Rheumatism of the legs: symptoms and treatment

Such a diagnosis, as rheumatism of the lower extremities, is by no means perceived by everyone as a serious threat to health. Nevertheless, this disease can cause significant damage not only to the legs, but even the connective tissues of various organs, which makes it really dangerous.

Than rheumatism of legs is dangerous

Rheumatism of the joints of the legs is a disease of the musculoskeletal system and is capable of developing imperceptibly. But its consequences can be more than palpable. The very essence of the disease is reduced to the destruction of connective tissue in the joints themselves. In some cases complications can cause damage to the internal organs. Many people are of the opinion that the rheumatism of the toes and the lower limbs as a whole is characteristic mainly for the elderly. In fact, this disease most often affects the joints of children from 7 to 15 years. Among the adult patients who are forced to treat rheumatism, approximately 80% have not reached the age of 40 years.

It is worth noting that this disease is often called rheumatoid arthritis, or polyarthritis. This is due to the fact that the symptomatology in most cases is related to the joints, although arthritis can affect the connective tissue of the cardiovascular system, internal organs and muscles. In some cases, even the nervous system of a person is affected by the pathological process.

Why does rheumatism occur?

Often this disease manifests itself in those people whose relatives also had problems with joints. The risk of getting a lesion of connective tissue is high and in the owners of a rare protein of group B. Signs of rheumatism of the feet are often manifested in the case of their constant overcooling or frequent cases of infectious diseases. As another reason why you can hear such a diagnosis, it makes sense to consider a previous streptococcal infection. The bottom line is that the consequence of such a disease is inflammation of the connective tissue in various organs and joints including.

Studies have shown that rheumatism manifests itself as the reaction of the body to the process of infection with one of the beta-hemolytic streptococci belonging to group A. Precedence rheumatism may be such diseases as scarlet fever, tonsillitis, chronic pharyngitis, inflammation of the middle ear (tonsillitis) and others.

When streptococci appears in the human body, the immune system response is quite active, because this type of bacteria is defined as a significant threat. As a result, specific antibodies are produced. It is important to note the following fact: the same molecules as those that are attacked by antibodies in the fight against streptococcus, are present in people who are prone to rheumatism. And then the immune system begins to exert a destructive effect on the connective tissue. This can lead to the defeat of various organs and joints.

Rheumatism of the legs: symptoms

In most cases, rheumatism develops 1-3 weeks after the streptococcal infection of the upper respiratory tract (tonsillitis, tonsillitis, pharyngitis) has been transferred. It is important to know that far from every case the manifestation of infection can be called bright. Sometimes the disease runs unnoticed and even atypical - the inflammation of the throat is light, and the temperature is minimal. For this reason, often doctors with such symptoms diagnose ARI, not considering anti-streptococcal treatment as a real need. And such a mistake can lead to the fact that a re-infection against a background of weakened immunity will cause the development of articular rheumatism.

It manifests itself (rheumatism) a few days after the second infection and affects large joints - knees, ankles, etc. Rheumatism of the legs is easily recognizable: joint inflammation occurs alternately, and the affected part swells noticeably, and besides it hurts when pressed. For example, first the knee joint becomes inflamed, after, several days later, and sometimes hours, the inflammation along with the pain subsides, and the disease begins to hit another joint, then the next. This is - alternately - the defeat of connective tissue in different parts of the lower limbs and is an obvious sign of leg rheumatism. One attack on a particular joint lasts a maximum of 12 days. But as a result, not only the feet suffer - significant harm is inflicted on the heart.

Rheumatism of the legs, the symptoms of which are almost invisible, makes itself felt in most cases through mild, but constant weakness after moderate loads. Such feelings are very similar to the usual fatigue at the end of a day's work. Another characteristic symptom that indicates inflammation of the connective tissue is the temperature that rises quickly and just as quickly returns to normal, after which the jumps again occur.

Theme: "Rheumatism of the legs: signs and treatment" is very relevant and serious. After all, if the disease is not treated, you can face such an unpleasant consequence, as rheumatic heart disease (inflammation of the heart). There are easy rheumatic heart disease, medium stage and severe. In the process of its development, the valves of the heart, the membranes (pericarditis) and the cardiac muscle (myocarditis) are affected.

Continuing to study how rheumatism of the legs manifests itself, it is important to note that the mild form of rheumacordita usually goes unnoticed, but the mean manifests itself through moderate cardiac hypertrophy (it increases in volume). Thus patients feel unpleasant sensations behind a breast bone, also a dyspnea and appreciable palpitation at rather easy or light; mild loading (walking, rise on a ladder).

In the case of severe rheumatic heart disease, the size of the heart increases significantly. Pain in the chest, shortness of breath and an intensified heartbeat disturb even at rest. Moreover, on the legs there are swelling. With this form of rheumatic carditis, there is a high probability of heart disease.

Mechanism of disease development

As mentioned above, with rheumatism, only one joint is extremely rarely affected - painful sensations constantly change the dislocation. In this case, according to doctors, rheumatism of the legs affects primarily those joints that are more loaded. Also, the joints that previously undergone stable supercooling, bruises, prolonged pressure and other adverse effects are at risk. If you resort to well-organized treatment, then there are all chances to defeat the disease within 1-2 weeks. In some cases, the inflammation process stops after the third day of treatment.

It is worth noting that rheumatism does not always have a radically destructive effect on connective tissue. It is not uncommon for patients, even if they have a second inflammation, to remain active and do not experience severe pain.

Diagnostics

Deepening into the topic: "Rheumatism of the legs: signs and treatment", it is important to pay attention to methods of identifying the disease. The basis of diagnosis in this case are laboratory studies and a number of clinical signs that allow determining the defeat of organs.

In order to identify the negative effects of inflammatory processes on the heart, it is necessary to undergo ultrasound or an ECG. It is not superfluous to carry out differential diagnosis with nonspecific infectious polyarthritis, tuberculosis, septic endocarditis, neurosis and other diseases.

It is also worth noting that in the case of the development of the acute phase of rheumatism, neutrophilic leukocytosis will be observed in the blood. It is also possible to reduce the level of hemoglobin in the first days of active inflammation. In the case of persistent relapses, there is a risk of developing anemia.

Pediatric rheumatism of the legs: symptoms and diagnosis

If we talk about the symptoms of rheumatism in children, it is worth saying that they are very similar to those given above: fever and development of polyarthritis (severe pain) in the affected joints.

Rheumatic polyarthritis may have some peculiarities:

- Infants develop inflammation of large joints very quickly, sometimes even for several hours. Then the skin on the place of the affected joint becomes red, hot to the touch and swells.

- In some cases, several large joints can be inflamed simultaneously, for example, both knees.

- Rheumatic polyarthritis in children lasts an average of 4-5 days.

- The child feels a strong pain, which prevents him from moving freely. There are often cases when children with rheumatic fever can not get out of bed.

Children's rheumatism of the legs, as in adults, can be manifested through chest pain, shortness of breath, increased heart rate, weakness and irregular heartbeat. At the first signs of rheumatism in a child, he needs to conduct a heart examination and prescribe appropriate treatment. If the disease is started, then it is possible to develop severe heart defects, which in the future can turn into heart failure.

Another sign of rheumatism in children is the appearance of a reddish rash, which is called annular erythema.

With regard to diagnosis, then if you suspect rheumatism it is worth the following examinations:

- blood chemistry;

- general blood analysis;

- Ultrasound of the heart ;

- a blood test for the level of ASL-O;

- electrocardiography, it's an ECG.

Diagnosis is best not to neglect, so that later do not fight with complications.

Treatment of rheumatism

Trying to get an answer to the question of how to treat leg rheumatism, one must first of all realize the need for an immediate visit to the doctor with the first suspicions of the development of the disease. This is important for the reason that the course of the disease may in some cases differ, which means the need for an individual and professional approach to the treatment process.

The following methods are usually used:

- the use of glucocorticoids, as well as immunosuppressants to provide protective functions of the body;

- use of antibiotics (Amikacin, Sumamed, etc.) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Ketoprofen, Movalis, Diclofenac - should be taken until the tumor completely disappears);

- a complex of vitamins for recovery after antibiotics ("Supradin", "Oligovit", "Vitrum", "Centrum");

- after acute symptoms have been removed, various physiotherapeutic procedures (paraffin applications, UHF, electrophoresis and infrared lamp heating) are used for complete recovery;

- If the usual treatment does not help to neutralize the symptoms of rheumatism, then doctors prescribe plasmapheresis - the purification of blood from antibodies and toxins.

Some doctors advise for a more fruitful treatment process to reduce carbohydrate intake and increase the amount of protein in the diet. In any case, treatment should be comprehensive.

If the scheme of overcoming the disease has been determined correctly, and the patient has followed all the recommendations of the doctor, then full recovery may occur after 2 weeks. In those cases, when the visit to the doctor was immediate, the process of recovery will take only a few days.

How to treat rheumatism at home

One of the main principles of home exposure to the disease can be determined by proper nutrition and phytotherapy. As for the recipes of various broths, in this case it is definitely better to consult with doctors who will be able to take into account all the features of the disease course in a particular person.

Food should be arranged in such a way that all meals are without salt. The use of seasonings will also have to be limited. This is important for the reason that during the rheumatic attack there is a metabolic disorder.

When answering the question about how to treat rheumatism in legs at home, it is important to pay attention to the harmful effects of dishes containing extractive substances (vegetable and strong meat soups, as well as broths). About soups of fast preparation and various broth cubes for the period of treatment it is necessary to forget. As mentioned above, for rapid recovery, it is necessary to limit the consumption of foods that are a source of digestible carbohydrates (honey, sugar, jam, jam and confectionery).

From the diet of the patient it is also necessary to exclude foods based on beans, mushrooms, spinach, sorrel and peas. But grape juice and grapes can be consumed. Vegetables need to boil, and meat and fish are only slightly stewed or boiled.

If you look at the topic: "Rheumatism: symptoms and treatment of legs" from the point of view of traditional medicine, it is worth noting that, according to the doctors, sand can help in the fight against inflammation. To do this, it must be washed and sieved through a sieve, preferably shallow. The most suitable option is the sea sand. After sowing it is necessary to heat it to 50 degrees and pour it into a comfortable fabric bag. It is this bag of hot sand that is applied to the place where the pain is felt. But this method should not be used by people who have been diagnosed with skin and heart disease, tuberculosis, malnutrition and tumors.

Another technique that everyone who is interested in the topic should know about: "Rheumatism: symptoms and treatment of the legs" is clay. It can be used in the form of compresses and wraps. The clay, which is topical in such a disease, makes its ability to relieve pain and reduce inflammation.

Prevention

In order to prevent the re-development of leg rheumatism, it is necessary to focus on two purposes: to protect the body from a new infection with streptococcal infection and to strengthen the immune system. And this means that, if possible, everyone who has had rheumatism should visit a specialized sanatorium.

After the restorative measures are taken, it is necessary not to visit other climatic zones for a period of 1-2 years, resting on their native lands. Since rheumatism of the feet involves complex treatment, all factors that can create favorable conditions for the development of the disease must be taken into account. If within a few years after the rheumatic attack go to someone else's climate zone, you will have to face acclimatization, which, in turn, can lead to certain complications.

Those who have experienced rheumatic attacks should not be fond of bathing in cold water and a long process of sunburn. Active sports activities are undesirable because the heart weakened by the disease will not yet be ready for intensive work. But physical education is worthwhile, as well as literate hardening. In this case, in the case of increasing the pulse to 120 strokes and the appearance of dyspnea, it is necessary to pause.

Results

Rheumatism can definitely be attributed to those diseases that require special attention due to the risk of significant complications. Therefore, as with any serious diagnosis, if symptoms of inflammation of connective tissue need to respond quickly - go to the doctor and begin treatment. And, of course, it is always worth remembering about prevention.