Rheumatism – causes, side effects and treatments at NaturalPedia.com

Saturday, June 16, 2018 by Michelle Simmons

Rheumatism was the term used historically to describe a number of rheumatic conditions. Today, it is no longer used by medical professionals, who emphasize the importance of obtaining a specific diagnosis in order to get proper treatment. Rheumatism was associated with conditions related to the joints or soft tissues and muscles. Rheumatic conditions have been classified as localized, regional, or generalized. Rheumatic diseases and conditions are characterized by symptoms involving the musculoskeletal system, while many also feature abnormalities in the immune system. Rheumatic diseases include rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, gout, scleroderma, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, Sjögren’s syndrome, spondylarthritides, polymyalgia rheumatic, and systemic vasculitis like giant cell arteritis. Today, rheumatism is often referred to as rheumatoid arthritis, which is another common form of arthritis. Because rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease, this means that the body thinks that its own tissues are foreign and attacks them. The immune system attacks joints and other parts of the body, often causing pain, fatigue, and warm, swollen, inflamed-looking joints.

Known side effects of rheumatism

The known side effects of rheumatism or rheumatism diseases include joint pain, swelling in a joint or joints, joint stiffness that lasts for a minimum of one hour in the early morning, chronic pain or tenderness in a joint or joints, warmth and redness in the joint area, limited movement in the affected area, and tiredness. Rheumatoid arthritis, if not properly managed, can lead to other health conditions. These include carpal tunnel syndrome, widespread inflammation, joint damage, cardiovascular disease such as heart attacks and strokes, and cervical myelopathy.

Body systems harmed by rheumatism

The body systems harmed by rheumatism include the muscular system, skeletal system, and the immune system.

List of foods or nutrients that prevent rheumatism

Foods that fight rheumatism or rheumatic diseases like rheumatoid arthritis include omega-3 rich fish such as salmon, tuna, mackerel, and herring; soybeans, such as tofu and edamame; heart-healthy fats such as extra virgin olive oil, safflower oil, avocado oil, and walnut oil; foods rich in anthocyanins like cherries, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries; dairy products like milk, yogurt, and cheese; broccoli; green tea; citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits, and limes; whole grains such as oatmeal, brown rich, and whole-grain cereals; beans like red beans, kidney beans, and pinto beans; garlic; and nuts like walnuts, pine nuts, pistachios, and almonds. These foods are known to fight inflammation, strengthen bones, and boost the immune system.

Treatments, management plans for rheumatism

Treatment options for rheumatism or rheumatism diseases include medications, specific exercise regimes to increase muscle strength and joint flexibility, physical therapy, occupational therapy, hot and cold therapy, splints, braces, and assistive devices to support weak joints, relaxation therapy, and surgery which is particular for arthritis.

Where to learn more

Summary

Rheumatism was the term used historically to describe rheumatic conditions.

Rheumatic diseases and conditions are characterized by symptoms involving the musculoskeletal system, while many also feature abnormalities in the immune system.

Rheumatic diseases include rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, gout, scleroderma, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, Sjögren’s syndrome, spondylarthritides, polymyalgia rheumatic, and systemic vasculitis like giant cell arteritis.

Rheumatism or rheumatism diseases include joint pain, swelling in a joint or joints, joint stiffness that lasts for a minimum of one hour in the early morning, chronic pain or tenderness in a joint or joints, warmth and redness in the joint area, limited movement in the affected area, and tiredness.

Rheumatic diseases harm the muscular system, skeletal system, and the immune system.

Foods that fight rheumatism diseases include omega-3 rich fish, heart-healthy fats, berries and cherries, citrus fruits, whole grains, broccoli, green tea, beans, garlic, and nuts.

Rheumatic diseases can be treated with medications, specific exercise regimes to increase muscle strength and joint flexibility, physical therapy, occupational therapy, hot and cold therapy, splints, braces, and assistive devices to support weak joints, relaxation therapy, and surgery.

Sources include:

Tagged Under: Tags: rheumatism