Tag Archives: arthritis doctor in Delhi

rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis These Days

Among the autoimmune rheumatic diseases, perhaps rheumatoid arthritis is the pathology most known to the population. Or, at least, it is a disease that is heard about quite often. Despite being considered an uncommon disease, it is estimated that there are 7 million people affected by rheumatoid arthritis in India.

Rheumatoid arthritis occurs due to a dysregulation of the immune system, resulting in chronic inflammation in the joints that leads to the destruction of these structures. This inflammation can also occur in other parts of the body, such as in the eyes, lungs, peripheral nerves, and skin.

Historically, when we talk about rheumatoid arthritis, we imagine a person suffering, in pain, in a wheelchair, dependent, with deformed joints. This is how rheumatoid arthritis affected the lives of renowned artists, such as the French painter Renoir and the French singer Édith Piaf, whose weight of the disease is known to have marked their biographies.

However, thanks to advances in early diagnosis and the effectiveness of current arthritis treatment in Delhi, the lives of people with rheumatoid arthritis today are very different from the suffering experienced in the past.

Today, it is known the importance of early diagnosis to institute treatment quickly, following the same reasoning as an early cancer diagnosis. It is known that the sooner we start treating rheumatoid arthritis, the greater the control over the disease. This control means that the complications of the untreated disease will be avoided, especially the joint deformities, which lead to a great loss in the day-to-day functions and loss of quality of life.

Like many other chronic diseases, the onset of rheumatoid arthritis can be very subtle. It is important to pay attention to persistent pain, especially accompanied by swelling, in small joints of the hands, wrists and feet, which are worse in the morning, which alleviate throughout the day. There may be a picture of prolonged sensation, for more than an hour, of morning stiffness, where the joints are very difficult to move. Tiredness and fatigue can occur simultaneously with joint pain. All people with this type of complaint should be evaluated by the best rheumatologist in Delhi. Based on findings from the conversation with the patient, the clinical examination and with the aid of some specific laboratory tests and also suitable imaging methods, the arthritis specialist in Delhi can make the diagnosis of the disease and start the treatment of the patient.

As rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic health problem, it is very important that there is a partnership between the patient and his arthritis specialist in Delhi. Treatment involves the use of medications that act on the immune system and requires regular and frequent monitoring. At each visit, the top rheumatologist in Delhi makes adjustments to the treatment according to the patient’s clinical response. These adjustments must occur in relatively short intervals of time, in order to achieve adequate doses of medications and maximum control of the disease. Keeping the disease under control, the joints are preserved, their function is maintained, there is quality life. The rheumatologist in Delhi is the physician with the knowledge and experience to conduct the follow-up of people with rheumatoid arthritis and even to diagnose this disease among so many others that can also manifest themselves with joint pain. Although there is still no cure for this disease, the progress in this area of ​​medicine allows people to live well, study, play sports, work, take care of their families. The secret is, of course, in early diagnosis and specialized care.

Rheumatic polymyalgia

Rheumatic polymyalgia, rheumatism of the elderly that we need to know!

The story is not uncommon: an elderly person begins to experience joint pain in the upper and lower limbs, fatigue, discouragement and even weight loss. 

Although very common, musculoskeletal complaints in the elderly are often underestimated and, therefore, underdiagnosed and insufficiently treated.

Today’s text calls attention to a disease with a difficult name, however, more common than imagined and relatively simple diagnosis and treatment, provided that the patient in question is correctly referred to the Rheumatologist in Delhi.

It is Polymyalgia Rheumatica, a systemic inflammatory disease that affects musculoskeletal tissues mainly around the joints of the shoulders and hips, and which is clinically characterized by pain and stiffness in the regions of the shoulders and hips.

The disease is characterized by onset in individuals over 50 years of age, but it is more common over 70 years of age. Due to the intense inflammation that the same cause, the symptoms are more intense in the morning, and there may be fatigue, weight loss and even associated fever. When very intense, these symptoms can be frightening, and often those affected can be extensively investigated for the possibility of Neoplasia before reaching the diagnosis of Polymyalgia Rheumatica, says arthritis doctor in Delhi.

The diagnosis of this disease is eminently clinical, and, therefore, the role of the best rheumatologist in Delhi is essential for rapid diagnosis and arthritis treatment in Delhi, avoiding suffering and unnecessary exams and preventing the feared complication of Polymyalgia Rheumatica known as Temporal (or Giant Cell) Arteritis, an inflammation of vessels that can lead to blindness quickly if treatment is delayed, and that can occur in up to 20% of patients with Polymyalgia Rheumatica.

In the complementary investigation, the inflammatory tests of these patients (ESR and C-reactive protein) are markedly elevated, corroborating the inflammatory nature of the disease.

After the correct diagnosis of Polymyalgia Rheumatica, treatment is done with corticosteroids and the response is usually excellent and very fast, with significant improvement of symptoms in the first days of using the medication. After the initial treatment, the corticosteroid is weaned slowly and the patient must be monitored clinically and laboratory to determine whether or not other medications are needed.

As a final reminder, if you have a family member or know an elderly person with persistent joint pain and recent onset, suggest that they see a arthritis specialist in Delhi immediately. The symptoms can be indicative of an underlying intense inflammatory process and with dire consequences.

rheumatic diseases

14 Warning Signs For Rheumatic Diseases

The rheumatic diseases include diseases that affect the musculoskeletal system, that is, joints, bones, muscles, cartilage, tendons and ligaments.

Popularly known as rheumatism, they affect more than 15 million people worldwide , according to data from the World Health Organization.

Due to the consequences they can generate on the health and quality of life of the sick, it is important to know the signs of the existence of rheumatic diseases in order to start treatment as soon as possible. Below are some signs to pay attention and seek medical help from arthritis doctor in Delhi.

14 signs that may indicate the presence of rheumatic diseases

In addition to  joint pain, which is considered one of the most common symptoms, there are signs that many people do not even know are related to rheumatic diseases. Check out!

  1. swelling, redness and heat in the joints (joints);
  2. swollen hands;
  3. difficulty to move;
  4. stiffness in the joints upon waking;
  5. decreased spine flexibility;
  6. nocturnal back pain in young patients;
  7. limitation to comb hair or brush teeth;
  8. muscle fatigue;
  9. reddish, dry eyes, as well as sensitivity to light;
  10. dry mouth;
  11. extremities of the body that are more sensitive to cold, such as feet, hands and ears, which can easily be numb;
  12. reduced feeling of touch;
  13. bluish-colored skin, known as  raynaud phenomenon;
  14. changes in the oral condition, such as oral ulceration, gingivitis and periodontitis.

As some rheumatic diseases have similar symptoms, consultation with a arthritis specialist in Delhi is essential for the appropriate treatment for that identified disease. Find out which are the most common.

What are the main rheumatic diseases

According to the  best rheumatologist in Delhi, there are more than 100 rheumatic diseases. None of them are transmissible and are usually accompanied by pain. Among them, the best known are:

It is important to note that, unlike what many people imagine, rheumatisms do not only affect the elderly. In fact, they can occur at any age, including childhood, as is the case with  juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

What can cause rheumatic diseases?

Genetic, immunological and infectious factors are considered the main causes for the onset or worsening of diseases. However, there are several other factors related to the development of rheumatic diseases, namely:

  • obesity;
  • sedentary lifestyle;
  • traumatisms;
  • stress, anxiety and depression;
  • sudden climate change.

The importance of early diagnosis

Because these are diseases that are still little known, many people ignore the evidence. However, it is important to give due attention, because the lack of treatment can lead to physical disability.

According to rheumatologist in Delhi, rheumatic diseases are already the second leading cause of absence from work and the third cause of early retirement due to disability.

Another reason that demonstrates the importance of early diagnosis is the fact that the symptoms of diseases tend to get much worse as they progress. In addition to the pain itself, the person finds it difficult to perform movements and tasks considered normal, from bending over to brushing their hair.

Thus, early diagnosis and arthritis treatment in Delhi are essential to minimize joint damage, thus preserving joint function and a full professional and family life.

Prevention tips

In addition to early diagnosis, it is of paramount importance to modify some habits in order to, as far as possible, prevent the onset of rheumatic diseases. Some tips are:

  • stay at the appropriate weight for your height;
  • adopt a healthy diet rich in calcium;
  • practice physical activity regularly;
  • wear suitable shoes;
  • maintain a correct posture;
  • do muscle relaxation and stretching exercises throughout the day;
  • meditate, keep your beliefs;
  • avoid excessive efforts.
rheumatologist in Delhi

Rheumatic Diseases

Many times, people talk about “rheumatism” as if it were a specific pathology, but the truth is that it is a concept that groups various diseases that affect the musculoskeletal system. The best known are arthritis and osteoarthritis, although there are more than 250 different types. They are highly prevalent diseases: in India, 1 in 4 people over 20 years of age says they have gone to (or made an appointment with) an arthritis doctor in Delhi and have taken any medicine for a month or more in the last year for any bone or joint problem.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF RHEUMATIC DISEASES?

Rheumatic diseases can affect joints, muscles, bones or tendons, as well as other structures of the locomotor system. The main symptoms are the following:

  • Pain. It is the most recurrent symptom. The location will depend on the type of rheumatic disease that is suffered, for example, if the joints are affected you will feel pain in the knees or hands. It may appear only at specific times, especially when the affected areas of the body are used a lot, but it can also be a persistent sensation that even prevents the sleep of those who suffer it.
  • Stiffness or numbness. The pain can be accompanied by stiffness and numbness, especially when you start to move the affected body part (morning stiffness), and it usually subsides after some time has passed.
  • Punctures. Sometimes the pain can be in the form of pinpricks, either isolated or intermittent.
  • Heaviness and tiredness. The fatigue can be localized, that is, that only one part of the body hurts, or general.
  • Swelling or swelling in the joints. Very often, when rheumatic disease affects the joints, there is inflammation in the affected areas. This is due to an accumulation of synovial fluid in the atrial cavity.
  • Other symptoms: Alterations in other organs (extra-articular manifestations), loss of appetite, weight loss or fever may also occur.

If you feel joint pain (or muscles, tendons …), there is inflammation in the painful area or a loss of strength is noted, it is important to see a rheumatologist in Delhi. Many times, it is the primary care doctors themselves who diagnose the disease, but the specialist in this case is the best rheumatologist in Delhi.

DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

The diagnosis is made through clinical observation and a questionnaire by the arthritis specialist in Delhi, in addition to diagnostic tests such as laboratory tests (blood tests), x-rays or ultrasounds.

Regarding arthritis treatment in Delhi, the vast majority is based on pain relievers and anti-inflammatories. However, there are many different types of rheumatic diseases, so joint pain treatment in Delhi will depend on what structures are affected and what the origin of the condition is. For example, there are rheumatisms that are due to autoimmune activity, that is, when the defence system turns against the body itself causing inflammation of the joints and, therefore, they are treated with drugs that normalize the activity of the system.

TYPES OF RHEUMATIC DISEASES

There are diseases that we all easily associate with rheumatism, such as rheumatoid arthritis, but there are many others that we do not usually associate. Here are some of the most common:

  • Rheumatoid arthritis: This is a chronic inflammation in the tissue that lines the inside of the joints (synovial membrane). It is characterized by causing pain that does not improve with rest, swelling and stiffness, especially in the morning.
  • Osteoarthritis: Although it is often confused with arthritis, it is a very different disease. In this case, the affected tissue is articular cartilage, which is injured by wear and tear and produces pain with movement that improves with rest.
  • Osteoporosis: Yes, osteoporosis is a type of rheumatic disease, since the bones are part of the locomotor system. This disease is characterized by decreased bone density, leading to increased bone fragility.
  • Myopathies: Myopathies are caused by abnormalities in the muscles and cause muscle pain and functional limitation.
  • Systemic lupus erythematosus: It is a type of lupus that can affect many organs. It is a chronic autoimmune disease that manifests itself in the form of outbreaks. The most affected structures are usually the skin and the joints.
  • Systemic sclerosis: Like lupus, it is also autoimmune and chronic. There is an alteration in collagen, a protein substance that supports the organs and tissues of the body. Symptoms are tightening of the skin and organs that are affected.
  • Fibromyalgia: It is a disease of unknown origin in which fatigue and general pain are felt without there being any injury causing it.