TOP 10 questions to a rheumatologist for Arthritis Day

Pain and, more importantly, swelling of the joints (their swelling, with a local increase in skin temperature on their surface, possibly redness). These symptoms are expressed more at rest or after a period of rest (more often in the morning, after rest, etc.). Stiffness, not pain (feeling of stiffness, tightness, "petrification" of joints) more than 30 minutes after rest, more often in the morning.

As you know, there is a hereditary predisposition to the development of arthritis, but it is important to understand that this is only a predisposition, not a predestination. The proportion of the influence of burdened heredity on the risk of developing arthritis (primarily rheumatoid) is less than the significance of external trigger factors.

Therefore, avoiding the well—known "provocateurs" of arthritis — smoking, chronic infections (especially of the oral cavity and respiratory organs), excess body weight, disorders of the intestinal microbiota, chronic overload /injury of joints, etc. - significantly reduces the risk of developing arthritis, despite genetics.

Modern methods of treatment of arthritis (primarily rheumatoid), including basic synthetic anti-inflammatory drugs (HDL), genetically engineered biological drugs (GIBP) and targeted synthetic HDL (ts-HDL), with the right approach, can achieve remission in 30-40% of patients, and low disease activity — about 60% of patients. The main thing is the joint efforts of the doctor and the patient.

Myth 1: any pain in the joint or small deviations in the tests is immediately arthritis. In rheumatology, arthritis is primarily considered to be autoimmune inflammation of the joints due to a malfunction of the immune system under the influence of trigger factors and a possible genetic predisposition. The diagnosis is established only by a rheumatologist after a comprehensive examination.

Myth 2: Arthritis is only a lesion of the joints. The failure of immunity affects the whole body: the process is systemic and can lead to damage to the lungs, skin, heart, kidneys, nervous system, etc. In some cases, systemic manifestations are more pronounced than articular ones.

Myth 3: you can't beat the disease. Yes, the disease can accompany a person all his life, but persistent remission is possible — you need to strive for it.

Two key principles of nutrition:

1. Avoiding overweight is mechanically and biochemically reduces the load on the joints.
2. Increase the proportion of fiber (whole grains, legumes, vegetables, etc.) in the absence of contraindications — this improves the state of the intestinal microbiota, important for protection against autoimmune diseases, including arthritis.

Additionally: maintain muscle tone and give up bad habits.

Principle: strengthen the muscular frame and improve muscle tone with minimal stress on bones and cartilage. The best view is swimming. In everyday life — physical therapy. Regular integration of these activities helps to reduce the risk of joint damage.

Arthritis is an autoimmune disease, a failure of immunity can occur at any age. In the elderly, cartilage is more likely to wear out with the development of osteoarthritis (now often called "osteoarthritis"), which causes confusion. Arthrosis and arthritis are different diseases; only a rheumatologist can correctly differentiate.

Yeah. A decrease in atmospheric pressure before rain or in cold weather leads to an increase in intra-articular pressure and irritation of pain receptors. In the cold, superficial vessels also narrow and muscle tension increases — this increases stiffness and pain.

GIBP and ts‑BPVP are topical effective drugs. Promising directions: the "reboot" of immunity by methods of cell therapy (for example, CAR‑T — modification of T‑cells with a chimeric antigen receptor) in order to stop autoimmune attack, as well as neuro‑immunological approaches (stimulation of the structures of the nervous system to suppress inflammation). The first device of this type was registered in the USA this year; the first results are encouraging.

Do not worry and contact a rheumatologist as soon as possible. Modern approaches make it possible to stop the disease and keep it under control. Patience and responsibility will be required, especially at the start of therapy, but arthritis is not a sentence. Permanent remission is achievable: believe in yourself, your doctor and move towards the goal.