What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

It can affect much more than the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic disease, is popularly known as inflammatory joint rheumatism. If this disease develops, the lining of the joint becomes inflamed and damages the joint tissue. However, it damages many systems in the human body such as eyes, skin, lungs, blood vessels and heart.
This disease, which can be defined as an autoimmune disorder, is a condition in which the immune system damages the body tissues.


What Are The Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis?

The inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis will also damage other parts of the body. It can be seen in any age group. Having a family history of rheumatoid arthritis increases the risk for the disease. This disease triggers conditions such as osteoporosis, rheumatoid nodules, dry eyes and mouth, abnormal body combination. Painful swelling occurs in areas of the body that are affected by inflammation.


How Is Rheumatoid Arthritis Treated?

There is no specific treatment for the disease. First of all, medication is started. If physical therapy is recommended, drug therapy can be carried out in combination with methods such as rest, hot-cold applications.

In cases wherephysical therapy and rehabilitationdonot improve, a surgical operation can be planned. Surgical interventions such as tendon repair, joint fusion, joint replacement, synovectomy are performed according to the course and severity of the disease.