As the weather continues below freezing, our body consumes a lot of energy to maintain body temperature. As a result, energy involved in immune cell activity is insufficient. As a result, immune function is reduced, and it is easy to be exposed to various diseases. Joint pain also worsens in people in their 50s or older. When the temperature is low, blood vessels and muscles contract and their flexibility decreases due to a decrease in blood flow around the joints, making it easier to feel pain. Sometimes, joint pain is regarded as a process of aging and neglected, or the disease is developed by self-treatment with unproven folk remedies. In order to prevent such a mistake, I will learn about degenerative arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, which are similar yet completely different, with Professor Lim Doo-ho of the Department of Allergy and Rheumatology at Ulsan University Hospital.
◇As it progresses, joint destruction/deformation
Most people think of arthritis that develops as they get older as degenerative arthritis, and it is often overlooked. However, if you visit the hospital after a long time, you may be unexpectedly diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. However, since both of these arthritis are inflammatory diseases accompanied by joint pain, it is difficult to tell the difference. Degenerative arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis have similar symptoms. Although the problem is rheumatoid arthritis, it often happens that the condition is aggravated by long-term neglect or incorrect treatment.
Professor Lim Doo-ho of the Department of Allergy and Rheumatology at Ulsan University Hospital said, “Degenerative arthritis, which is painful and painful in joints such as the knee, is one of the major diseases that afflict middle-aged people in their 50s and older. As a result, when an elderly person develops suspicious symptoms of arthritis, they often assume that it is degenerative arthritis,” he said. “However, depending on the symptoms, it may be rheumatoid arthritis with a completely different cause and progression, so caution is needed.” .
Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis differ from the cause. Degenerative arthritis is a disease in which pain occurs when bones collide with each other as cartilage wears away due to excessive burden on the joints or prolonged use of the joints.
On the other hand, rheumatoid arthritis is a type of autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system attacks itself and causes inflammation in the synovial membrane surrounding the joint. As the disease progresses, inflammation gradually spreads to cartilage and bone, resulting in joint destruction and deformation.
◇Do not worry even if symptoms disappear
Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis also have differences in symptoms and inflammation.
Degenerative arthritis causes pain asymmetrically in weight-bearing joints such as the back and knees. In addition, the more the joint is used, the more severe the symptoms are.
However, rheumatoid arthritis usually causes pain in small joints such as the fingers, wrists and ankles. Above all, the site of pain is not constant and moves around, occurring symmetrically on the left and right sides. Pain and stiffness are most severe when waking up during the day, and tend to ease with movement. In addition, since it is an autoimmune disease, extra-articular symptoms such as subcutaneous nodules, scleritis, vasculitis, and interstitial pneumonia, which are not seen in degenerative arthritis, may occur together.
In particular, rheumatoid arthritis is a progressive disease, and joint deformities usually begin to develop within one year of onset. This is why quick discovery is so important.
Professor Lim said, “If the suspected symptoms continue for more than two weeks, it is good to visit the rheumatology department and get an accurate examination.” You shouldn’t think about it,” he said.
◇Health supplements, no fundamental treatment
Rheumatoid arthritis is treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, anti-rheumatic drugs, steroids, and the like. Recently, as biological agents such as ‘tumor necrosis factor inhibitors’ that directly block substances related to the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis are used, more effective treatment can be performed.
Above all, it is important to use exercise therapy along with drug therapy. Light gymnastics, walking, swimming, and other appropriate exercises to strengthen the muscles around the joints and prevent the joints from becoming stiff.
Some people consider health supplements as medicine instead of taking proper medication. This can temporarily reduce pain and help with daily life, but it is not a fundamental treatment.
The best way to manage rheumatoid arthritis is to combine steady medication and exercise therapy with a rheumatologist.
Professor Lim said, “If the treatment period is missed and joint deformity progresses, it cannot be reversed even with drug treatment belatedly. I hope you will overcome the disease through active diagnosis and treatment,” he explained.
Reporter Jeon Sang-heon [email protected]