Rheumatic Diseases
Protect Your Freedom of Movement, Live Healthy!
Rheumatic diseases are diseases that affect the joints, muscles and connective tissue. These diseases can cause joint inflammation, pain and limited movement. Ento Surgical Medical Center aims to restore freedom of movement to its patients by offering an expert approach in the diagnosis and treatment of rheumatic diseases.
What are Rheumatic Diseases?
Rheumatic diseases mostly occur as a result of the immune system mistakenly attacking body tissues. These diseases can lead to joint inflammation, joint damage and loss of muscle strength. The main rheumatic diseases are:
1. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA):
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and swelling in the joint. This disease can cause pain, swelling, stiffness and limited movement in the joints. It is most common in the hands and feet, but other joints in the body can also be affected.
Symptoms:
- Swelling and tenderness in the joints
- Stiff joints in the morning
- Pain in the joints
- Fatigue and weakness
- Fever
2. Gout (Hyperuricemia):
Gout is a disease that causes severe pain in the joints and develops when excess uric acid accumulates in the body. This acid forms crystals in the joints, which leads to inflammation. It is most common in the big toe, but can also be seen in other parts of the body.
Symptoms:
- Severe joint pain, especially at night
- Redness and swelling in the joints
- Skin rashes
- High fever
3. Ankylosing Spondylitis:
Ankylosing spondylitis is a disease that causes inflammation in the spine and usually manifests itself with back and waist pain. This disease can cause the joints in the spine to fuse together. Over time, back and neck movements can become restricted.
Symptoms:
- Waist and back pain
- Stiffness in the spine in the morning
- Decreased movement
- Fatigue
4. Lupus and Other Connective Tissue Diseases:
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a disease in which the body's immune system overreacts to healthy tissue. This disease can affect many parts of the body, including the joints.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Rheumatic Diseases
Diagnosis:
Accurate diagnosis of rheumatic diseases is critical to creating the right treatment plan. Diagnosis is usually made based on the patient's complaints, physical examination, and blood tests. In addition, advanced imaging methods such as joint X-rays and MRI can be used to determine the level of the disease.
Treatment:
The goal in the treatment of rheumatic diseases is to stop the progression of the disease, relieve pain, and maintain joint mobility. Treatment methods may include:
- Drug Therapy: Painkillers such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen, corticosteroids, and biological treatments can control the disease.
- Physical Therapy: Exercise and special physiotherapy methods are used to increase joint mobility.
- Surgical Intervention: If there is extensive damage to the joint, surgical procedures such as joint replacement (prosthesis) may be required.
- Diet and Lifestyle Changes: A healthy diet plays an important role in managing rheumatic diseases. Anti-inflammatory nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids may be recommended.
1. Can rheumatoid arthritis be treated?
Although rheumatoid arthritis cannot be completely cured, the progression of the disease can be stopped and symptoms can be relieved with appropriate treatment. Patients can improve their quality of life with medications, physical therapy and lifestyle changes.
2. What methods are used in the treatment of gout?
Medications that lower uric acid levels and painkillers are used in the treatment of gout. In addition, lifestyle recommendations such as dietary changes, avoiding alcohol and high purine foods are also included in the treatment.
