Rheumatic Arthritis

Rheumatic Arthritis (Rheumatic Arthritis)

Rheumatic arthritis is a chronic, autoimmune joint disease that causes persistent inflammation of the joints and other parts of the body.

Rheumatoid arthritis is characteristic in that it is often diagnosed with a positive effect on rheumatic factor (80% of those with RA have it in the blood) and that joints are often affected symmetrically. - that is, that it occurs on both sides; not just one. It is also common for the disease to go up and down in so-called "flares" (worsening periods). This persistent inflammation can lead to progressive and permanent joint destruction, as well as deformation. Unfortunately, there is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis - so treatment and measures are aimed at reducing the development of the disease and providing symptom relief. It is also worth mentioning that up to 20% of those with rheumatoid arthritis do not have a blood test (rheumatic factor). This is called seronegative rheumatoid arthritis.

This diagnosis can go hard on both body and mind - so if you are affected or know someone who is affected, then we kindly ask you to share this article on social media and contribute to our fight to get more focus on this often forgotten and hidden patient group. Together we are strong and with enough commitment we can actually constitute a political pressure that can delegate both research funds and media focus against this terrible joint disease. Feel free to contact us on Facebook if you have any questions or input.

Affected by chronic pain - or maybe you just have questions about pain?

Join the Facebook group for free «Rheumatism and Chronic Pain - Norway: Research and News»For the latest updates on research and media writing about chronic pain and rheumatic disorders. Here, members can also get help and support - at all times of the day - through the exchange of their own experiences and advice.

Good tips: Many people with rheumatoid arthritis suffer from painful and stiff joints in the fingers and toes. Then can specially adapted compression clothing - such as these gloves (see example here - the link opens in a new window) - be something for you. We also recommend daily hand exercises (see training video here - opens in a new window) for those who are affected by reduced hand function.

Table of contents - in this guide you will be able to learn more about:

• VIDEO: 7 Exercises for Rheumatists (A general training program recommended for rheumatologists)

• Definition of Rheumatoid Arthritis

• Why Is Rheumatoid Arthritis An Autoimmune Disease?

• What is the Difference Between Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis?

• Who Gets Rheumatoid Arthritis?

• Symptoms and Signs of Rheumatoid Arthritis

• Early Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis

• Rheumatoid Arthritis in Children

• The Cause of Rheumatoid Arthritis

• Exercises and Training for Rheumatoid Arthritis

• Self-measures against Rheumatoid Arthritis

• Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis

• Diet for Arthritis

VIDEO - 7 EXERCISES FOR REMATICIANS (In this video you can see all the exercises with explanations):

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Definition of rheumatic arthritis

The word arthritis comes from Greek arthro, which means joint, and itis (Latin) which means inflammation. If we add the two words we get the definition arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is defined as'a chronic, progressive, autoimmune disease that causes joint inflammation and results in joint deformation and impaired joint function'.

It is important to keep in mind that rheumatoid arthritis, though more rare, can also cause damage or inflammation to organs in the body - not just the characteristic joint symptoms it is best known for.

What does it mean that rheumatic arthritis is an autoimmune disease?

With Autoimmune diseases means diagnoses in which the body's own immune system attacks its own cells. When this attack occurs, there will be an inflammatory reaction in the affected area - and since this is not a common inflammation or the like, the fight will only continue throughout life (since the body actually attacks itself and thus it is almost endless with « enemies »).

What is the difference between rheumatoid arthritis and Osteoarthrtitis?

Rheumatoid arthritis is a devastating, inflammatory joint disease caused by inflammation of tissues that normally produce synovial fluid. When this tissue becomes inflamed, this can lead to deformation by loosening of ligaments, as well as joint destruction by breaking down cartilage and bone tissue. This inflammatory process causes swelling, pain, stiffness and swelling in the joints - or in the areas around the joints; such as tendons, ligaments or muscle attachments.

Osteoarthritis is a non-inflammatory joint condition in which the cartilage in the joint is gradually broken down and diluted - usually seen asymmetrically (only one joint is affected at a time). Osteoarthritis is more due to wear and tear, 'hard use' (especially at a young age) and injuries as opposed to rheumatoid arthritis.

Who is affected by rheumatic arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis can affect both women and men, but is three times more common among women. The disease can start at any age, but normally it will start in the years after 40 years and before the age of 60. In some cases, one can see a genetic link between family members - which strengthens the theory that there is a genetic involvement.

Symptoms and signs of rheumatoid arthritis (rheumatoid arthritis)

Some common symptoms and clinical signs of rheumatic arthritis are as follows:

1. Bone tissue and cartilage destruction

Chronic inflammation due to autoimmune disease can cause damage to body tissue, including cartilage and bone. This can result in loss of cartilage, destruction and weakness of the bone tissue, as well as associated musculature. In progression, this can lead to joint damage, joint deformation, reduced movement and flexibility, as well as impaired muscle and joint function. It should be mentioned that inflammatory reactions can also occasionally affect organs and other structures.

2. Dysfunction / impairment of function

With gradual, progressive development of the disease, the use of hands, knees and ankles can gradually become more impaired and result in impaired function.

3. Fatigue and Fatigue

Chronic and prolonged inflammation costs effort. The body uses a lot of energy to fight itself - which naturally causes a strong strain on the body's energy level and surplus stock. People suffering from rheumatoid arthritis fight a constant battle and thus you also need more rest and sleep.

Swelling and swelling

During bad periods, so-called "flares", affected people may experience that joints become hot, red, swollen and painful. This happens because the very inside of the joint capsule (synovial membrane) becomes inflamed and this in turn results in an overproduction of synovial fluid. Thus, the joint swells up and feels inflamed - it can also cause a low fever. This mentioned process can also contribute to inflammation in the joint capsule itself; which is called synovitis.

5. Affects multiple joints (Polyarthropathy)

Rheumatoid arthritis is - normally - defined as a polyarthritis; as in most cases it not only affects one joint, but rather several. It also strikes symmetrically and bilaterally - which means that it affects several joints and then on both sides.

6. Pain

Virtually all forms of arthritis will cause varying degrees of muscle and joint pain. Interdisciplinary treatment of muscles and joints can provide symptom relief as well as reduce the rate of development and functional impairment caused by the joint disease.

7. Stiffness in joints and muscles

Classic for rheumatoid arthritis is that this joint stiffness is worst in the morning or after prolonged periods of rest. This is due to a build-up of inflammatory reactions in the synovial fluid in the joints - thus, when the person starts with movement and increased circulation, this will 'wash out' the built-up inflammatory reactions and give increased mobility. This is why it is also recommended that customized joint mobilization (performed by a publicly authorized clinician, eg a chiropractor) for this patient group.

8. Action

Many people with rheumatoid arthritis describe an almost constant effect in muscles and joints - which is often relieved with movement and physical treatment.

Taken together or alone, these symptoms can lead to a significantly reduced quality of life and functioning.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in the hand - Photo Wikimedia

Early stage symptoms of rheumatic arthritis

Early, incipient symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis can be difficult to detect or differentiate from other more normal symptoms. Normally, it is the small joints in the hands and wrists that are affected first. Some of the first symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis can be pain and prolonged stiffness in the joints - especially in the morning. Symptoms in the hands and wrists can gradually lead to increased difficulty with everyday things, such as opening a door or a jam lid.

Eventually, the small joints in the feet may also be involved - which can cause pain when walking and especially in the morning right after the person has gotten up from bed. In some rare cases, a single joint may also be affected (ie not symmetrical influence) and then the symptoms may strongly overlap with other forms of arthritis or gout. You can also read more about 15 early signs of rheumatoid arthritis here .

Children: Symptoms of rheumatic arthritis in children

Children may also be affected, though more rarely, by rheumatic arthritis. Signs of arthritis among children can include limping, irritability, much crying and anxiety, as well as decreased appetite. When children under 16 are affected, this is called juvenile rheumatic arthritis.

Cause: Why do you get rheumatic arthritis?

The actual cause of rheumatoid arthritis is still unknown. Viruses, bakeries and fungal infections have long been under scrutiny - but no research has so far been able to prove a link between RA and these possible causes. Among other things, kissing disease (mononucleosis), Lyme disease and similar infections have been mentioned in the connection that they can start autoimmune reactions in the body - and that this misdirected attack can damage the body's bone tissue and joints.

Genetic and hereditary factors are suspected to be strongly involved in whether or not you are affected by this joint disease. Research has identified certain genes that have been shown to increase the risk of rheumatoid arthritis.

Regardless of whether you know what causes rheumatic arthritis, you know that results are an immune response that promotes inflammation of the joints and sometimes other areas of the body. Immune cells, called lymphocytes, are activated and chemical messengers (cytokines) appear in the infested areas.

- Epigenetics: Can stomach bacteria, smoking and gum disease cause rheumatoid arthritis?

Epigenetic factors have also been shown to play a role in rheumatic arthritis. For example, researchers have found that smoking and chronic gum disease increase the risk of being affected by RA. Recent research has also shown that there may be a link between the gut flora and this inflammation-related disease.

Exercises and training against rheumatic arthritis

Exercise and customized exercises are an important part of preventing the development of rheumatic arthritis. Exercise provides increased blood circulation to the aforementioned areas that loosen muscle tension and stiff joints. Exercising in a so-called hot water pool can be particularly effective, as this provides gentle resistance and the right load.

You can read more about exercises adapted for those with rheumatism by clicking the link below:

Read more: 7 Exercises for Rheumatics

Recommended Self-Help and Self-Measures for Rheumatic Pain

Many people with rheumatic disorders are also significantly more bothered by pain in muscles and joints. When our patients contact us for advice on good self-measures, we usually recommend a combination of daily exercises and self-measures that are easy to use - and not least economical. First, we gladly recommend compression gloves and compression socks for daily use - possibly only use at night for those who do not want to wear them during the day. The effect of daily use and daily exercises should not be underestimated, but it requires discipline and routine.

• Compression Noise (such as compression socks that contribute to increased blood circulation to sore muscles or specially adapted compression gloves (see example here with purchase option - the link opens in a new window) against rheumatic symptoms in the hands)

Research - Compression gloves: Studies have shown a significant decrease in reported hand pain, less swelling and reduced feeling of stiffness when using compression gloves (Nasir et al, 2014).

Research - Compression socks: Studies have documented effects in the form of less effect, reduced muscle fatigue and swelling in the legs and ankles (Weiss et al, 1999).

Click on the image to read more about compression gloves.

• Mini tapes (many with rheumatic and chronic pain feel that it is easier to train with custom elastics)
• Trigger point Balls (self-help to work the muscles on a daily basis)
• Arnica cream or heat conditioner (many people report some pain relief if they use, for example, arnica cream or heat conditioner)

- Many people use arnica cream for pain due to stiff joints and sore muscles. Click on the image above to read more about how arnica cream can help relieve some of your pain situation.

Treatment of rheumatic arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis has no known cure - so treatment and measures are only symptom-relieving and functional. Examples of such treatment are physical therapy, adapted chiropractic treatment, lifestyle changes, dietary advice, medications, supports (e.g. compression support for sore knees) and surgery / surgical procedures.

• Electrical Treatment / Current Therapy (TENS)
• Electromagnetic treatment
• Physical therapy and physiotherapy
• Low-dose laser treatment
• Lifestyle changes
• Chiropractic joint mobilization and chiropractic
• Dietary advice
• Cold Treatment
• Medical treatment
• Operation
• Joint support (eg knee support, splints or other forms of joint support)
• Sick leave and rest
• heat treatment

Electrical Treatment / Current Therapy (TENS)

A large systematic review study (Cochrane, 2000) concluded that power therapy (TENS) was more effective in pain management of knee arthritis than placebo.

Electromagnetic treatment of arthritis / arthritis

Pulsed electromagnetic therapy has proven effective against arthritis pain (Ganesan et al, 2009).

Physical treatment and physiotherapy in the treatment of arthritis / arthritis

Physical treatment can have a good effect on affected joints and can also lead to increased function, as well as improved quality of life. Adapted exercise and movement are recommended on a general basis to maintain the joint's health and the person's overall health situation.

Low-dose laser treatment

Studies have shown that low-dose laser (also called anti-inflammatory laser) can act as an analgesic and improve function in the treatment of arthritis. The quality of research is moderate - and larger studies are needed to be able to say more about efficiency.

Lifestyle changes and arthritis

Helping to keep one's weight, exercising properly and not least eating right can be very important for the quality of one affected by arthritis. Eg. then increased weight and overweight can lead to even greater stress for the affected joint, which in turn can lead to more pain and poorer function. Otherwise, those with arthritis are often advised to stop smoking tobacco products.

Joint mobilization and manual treatment for arthritis / osteoarthritis

Research has shown that joint mobilization performed by a chiropractor (or manual therapist) also has a proven clinical effect:

“A meta-study (French et al, 2011) showed that manual treatment of hip osteoarthritis had a positive effect in terms of pain relief and functional improvement. The study concluded that manual therapy is more effective than exercise in the treatment of arthritis disorders. "

Dietary advice for arthritis

Given that this is an inflammation (inflammation) in this diagnosis, it is important to focus your food intake on anti-inflammatory food and diet - and not least avoid pro-inflammatory temptations (high sugar content and low nutritional value). Glucosamine sulfate in combination with chondroitin sulfate (Read: 'Glucosamine sulfate against wear?') has also shown an effect against moderate osteoarthritis of the knees in a larger pooled study (Clegg et al, 2006). In the list below, we have divided foods that you should eat and foods you should avoid if you have arthritis / arthritis.

Foods that fight inflammation (foods to eat):

• Berries and fruits (e.g., orange, blueberries, apples, strawberries, cherries and goji berries)
• Bold fish (eg salmon, mackerel, tuna and sardines)
• turmeric
• Green vegetables (eg spinach, cabbage and broccoli)
• Ginger
• Coffee (its anti-inflammatory effect can help fight inflammation)
• Nuts (eg almonds and walnuts)
• Olive oil
• Omega 3
• tomatoes

To conclude a little about food that should be eaten, one can say that the diet should be aimed at a so-called Mediterranean diet, which has a high content of fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains, fish and healthy oils. Such a diet will of course have many other positive effects - such as more control over weight and a generally healthier everyday life with more energy.

Foods that stimulate inflammation (foods to avoid):

• Alcohol (e.g. beer, red wine, white wine and spirits)
• Processed meat (e.g. non-fresh burger meat that has gone through several such preservation processes)
• Brus
• Deep fried foods (eg french fries)
• Gluten (many people with arthritis react negatively to gluten)
• Milk / lactose products (Many believe that milk should be avoided if you are affected by arthritis)
• Refined carbohydrates (eg light bread, pastry and similar baking)
• Sugar (High sugar content can promote increased inflammation / inflammation)

The mentioned food groups are thus some of those that should be avoided - as these can aggravate the arthritis and arthritis symptoms.

Cold treatment and arthritis (arthritis)

On a general basis, it is recommended to treat colds in the symptoms of arthritis. This is due to the fact that cold calms down inflammatory processes in the area.

Compression noise and compression supports

Compression results in increased blood circulation to the treated area. This circulation can cause less inflammatory reactions and increased function in the affected joints.

Read more: This is how Compression Clothing can help in the fight against Rheumatoid Arthritis

Massage and arthritis

Massage and muscle work can have a symptom-relieving effect on tight muscles and stiff joints.

Medication and arthritis / arthritis medications

There are a number of medications and medications that are designed to treat arthritis and arthritis symptoms. The most common procedure is to start with the drugs that have the least negative side effects and then try stronger medicines if the first ones do not work properly. The type of medication used varies depending on the type of arthritis / arthritis that the person is afflicted with.

Common painkillers and medicines come in pill form and as tablets - some of the most commonly used are paracetamol (paracetamol), ibux (ibuprofen) and opiates. In the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, a so-called anti-rheumatic drug called Methotrexate is also used - this simply works directly against the immune system and leads to a later progression of this condition.

Rheumatoid arthritis surgery

In certain forms of erosive arthritis, ie arthritic conditions that break down and destroy the joints (eg rheumatoid arthritis), it may be necessary to replace the joints if they become so damaged that they no longer function. This is of course something you do not want and which should be a last resort due to risks of surgery and surgery, but which may be extremely necessary in certain cases. For example. Prosthetic surgery in the hip and knee is relatively common due to arthritis, but is unfortunately no guarantee that the pain will go away. Recent studies have cast doubt on whether surgery is better than just training - and certain studies have also shown that adapted training can be better than surgery. In some cases, cortisone may be tried before going to the drastic surgery.

Sick leave and arthritis

In the emerging phase of arthritis and arthritis, it may be necessary to report sick and rest - often in combination with treatment. The course of sick leave will vary and it is impossible to say anything specific about how long an arthritis sufferer will be on sick leave. NAV is the organizing body together with the sick notifier. If the condition worsens, this can lead to the person not being able to work, becoming disabled, and then dependent on disability benefit / disability pension.

Heat treatment and arthritis

On a general basis, cold is recommended in the treatment of symptoms of arthritis. This is due to the fact that cold calms down inflammatory processes in the area - heat can work on the opposite basis and give an increased inflammatory process towards the affected joint. That being said, it is often recommended to use heat on nearby muscle groups for symptom relief of tight, sore muscles. Of course, this does not mean that arthritis and the south do not go hand in hand - but the effect of warmer areas aimed at arthritis and arthritis probably works on many levels that contribute to increased physical and mental well-being.

Also read: - These 5 Habits Destroy Your Knees

- Group for Exchange of Research and Experiences 

Join the Facebook group for free «Rheumatism and Chronic Pain - Norway: Research and News»For the latest updates on research and media writings on chronic pain and rheumatic disorders - here you can also get specific advice and tips from people in the same situation as yourself. Please support our efforts to promote greater understanding of this type of disorder by following us and sharing our articles on social media.

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Feel free to contact us at YouTube or Facebook if you have questions or the like regarding exercise or your muscle and joint problems. You can also see an overview of our clinics via the link here if you want to book a consultation. Some of our departments for the Pain Clinics include Eidsvoll Healthy Chiropractor Center and Physiotherapy (Viken) and Lambertseter Chiropractor Center and Physiotherapy (Oslo). With us, professional competence and the patient are always most important.

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