Rheumatism is a set of diseases that can affect muscles, ligaments, tendons, bones or joints, and which can be cured when it occurs due to acute inflammation in one of these structures, as in the case of bursitis or tendonitis, for example.
However, rheumatism may also have no cure, especially when it is related to autoimmune conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus or ankylosing spondylitis, in which the immune system reacts against healthy cells, attacking and destroying these cells as if they were foreign to the organism. Check out other causes of rheumatism.
The treatment of rheumatism therefore depends on its cause and should be guided by a rheumatologist who may recommend the use of medication, physiotherapy or surgery to alleviate symptoms, such as pain, swelling or stiffness, in addition to preventing the disease from progressing. improving the quality of life.
The main treatments for rheumatism, which may be recommended by your doctor, are:
1. Medicines
Rheumatism remedies that are normally prescribed by a doctor to combat inflammation and relieve pain include:
- Oral anti-inflammatoriessuch as ibuprofen, diclofenac sodium or naproxen;
- Oral corticosteroidssuch as prednisone or prednisolone;
- Hyaluronic acid or corticosteroidsapplied directly to the affected joint;
- Immunosuppressantssuch as methotrexate and sulfasalazine;
- Biological agentssuch as abatacept, adalimumab, or infliximab.
Additionally, the doctor may recommend the topical use of anti-inflammatory ointments to apply directly to the skin in the affected region, such as diclofenac diethylammonium, for example.
Another remedy that the doctor may recommend is glucosamine sulfate with chondroitin sulfate, which are two substances that, when used together, protect and strengthen joints and prevent the progression of rheumatism, especially osteoarthritis. Learn how to use glucosamine and chondroitin for osteoarthritis.
In some cases of rheumatism, such as fibromyalgia, the doctor may recommend the use of anxiolytic or antidepressant medications, such as amitriptyline, duloxetine or zolpidem, for example. See the main remedies recommended for fibromyalgia.
2. Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy is generally recommended by the doctor together with the use of medication, and must be carried out under the guidance of a physiotherapist, who may use devices such as TENS, ultrasound or laser, as well as warm or cold water bags, to combat the condition. pain and regain movement.
The physiotherapist may also recommend performing muscle strengthening exercises that help prevent joint deformities and improve movement in everyday life.
In some cases of rheumatism, such as osteoarthritis, the physiotherapist may also recommend exercises in water, such as hydrokinesiotherapy, to improve hip or knee pain, as this type of exercise reduces the weight on the joints and facilitates movement and support. of the weight.
The use of devices to facilitate movement, such as crutches, use of elastic knee pads and padded shoes are also strategies that can be recommended during physiotherapy and that contribute to pain relief during daily tasks.
Watch the following video with exercise tips for osteoarthritis:
3. Food
An anti-inflammatory diet can be a strong ally in the treatment of rheumatism, as it aims to reduce the production of substances that stimulate inflammation, such as prostaglandins and cytokines.
Therefore, it is recommended to increase the consumption of foods rich in omega-3, polyphenols, carotenoids or flavonoids, such as tuna, sardines and salmon, strawberries, oranges, avocados, chestnuts, walnuts or broccoli, for example. Check out a more complete list of anti-inflammatory foods.
Watch the video with nutritionist Tatiana Zanin with tips on the main anti-inflammatory foods:
4. Surgery
Surgery may be recommended by the doctor in the most serious cases, when other treatments have not been effective in reducing pain or there has been no improvement in movement even after more than 6 months of intensive physiotherapy.
Surgery for rheumatism can be done to repair or replace a joint, for example, and it is usually necessary to have physical therapy sessions after surgery to speed recovery.
Complementary treatment options
Some options that can complement conventional medical treatment for rheumatism are:
1. Acupuncture
Acupuncture can also be a good option to complement the rheumatism treatment recommended by your doctor, as it combats inflammation and relaxes tense muscles. Understand better how acupuncture works.
However, acupuncture does not replace medical treatment with medication or physiotherapy, and must be carried out by an acupuncturist, individually according to the type of rheumatism.
2. Homeopathy
The homeopathic doctor may recommend the use of homeopathic remedies, such as Ledum 4DH or Actea Racemosa, to help alleviate the symptoms of rheumatism and reduce inflammatory processes, without causing side effects, as happens with traditional anti-inflammatory remedies.
Homeopathic remedies for rheumatism do not replace conventional medical treatment, but can complement treatment with medicines and physiotherapy, and should always be carried out by a homeopathic doctor.
