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Rheumatic Arthritis
What should I do if rheumatoid arthritis deforms the knee joint?
Rheumatoid arthritis and knee joint deformity are serious conditions that may require joint replacement surgery. For less serious cases, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as etoricoxib or celecoxib, are generally used to treat and alleviate symptoms. The onset of rheumatoid arthritis is associated with streptococcal infections. Clinically, joint deformities are rare, so if joint deformity occurs, it is important to investigate the possibility of rheumatoid arthritis. Since rheumatoid arthritis is an immune-mediated erosive arthritis that can lead to bone destruction and joint deformity, rheumatoid factor and anti-CCP antibodies can be tested for diagnostic differentiation.
Can people with rheumatoid arthritis eat millet porridge?
Patients with rheumatoid arthritis can safely consume millet porridge, as it is highly nutritious and does not affect rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is somewhat associated with streptococcal infections, and clinically it mainly presents as migratory pain in the major joints of the limbs. With the widespread use of penicillin in recent years, the incidence of rheumatoid arthritis has become increasingly low. Nowadays, it is occasionally seen in clinical practice, mainly among patients with repeated streptococcal infections, such as those with recurrent tonsillitis, who may experience episodes of rheumatoid arthritis. In such cases, removing the cause can generally achieve clinical cure. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and penicillin antibiotics can be used to treat acute episodes.
Can people with rheumatoid arthritis drink red bean and coix seed beverage?
Patients with rheumatoid arthritis can drink red bean and coix seed beverage, which does not significantly affect the condition and is rich in proteins, potentially aiding in recovery. Rheumatoid arthritis is a common rheumatic disease, related to infections by streptococci. With the widespread use of penicillin in recent years, the incidence of rheumatoid arthritis has been decreasing. Currently, it is mainly seen in patients with recurrent streptococcal infections, such as those who frequently suffer from tonsillitis, which increases their likelihood of developing rheumatoid arthritis. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis should maintain a light diet and can appropriately consume more high-quality protein foods, such as lean meat, milk, and eggs, while avoiding or reducing spicy and stimulating foods.
Will rheumatoid arthritis RF be high?
Patients with rheumatic arthritis generally do not have elevated rheumatoid factor levels, but there may also be a slight, minor increase. Typically, high titers of positive rheumatoid factors are not present. If a patient with rheumatic arthritis has a significant increase in rheumatoid factor, that is, more than three times the normal value, we need to reconsider the diagnosis of rheumatic arthritis. At this point, further tests are required to refine the diagnosis, including ASO (anti-streptolysin O), ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate), CRP (C-reactive protein), anti-CCP antibody, and anti-AK antibody, to better determine whether the condition is rheumatic arthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.
Symptoms and treatment methods of rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatic arthritis is mostly related to streptococcal infections. Additionally, respiratory viruses and mycoplasma infections can also cause joint pain. Once joint pain occurs, especially if it is asymmetrical, one should consider these infection-related factors, thus necessitating comprehensive tests including anti-streptolysin O, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and respiratory virus tests. Whether to treat rheumatic arthritis depends on symptoms like fever and joint pain. Should there be fever and joint pain, proper medication is required, primarily the use of anti-inflammatory drugs, specifically non-steroidal ones. Treatment should be combined with long-term administration of penicillin to ensure a full course of therapy. If joint pain occurs, immobilization is essential, meaning bed rest is necessary until the joint pain eases. During this period, a light diet and adequate water intake are also recommended. (Please follow the guidance of a professional physician for medication use.)
Does rheumatoid arthritis have anything to do with drinking alcohol?
Rheumatoid arthritis is not causally related to alcohol consumption. There is a certain correlation between rheumatoid arthritis and Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus infection. Clinically, it is mainly manifested as joint pain or arthritis, primarily affecting major joints. Symptoms can include redness, swelling, heat, and pain in the joints, which are migratory, and generally do not leave joint deformities. During the acute phase of rheumatoid arthritis, it is important to immobilize the joints. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as etoricoxib or diclofenac sodium sustained-release capsules, can be used to relieve symptoms. If accompanied by myocarditis, glucocorticoids can also be applied in combination therapy.
Is hot compress useful for rheumatoid arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis during the acute flare-up phase makes heat application useless; it might even exacerbate the symptoms of joint pain. Normally in daily life, applying heat to the affected joints can assist in treatment. However, during the acute flare-up phase of rheumatoid arthritis, the main symptoms are migratory pain in the major joints of the limbs. Cold application may help alleviate the pain, but heat should definitely not be applied during the acute phase. The development of rheumatoid arthritis is somewhat related to streptococcal infections. Therefore, penicillin antibiotics are generally used for anti-infection treatment. During the acute phase, it is common to also use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as etoricoxib or meloxicam, to relieve symptoms.
Rheumatoid arthritis hurts more at night or during the day?
The pain of rheumatoid arthritis is irregular. It can hurt at night or during the day, and it varies from person to person. The onset of rheumatoid arthritis is somewhat related to streptococcal infection. Clinically, it mainly presents as migratory swelling and pain in the large joints of the limbs, generally without leaving joint deformities. The onset of rheumatoid arthritis is related to streptococcal infection, so it requires treatment with penicillin antibiotics. During the acute phase, it is also recommended to use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to alleviate symptoms. Commonly used drugs include sustained-release capsules of diclofenac sodium, meloxicam, or etoricoxib.
Rheumatoid arthritis massage techniques
For the acute phase of rheumatoid arthritis, which is when the joints are significantly swollen and painful, it is not advisable to perform any form of massage. Both massage and intense exercise could potentially worsen the joint swelling and pain. At this time, what is needed is strict bed rest. After the acute phase of the joints eases, then consider some methods of exercise. In managing the acute phase of rheumatoid arthritis, one can consider using some anti-inflammatory pain relievers. The most commonly used are non-steroidal pain relievers, such as diclofenac sodium, to control joint pain, rather than massaging the joints, as this could only make the condition worse. (Please follow medical advice regarding specific medications.)
Difference between arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
Arthritis is typically osteoarthritis, a chronic inflammation characterized primarily by degenerative changes in joint cartilage, followed by bone proliferation, making it a chronic disease. Early pathological changes include alterations in joint cartilage, such as subchondral bone extrusion, followed by changes in the muscles surrounding the periosteum and joint capsule. Early radiographic examinations can provide a definitive diagnosis. Its symptoms primarily manifest as pain. For rheumatoid arthritis, it generally presents as morning stiffness and joint swelling and pain more severe than in the surrounding area, which can essentially confirm a diagnosis. It usually affects large joints such as the knee, shoulder, or wrist joints, typically presenting as migratory pain. A definitive diagnosis can usually be made by testing for rheumatoid factor, with an anti-O level exceeding 500 units. Additionally, there may be a slight increase in white blood cells, accelerated erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and elevated C-reactive protein. Examination of the synovial fluid shows increased white blood cells and neutrophils. In such cases, using anti-rheumatic drugs might suffice, but it’s also crucial to ensure rest and local heat application. These two types of arthritis fundamentally differ.