It is no exaggeration to say that the real catastrophe of modern civilizations is the diseases of the musculoskeletal system: they exclude millions of people from active life, significantly reduce the number of working hands, etc.
The orthopedic surgeon accounts for thousands of visits, most of the cases are arthritis and arthrosis. Record holders among arthritis - rheumatoid and gouty forms.
What is polyarthritis and how is it different from arthritis?
A severe form of rheumatoid arthritis, called polyarthritis, is relatively rare (from the particle "poly-" - a lot).
As a rule, the rheumatoid form of the disease affects symmetrical small joints: fingers, knees, elbows, etc. But when we talk about polyarthritis, here a pair of joints is not enough: we are talking about more than two joints.
This is the main difference between polyarritis and classical rheumatoid arthritis. As far as one can understand, this form of the disease is much more dangerous and disabling.
For this reason it is impossible to relate to the problem, as they say, “through the sleeves”, such behavior is fraught with serious complications.
What you need to know about such an insidious enemy of healthy joints?
Rheumatoid polyarthritis: causes
The causes of rheumatoid polyarthritis are manifold. The named pathology refers to the so-called polyetiological diseases. In practice, this means that various factors become triggers (triggers), most often you have to talk about two or three factors at once.
In medical science, it is believed that rheumatoid polyarthritis can be caused by two immediate causes. The first theory says that the basis of the mechanism of the development of the disease is malfunction of the immune system. Accordingly, the first reason is an autoimmune process. At some point, immunity ceases to distinguish between healthy cells and identifies pathogens, and begins to attack healthy tissues and joint structures. Why this happens is not known for certain. It is assumed that the reason lies not in imaginary factors, but in very real ones.
And here comes to the rescue second theory, viral. At a certain point in time, infectious agents penetrate the structures of the joints, possibly in small quantities. Immunity responds to the attack in a completely understandable way: it produces antibodies and directs them to the source of the lesion. The reaction force clearly does not correspond to the level of danger and cartilage and periarticular structures are affected.
Modern doctors adhere to a general, syncretic picture of the origin of the disease. Thus, we have to talk about two causes of rheumatoid polyarthritis: an autoimmune reaction and an infectious lesion. One follows from the other.
Of course, there are a number of factors that become triggers, these are:
• Excessive exercise.
• Inactivity.
• Poor nutrition.
• Frequent acute viral infections.
But all of them only set off the picture, giving rise to the process.
Rheumatoid polyarthritis: the first symptoms
The first symptoms of rheumatoid polyarthritis are easily confused with manifestations of simple arthritis. Among the characteristic features:
• Acute pain syndrome, affecting several joints at once. We are talking about a symmetric lesion of paired structures: fingers on the right and left hand, knees, elbows, hands, etc. First, two joints hurt, then, after a month or two, pains affect more and more new joints. In the most severe cases, we have to talk about a generalized form of polyarthritis, when many joints suffer at once. Fortunately, this is extremely rare. The pains are different in nature and intensity. Usually in the initial stages, the discomfort is aching, pulling. It intensifies in the evening, night and morning, by noon the pain decreases. The pain syndrome is characterized by inconstancy. At more advanced stages, the pain does not stop at all and constantly pursues the unlucky patient.
• Feeling of stiffness during movements. Patients describe this condition as a “tightening corset” or “tight toe not in size”. These explanations very accurately reflect the nature of the process.
• Violations of the functional activity of the limbs and individual joints. Also among the signs of rheumatoid arthritis. Over time, irreversible changes in the cartilage tissue occur and the joint ceases to fulfill its functions. Thus, the functional activity of individual joints is lost.
• Severe cartilage deformities. Anyone who has ever seen a person with arthritis understands what this is about. As the disease develops, terrible deformations of the affected joints occur: the musculoskeletal structures acquire unnatural forms. This is a natural stage of untreated arthritis. Therefore, it is so important to consult a doctor on time.
Polyarthritis differs from rheumatoid arthritis only in the number of affected joints. Otherwise, the signs of rheumatoid arthritis are the same.
Rheumatoid polyarthritis: diagnosis
Diagnosis is not very difficult.
For the patient, the task of paramount importance is the selection of the right specialist.
The diagnosis and treatment of rheumatoid polyarthritis is performed by an orthopedic surgeon in tandem with a rheumatologist.
Together they will help to cope with this problem. Nevertheless, the first one to whom it is recommended to turn is a general surgeon. He will help determine the further behavior.
Diagnostics is based on a number of instrumental and laboratory studies.
Among the first:
• Radiography of the affected joints. It makes it possible to assess the condition of the cartilage.
• Arthroscopy of the affected joint or affected joints. An invasive but most informative study available. Helps visually assess the internal state of the joint.
• Puncture of the joint.
• MRI / CT diagnostics. Due to the high cost, they rarely resort to it. However, such a diagnosis is considered optimal and most preferred.
Among the second:
• General blood analysis.
• General urine analysis (to distinguish polyarthritis from gout).
• Blood test for rheumatoid factor.
The complex of these studies is enough to make an accurate diagnosis. It is important to note. Examinations begin in the doctor’s office, so it is necessary to answer the questions posed as honestly and clearly as possible. The amount of time it takes and success in general depends on this.
Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis
The treatment of rheumatoid arthritis is not an easy task. In the initial stages, conservative therapy is preferred. This means that medicines are used. Among the groups of drugs:
• Analgesics. They help relieve pain or ease it as much as possible.
• Anti-inflammatory drugs of non-steroidal origin. In the form of ointments, gels, creams, tablets. Assigned as a first measure along with analgesics.
• Anti-inflammatory drugs based on corticosteroids. They are considered more serious drugs. Often prescribed in the form of intraarticular injections.
• Chondroprotectors. Assigned to protect joints.
• Preparations based on hyaluronic acid. They have proven effectiveness in restoring destroyed cartilage.
Otherwise, surgical treatment is indicated. It is necessary for advanced rheumatoid polyarthritis. In this case, one can not do without performing prosthetics with the replacement of joints that are most destroyed by the disease.
Prevention of Rheumatoid Polyarthritis
Prevention of rheumatoid arthritis includes a number of easy-to-follow recommendations.
• Under no circumstances should you be cold. Cold is the enemy of healthy joints. In addition, hypothermia is fraught with the development of myositis.
• You should get sick as little as possible. As it turned out, polyarthritis occurs against the background of frequent history of acute respiratory viral infections and weakened immunity.
• It is recommended to keep the immune system in good shape.
• You need to optimize your diet. Preference should be given to fortified foods.
In the complex of these measures, it is enough to prevent polyarthritis.
Rheumatoid polyarthritis is a serious and insidious disease. You can cope with it only by resorting to the help of competent doctors. However, the patient can do something on his own: adhere to the rules of prevention, be treated promptly and correctly. So the risk of complications and further progression of the disease will be minimal.
