Polyarthritis is a disease associated with simultaneous or sequential inflammation of several joints. According to medical statistics, today in the world every third person suffers from a joint disease. Depending on the reasons that caused it, polyarthritis can be infectious, metabolic (or crystalline), rheumatoid (or systemic) and post-traumatic.
Causes of Polyarthritis
Infectious polyarthritis can occur as a result of various infectious diseases (viral hepatitis, gonorrhea, dysentery, etc.). The cause of metabolic, or crystalline polyarthritis, is a metabolic disorder. Post-traumatic polyarthritis occurs as a result of local trauma or various allergic reactions. As for the causes of rheumatoid (systemic) polyarthritis, specialists today do not have a unified opinion on them, and they are considered not established.
Symptoms of Polyarthritis
Symptoms of polyarthritis are determined by the type of disease and the causes of its occurrence. Infectious arthritis, manifested against the background of infection, is characterized by redness and swelling of the skin over the joint, limitation of mobility.
Rheumatoid polyarthritis in the early stages is manifested by the sensitivity of the joints to changing weather conditions. At first, the patient does not feel severe pain, and swelling over the joints is barely noticeable. There may be a decrease in appetite and weight, as well as an increase in temperature and disease of some internal organs.
In children, polyarthritis can develop after reaching the age of two. It manifests itself in pain and limited joint mobility. Infantile polyarthritis is most often a symmetrical joint lesion, accompanied by an increase in lymph nodes.
Diagnosis of polyarthritis
Diagnosis of polyarthritis is a comprehensive examination. As a rule, the diagnosis is based on laboratory diagnosis, medical history, medical history, radiography, arthrography, tomography, thermography, cytological and microbiological examination of the joint fluid.
Treatment and prevention of polyarthritis
Already the first signs of the disease are the reason for immediate medical attention. The main therapeutic measures are carried out to improve metabolism and eliminate the causes that may lead to the development of the disease, and consist of taking antibiotics, antihistamines, immunosuppressants, painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs, physiotherapeutic methods.
In the treatment of polyarthritis, it is mandatory to reduce the load on the musculoskeletal system. With excess weight, measures should be taken to reduce it. Physiotherapeutic treatment has a very good effect, which helps to reduce pain, swelling and inflammation in the joint. Such treatment is carried out using ultrasound, diathermy, paraffin baths, massage, medical gymnastics. An important part of the treatment of polyarthritis is spa treatment, which greatly facilitates the course of the disease even when it is severe.
Prevention of polyarthritis consists, first of all, in maintaining a normal weight, since extra pounds contribute to the rapid wear of the musculoskeletal system. It is necessary to provide yourself with a convenient workplace, monitor posture and do not cross your legs when sitting, as this position has a bad effect on the condition of articular cartilage and leads to difficulty in blood circulation. With prolonged sitting, you need to take timely breaks in work, to avoid lifting weights and injuries.
As for the diet, the amount of essential amino acids, dairy products, vegetables and fruits should be increased in the diet, but animal fats, sugar and alcohol should be minimized. It is recommended to quit smoking.
It must be remembered that the treatment of polyarthritis should be permanent, especially for rheumatoid polyarthritis. The patient should be under medical supervision and undergo a timely treatment to avoid exacerbations.
