How to treat rheumatism
Disease description:
Every time the plum rain season comes, the knee joints hurt due to rheumatic disease, and it has already affected daily life. How should rheumatic disease be treated?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Yang Tiesheng
Rheumatic diseases primarily affect the joints and surrounding tissues of the human body, and sometimes may also affect the skin, eyes, lungs, heart, and blood vessels. This category of diseases includes various conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, systemic lupus erythematosus, gout, and others. The main treatment approaches include:
1. Rest and exercise: During flare-ups, appropriate rest can reduce joint strain and alleviate inflammation. During periods of stable disease, moderate exercise such as walking and swimming can strengthen muscles and improve joint function.
2. Balanced diet: Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish, can help reduce inflammation.
3. Quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption: Avoid exacerbating the disease.
4. Stress management: Learning relaxation techniques, such as meditation and deep breathing, can reduce the psychological burden caused by the disease.
5. Physical therapy: Including heat therapy, cold therapy, massage, acupuncture, moxibustion, etc., which can promote blood circulation, relieve pain, and ease muscle tension.
6. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Such as ibuprofen capsules, naproxen tablets, etc., primarily used to relieve pain and inflammation.
7. Glucocorticoids: Such as prednisone, used for rapid control of acute inflammatory responses; however, long-term use should be cautious to avoid side effects.
8. Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs): Such as methotrexate tablets, leflunomide tablets, sulfasalazine, etc., which can slow disease progression and prevent joint damage.
