Joint pain can be an early sign of rheumatoid arthritis, a condition that involves inflammation of the joints and can significantly impact quality of life. Rheumatism is not just a common disease; without proper treatment, the condition can develop into something more serious. Let's get to know what rheumatoid arthritis is, the symptoms that accompany it, and how to treat it so that you can live a more comfortable and active life.
What is Rheumatism?
Rheumatism, medically known as arthritis, is a general term used to describe more than 100 conditions affecting the joints, bones, muscles, and surrounding tissues. One of the most well-known forms of rheumatism is rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease that attacks joint tissue. It often affects joints on both sides of the body symmetrically, such as the hands, wrists, and knees.
The main factors that trigger rheumatism include autoimmune disorders, genetic factors, certain infections, and lifestyle habits such as smoking. If you often experience pain or stiffness in your joints, especially in the morning, there is a possibility that you have rheumatism.
Causes of Rheumatism and Risk Factors
Rheumatism can be triggered by various factors, most of which are related to autoimmune disorders, genetic factors, and lifestyle. This condition occurs when the immune system attacks the body's own tissues, including joints. In addition, genetic factors also play a role, where someone with a family history of rheumatism has a higher risk.
Lifestyle habits such as smoking and poor diet can also increase the chances of developing rheumatism. Understanding these causes and risk factors is important for prevention, because with lifestyle changes and a healthier diet, we can reduce the risk of developing this disease.
Rheumatism Symptoms to Watch Out For
Rheumatic symptoms often develop slowly, but can become severe if left untreated. Some typical symptoms of rheumatism to watch out for are:
- Pain in Joints
Pain often occurs especially after activity or upon waking up. This pain can be felt increasingly intensely in the affected joint, affecting your daily comfort.
- Stiffness
Joint stiffness is usually felt when waking up in the morning or after sitting for a long time. This makes movement limited and can interfere with your activities.
- Swelling and Redness
The infected joint may appear swollen and feel warm to the touch. This can worsen discomfort and indicate inflammation of the joint.
- Joint Deterioration
Difficulty in moving joints normally, either in light activities or everyday movements, is a sign of decreased joint function due to rheumatism.
If you experience these symptoms continuously, it is important to consult a doctor immediately to get a proper diagnosis.
Rheumatism Treatment: The First Step to a More Comfortable Life
Rheumatic treatment requires an integrated approach and is tailored to the severity and type of rheumatism experienced. Each individual may require different treatments, such as medication, physical therapy, or lifestyle changes, to manage symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. Here are some of the main treatment methods:
- Medication
Certain medications may be prescribed by a doctor to reduce inflammation, control symptoms, and slow the progression of the disease. This type of treatment should be taken under the supervision of a doctor to ensure its effectiveness and minimize side effects.
- Physical Therapy and Sports
Specific exercises can help reduce joint stiffness and strengthen the surrounding muscles. Light activities such as swimming or walking are also recommended to maintain body flexibility.
- Lifestyle Changes
Avoiding smoking habits that can worsen rheumatic symptoms and adopting a healthy diet with increased consumption of foods rich in omega-3 and antioxidants, which have anti-inflammatory effects, are important steps in helping to manage this condition.
- Advanced Medical Interventions
In severe cases of rheumatism, procedures such as direct injections into the joint or surgery to replace damaged joints may be a last resort.
Effective management of rheumatoid arthritis involves a multi-pronged approach tailored to each individual's condition. With a combination of medications, physical therapy, lifestyle changes, and continued medical intervention, rheumatoid arthritis symptoms can be managed to prevent further joint damage.
It is important to always consult a doctor so that the treatment received is right on target and according to personal needs. Managing rheumatism proactively can improve quality of life and maintain body mobility in the long term.
Take Immediate Action on Rheumatism Symptoms to Prevent Joint Damage
If you experience symptoms of arthritis, it is important to consult a medical professional immediately, especially if the pain in your joints gets worse or does not go away with rest. Early diagnosis is crucial to prevent permanent joint damage. Your doctor may recommend tests such as blood tests to detect inflammation or imaging such as X-rays and MRIs to assess the condition of your joints.
Do not ignore joint pain, especially if accompanied by symptoms such as stiffness, swelling, or decreased joint function. By recognizing the signs of rheumatism early, you can get the right treatment to prevent further complications and improve your quality of life. Consult your condition with a health professional immediately to get the right diagnosis and treatment.
Article written by dr. Sumaryono, Sp.PD-KR (Internal Medicine Specialist - Rheumatology Consultant, EMC Tangerang Hospital).