Rheumatic Diseases

Rheumatic Diseases

Although rheumatoid arthritis has a systemic course, it is a disease that mainly damages the joints and joints. Although it can start at any age, it most commonly starts between the ages of 20-60 and is more common in women. Although 3-5% of the population has a Rheumatoid Factor (RF) positivity, the incidence of the disease is 1%. The initial symptoms may be systemic or joint involvement. It may start with symptoms such as fatigue, malaise, widespread motion pain. Morning stiffness may be the first finding. Morning stiffness can last up to 1 hour in rheumatoid arthritis. The most common and characteristic changes in rheumatoid arthritis occur on the hands. Initially, PIF (Proximal interphalangeal joint), MKF (Metacarpophalangeal joint) and swelling of the wrists may be seen. Generally, bilateral and symmetrical involvement is seen. In rheumatoid arthritis, elbow, shoulder, cervical spine, Temparomandibular joint (jaw joint), hip and knee involvements can be seen.

The main goal in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis is to reduce inflammation. Because inflammation of synovial faces in the joint leads to pain, swelling, joint stiffness, restriction of movement and joint deformity. It is important to rest the joint in a functional position in the acute period of rheumatoid arthritis involvement. Besides proper medical treatment, physical therapy and rehabilitation applications have great benefits.

While physical therapy is being programmed; it is aimed to protect the range of motion, delay or prevent muscle atrophy, prevent joint deformities, ensure adequate rest and reduce pain.

SERONEGATIVE SPONDILOARTRITS

• Ankylosing spondylitis,
• Psoriatic increase
• Reactive arthritis,
• Reiter’s syndrome,
• It is classified as entropathic spondylitis.
  
  

Common features of seronegative spondyloarthritis;

• Sacroiliac joint involvement,
• Peripheral inflammatory arthropathy,
• Rheumatoid factor negativity,
• Pathological changes rather than joint involvement in enthesis areas (at the point of attachment of the ligament to the bone); extra-articular organ involvements such as eyes, aortic valve, lung and skin,
• It is familial predisposition.
  
  

In addition to arranging appropriate medical treatment of seronegative spondyloarthropathy group diseases;

Physical therapy and rehabilitation applications are very useful. In the rehabilitation program; range of motion exercises, exercises to prevent or restore movement limitation, resistant active muscle exercises and breathing exercises aimed at maintaining muscle strength and preventing atrophy. Hot-pack, infrared and deep heaters are used to increase patient tolerance and stretching exercises to be more effective before exercise. It is especially effective in resolving muscle spasm and reducing pain.

Healthy diet is very important in rheumatoid arthritis, seronegative spondyloarthropathies and all rheumatic diseases. Rich in fiber, sugar, meat, refined carbohydrates and saturated fats are scarce; Mediterranean type diet is recommended. Since this type of diet will reduce inflammation, it can reduce the severity and frequency of the disease and attacks. Dietary supplements that reduce inflammation also have benefits. In addition, complementary medicine methods such as NEURALTHERAPY and OZONE THERAPY are very useful in controlling inflammation.