowel movements.
Pay Attention to Your Teeth: Dental issues like tooth decay and gum bleeding can negatively impact the immune system and trigger rheumatism. Therefore, it is important to have your teeth checked every six months.
Take Vitamin D Supplements: Vitamin D deficiency inhibits bone development and weakens the body, paving the way for rheumatism. Bone measurements should be done on time, and vitamin D should be taken under the supervision of a doctor to prevent the development of inflammatory rheumatism.
Do Not Smoke: Cigarettes, which have a toxic effect, can hinder circulation to the joints and muscles, leading to inflammatory rheumatism.
Avoid Cold and Humid Environments.

Last Updated Date: 02 December 2020

Publication Date: 06 July 2018