How to Treat Rheumatism with Natural Remedies |
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Rheumatism or rheumatic disorder is a term that refers to a wide range of musculoskeletal problems known as rheumatic diseases.
It is among the most common chronic diseases and according to statistics one third of the world's population suffers from some type of rheumatic problem.
Usually rheumatic problems mostly affect bones, joints, cartilage, tendons, muscles and ligaments.
In some rare cases other parts of the body might be affected such as skin and certain internal organs.
Rheumatism occurs at all age groups, although the frequency is higher in those between the age of thirty and fifty.
It affects both sexes, although in a small percentage women surpass men.
How to Identify Rheumatic diseases
Depending on a type of disease, there are different symptoms of rheumatism.
They occur gradually and during the development of the disease they can disappear and then manifest suddenly and unexpectedly.
Some of the most common symptoms of rheumatism are:
- Angularity and numbness of muscles and joints
- Redness and swelling of joints
- Joint deformation
- Sensitivity, pain and warmth in the affected areas
- Limb weakness
- Fatigue and exhaustion
Besides causing pain and swelling, rheumatic diseases may result in joint damage, reduced mobility, partial or complete physical incapacity and finally invalidity.
The Most Common Types of Rheumatism
There are about 250 types of rheumatic diseases – from osteoporosis to arthritis and systemic connective tissue diseases.
We will list some of the most common ones.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis.
This rheumatic disease destroys the articular cartilage and bones which leads to pain, inflammation and joint damage.
It equally affects men and women, and mostly it is widespread among the older population.
Osteoarthritis affects mainly the neck, lower back, fingers, hips and knees.
Symptoms of osteoarthritis:
- Muscle weakness
- Pain (especially in the back)
- Swelling
- Increased sensitivity of joints
- Joints angularity (which can be reduced by exercise)
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes chronic joint inflammation.
This type of rheumatism mostly affects the joints of fists and feet but also other parts of the body.
It is recognized by symmetrical inflammation which means that pain and swelling occur at the same time in joints of both limbs.
Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Angularity of joints
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Small tumors around joints (known as rheumatoid nodules)
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is also considered as one of the autoimmune rheumatic diseases.
In this case the immune system affects the joints, tendons and other connective tissues and also many other organs such as skin, kidneys, lungs, heart, blood vessels, brain.
This disease most commonly occurs in the thirties, though it can affect children and older population as well.
Symptoms of systemic lupus erythematosus are:
- Joints angularity
- Fatigue
- Rash on the cheeks in a shape that resembles a butterfly
- Mild fever
- Nausea and weakness
- Chest pain
- Arrhythmia
- Hair loss
- Anemia
Gout
Gout usually appears as a consequence of urine crystals sedimentation in joints which healthy people usually naturally eliminate by urination.
Male population is most commonly affected, and in women it appears in somewhat smaller percentage, mostly at an older age.
Gout symptoms are:
- Occurrence of sudden strong pain
- Redness
- Sensitivity
- Warmth in the joints
- Swelling of joints
The joints of the knees, legs, hands and elbows are mostly effected.
If the above mentioned symptoms occur on the joint of the hallux (the big toe) then it is certain that person is suffering from gout.
Causes and Prevention of Rheumatic Diseases
Besides genetic predisposition, studies have determined a whole range of external factors that cause the occurrence of rheumatic diseases.
These include physical inactivity, inadequate nutrition, overweight, smoking, alcohol consumption, frostbites, frequent and lengthy stay in humid or air-conditioned rooms.
It has been proved that leading a healthy life and rejecting the above mentioned harmful life habits can prevent the occurrence and accelerated development of most rheumatic diseases.
Furthermore, a proper education on the symptoms of rheumatic diseases is of great importance for every patient.
Although symptoms differ from disease to disease, early and accurate professional diagnosis will substantially contribute to mitigation of symptoms and slowing of disease progress.
Treatment of Rheumatism
Every rheumatic disease has its own causes, which demand adequate treatment.
Rheumatism can be treated and kept under control through:
- The introduction of healthy and adequate diet rich in fresh fruit and vegetables
- Practicing suitable physical exercise
- Using various methods of relaxation
- Rejecting harmful habits such as smoking or drinking alcohol
- Using effective natural remedies
Particular emphasis is given to the suppression of inflammatory changes, which if not properly treated, can result in severe invalidity.
Natural treatment such as acupuncture, chiropractic, aromatherapy, can be of significant help in slowing the development of the disease and mitigating its symptoms.
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