Rheumatism

Rheumatism is a term that many people are familiar with, but there is more to it than just joint pain. In most cases, it refers to rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic inflammatory disease that can affect several joints and progress over many years. The consequences can have a profound impact on everyday life: whether buttoning a shirt, writing, cooking or brushing your teeth.

Pain, fatigue and a general feeling of weakness are also often part of the clinical picture and can significantly reduce quality of life. But there is also good news: Early and individually tailored therapy can have a significant positive impact on the course of the disease.

Increase your mobility, relieve pain and noticeably improve your quality of life – with individual care at the NUHR Medical Center.
Our interdisciplinary team supports you with tailored treatment plans that are based on the latest medical findings and holistically tailored to your personal needs.

What is rheumatism?

Rheumatism is not a single clinical picture, but a collective term for over 400 different diseases of the musculoskeletal system. Many of them are chronic and inflammatory. These diseases affect not only joints, bones, muscles or tendons, but sometimes also internal organs and the immune system.

Rheumatic complaints are widespread: Around a quarter of the Austrian population suffers from it, with an upward trend in old age. However, younger people and children can also be affected. Inflammatory autoimmune forms in particular, such as rheumatoid arthritis, often occur in the third to fourth decade of life.

Although there is currently no cure for rheumatic diseases, modern therapies can often control symptoms very well. Some treatment approaches can even partially repair existing joint damage. However, it is crucial to start treatment early under the supervision of a specialist.

What types of rheumatism are there?

Rheumatism is a collective term for over 100 different diseases of the musculoskeletal system. Doctors therefore speak of rheumatic diseases. The most important groups are

• Inflammatory rheumatic autoimmune diseases: e.g. rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, collagenoses (lupus, scleroderma), vasculitis and juvenile arthritis.
• Degenerative diseases such as osteoarthritis (joint wear and tear).
• Rheumatic pain syndromes such as fibromyalgia.
• Metabolic diseases with joint problems, e.g. gout.

It is important to recognize the exact form, as this is the only way to initiate appropriate treatment.

What are the typical symptoms of rheumatism?

The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis can begin gradually, but are usually clearly noticeable. Typical symptoms are

• Inflamed, warm and swollen joints
• Morning stiffness that often lasts longer than an hour
• Restricted mobility and declining muscle strength
• General exhaustion and tiredness
• Rheumatoid nodules – small, painless nodules under the skin

It is also characteristic that both sides of the body are usually affected equally, for example both wrists or both knees.

How does rheumatism differ from osteoarthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis are often confused, but they differ significantly in cause and course. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammation caused by an incorrect reaction of the immune system. The body’s own defense system mistakenly attacks the synovial membrane. Osteoarthritis, on the other hand, is the result of a natural wear and tear process: the cartilage in the joint becomes thinner and less resilient over time.

The pain also shows different patterns. People with rheumatoid arthritis often feel the pain at rest, especially at night or early in the morning. In osteoarthritis, pain usually occurs during movement or exertion and subsides during periods of rest.

Another distinguishing feature is how the joints are affected. Rheumatoid arthritis often affects several joints at the same time and usually symmetrically, for example both hands or both knees. Osteoarthritis, on the other hand, tends to affect individual, often heavily stressed joints, such as a knee or a hip.

Another typical symptom of rheumatoid arthritis is pronounced morning stiffness. The joints feel stiff and immobile for a long time, often for more than an hour. In osteoarthritis, there may also be a short period of pain after periods of rest, but this usually disappears quickly as soon as you move a little.

What are the causes?

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. This means that the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissue, in this case the synovial membrane. Why this happens has not yet been conclusively clarified. However, there are several influencing factors such as genetic predisposition, possible infections with viruses or bacteria and smoking, which significantly increases the risk and can have a negative impact on the course of the disease. However, these factors alone do not necessarily mean that rheumatoid arthritis will break out. The development is a combination of various triggers.

How does rheumatoid arthritis progress?

Rheumatoid arthritis usually develops gradually. The first signs often appear in the small joints of the fingers or toes, particularly in the middle and metacarpophalangeal joints. Other joints such as elbows, knees, ankles, shoulders or the collarbone can also be affected at an early stage.

Sometimes the joint pain is not the main symptom. In some people, the disease begins with general symptoms such as tiredness, a slight fever or loss of appetite. The course of the disease varies from person to person. While some only feel slight restrictions for years, others are significantly more severely affected. In one study, around half of the patients reported only minor restrictions ten years after the onset of the disease. Around 40 percent suffered from moderate and around ten percent from severe impairments in everyday life, such as when getting dressed, standing up or opening bottles.

Rheumatoid arthritis is characterized by an intermittent course. In such phases of the disease, pain and inflammation suddenly increase, but subside again after a few days or weeks. In advanced stages, there may be constant fatigue that does not improve with sleep or rest.

What consequences can untreated rheumatoid arthritis have?

If the disease remains untreated, the affected joints can be permanently damaged. The hands are particularly often deformed, which severely restricts mobility and strength. Even simple hand movements then become laborious.

But rheumatoid arthritis does not only affect the joints. The inflammation can also affect other organs, such as the blood vessels, which slightly increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. Lacrimal and salivary glands can also become inflamed, leading to dry eyes and dry mouth. In rare cases, the lungs, liver or kidneys are affected.

Regular medical check-ups and modern therapies help to slow down or even improve the progression of the disease. Early diagnosis is crucial.

How is rheumatoid arthritis diagnosed?

At the Nuhr Medical Center, every examination begins with a detailed discussion. Our doctors ask specific questions about complaints such as joint pain, morning stiffness, tiredness or general malaise. This information helps to gain an initial picture of the situation.

This is followed by a physical examination. We check the joints for swelling, restricted movement and tenderness. Externally visible signs such as small rheumatoid nodules or inflamed glands can also indicate rheumatoid arthritis.

A blood test provides further important information. Certain inflammatory values and autoantibodies, which frequently occur in this disease, can be detected in the blood.

We also use modern imaging techniques such as X-rays, ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging. They show initial changes in the joints and enable reliable monitoring of the progress.

Diagnosis can be difficult, especially in the early stages of the disease, because the symptoms are still unclear or unspecific. It is therefore particularly important to have a specialist examination carried out at the first signs. At the Nuhr Medical Center, we will guide you competently and sensitively through every step of the clarification process.

What treatment options are available?

At the Nuhr Medical Center, we pursue an interdisciplinary, holistic approach – the NUHR Med Concept. The focus is on the individual. Our therapies are based on three key principles: Individuality, intensity and regularity.

Drug treatment

The basic therapy is usually carried out with so-called disease-modifying drugs (DMARDs), which slow down or halt the progression of the disease. Anti-inflammatory agents such as cortisone or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are also used during phases of active inflammation. The aim is to alleviate pain and swelling, maintain mobility and prevent long-term consequences.

Physiotherapy & movement therapy

Targeted movement exercises improve joint function, strengthen the muscles and maintain mobility. Sports that are easy on the joints, such as swimming, cycling, walking or gymnastics, are particularly recommended. Exercise not only has a physical but also a psychological stabilizing effect and improves the general quality of life.

Occupational therapy

Occupational therapy focuses primarily on the hands and everyday movement sequences. Patients learn to consciously protect their joints, use aids and remain as independent as possible despite limitations. The aim is to develop practical strategies for work, household and leisure activities.

Psychological support

Chronic pain, exhaustion and the loss of familiar abilities can be very emotionally stressful. In such cases, psychological support can help to make it easier to deal with the illness, reduce anxiety and treat depressive moods.

Operational measures

If medication and conservative therapies are no longer sufficient, surgical interventions may be necessary. These include the removal of the inflamed synovial membrane (synovectomy), joint stiffening (arthrodesis) or the use of artificial joints (endoprostheses). The aim is always to improve quality of life and independence.

Aids in everyday life

With advanced disease, supportive aids such as ergonomic cutlery, gripping aids, insoles or orthopaedic shoes provide important relief. They help to make daily tasks easier to manage and maintain independence.

What helps against rheumatic pain?

At the Nuhr Medical Center, we focus on holistic pain management. In addition to individually tailored drug treatment, exercise, heat applications, relaxation techniques and, if necessary, psychological support can help to alleviate rheumatic complaints. Massages and targeted physical therapies are also used. We work with you to determine which measures are most suitable for you in a personal therapy plan.

What role does nutrition play in rheumatism?

Diet can have a noticeable influence on the course of rheumatic diseases. A balanced, anti-inflammatory diet with plenty of vegetables, fruit, fish, vegetable oils and fiber supports the immune system and improves general well-being. Sugar, animal fats and alcohol should be reduced as much as possible. At the Nuhr Medical Center, we will advise you individually and work with you to develop a nutrition plan that suits your everyday life and your health goals.

Rehabilitation – finding your way back to life

Rehabilitation makes sense if rheumatoid arthritis has not been adequately controlled over a long period of time or if there are significant limitations following an attack. Rehabilitation focuses on medical care, physical activation, psychological support and social reintegration. It is aimed both at working people to maintain or restore their ability to work and at older patients to ensure that they can live independently for as long as possible.

Rehabilitation at the Nuhr Medical Center usually lasts ten to 14 days and can take place on an inpatient or outpatient basis.

Is there a cure for rheumatism?

A complete cure is not yet possible. The aim of modern therapy is to detect the disease at an early stage, effectively control the inflammation and ensure quality of life in the long term. With consistent treatment, many people manage to live well with their disease, often even largely free of symptoms.

Living with rheumatism

Rheumatism not only affects the joints, but also everyday life. Many people need more rest periods, feel exhausted more quickly or have difficulty concentrating. Appointments with doctors, taking medication or undergoing therapy are not always easy to combine with the usual daily routine. This requires patience, good planning and sometimes support.

The disease can also be a mental burden. Fear of what is to come, frustration about physical limitations or the feeling of not being understood are all part of it for many. Over time, many sufferers develop strategies that help them to cope with the disease and regain strength.

At the Nuhr Medical Center, we accompany you on this journey. With medical knowledge, an experienced team and an environment that strengthens and supports you. We help you to cope better with everyday life and gain a new quality of life.