Rheumatism of legs refers to diseases of autoimmune nature. The disease is accompanied by a lesion of connective, muscle tissue and cardiac disorders caused most often by streptococci. In most cases large joints (knee, hip, ankle) are involved in the pathological process, but smaller joints, for example, toes are sometimes affected.
Causes of rheumatism
The development of rheumatic processes in the body is provoked:
- penetration of pathogenic bacteria into the joints along with blood flow;
- an allergic reaction to toxins released by microorganisms.
Rheumatism is a complication after a number of infectious diseases, such as:
- angina;
- scarlet fever ;
- inflammation of the upper respiratory tract;
- caries, etc.
Signs of leg rheumatism
Characteristic signs of leg rheumatism in adults are:
- painful manifestations of varying intensity and duration;
- redness and swelling in the lesion, known as the effect of "shiny skin";
- increased body temperature, especially pronounced in the area of the affected joint;
- disorders in the functioning of the heart muscle;
- general deterioration of the condition (loss of appetite, loss of strength, sleep disturbance, etc.).
For your information! For the rheumatism of the legs is characterized by a symmetrical lesion of the joints.
When examining a patient, the expert reveals:
- increased intra-articular fluid volume;
- presence of signs of inflammation;
- negative changes in the joint tissues.
If therapy is not started in time, the patient may lose motor activity, and irreversible changes take place in the bone tissue: mineral components are washed out and the bones become porous.
Treatment of foot joint rheumatism
A patient with rheumatism, as a rule, undergoes a course of treatment in a hospital. At the first stage of treatment, bed rest is indicated in combination with intensive therapy, as the patient's condition improves, exercise therapy is prescribed.
Medicamentous treatment of rheumatism of the joints of the feet and other parts of the legs is aimed at the removal of symptoms and includes the use of such drugs as:
1. Tablets with anti-inflammatory effect (Aspirin, Paracetamol).
2. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs:
- parenteral administration (indomethacin, diclofenac);
- external use (indomethacin, diclofenac, fastum gel);
- oral administration (Ibuprofen, Piroxicam, Indomethacin, Naproxen, Diclofenac, Lornoxicam).
3. Glucocorticoid hormones (Hydrocortisone, Prednisolone, Dexamethasone).
4. Antibiotics (Sumamed, Amikacin).
5. Immunosuppressants (Cyclosporin A, Cyclophosphamide, Methotrexate).
6. Vitamin-mineral complexes.
7. Cardiac glycosides (Pumpan, Tonginal) and preparations containing potassium, magnesium (Asparcum, Panangin).
After removing the signs of acute leg rheumatism, physiotherapeutic procedures are prescribed for treatment:
- UHF;
- paraffin applications;
- electrophoresis and so on.
In addition, the treating doctor can be appointed plasmapheresis - a procedure to cleanse the blood of toxins and antibodies.
It is equally important to follow a diet enriched with protein products, but with a low carbohydrate and fat content.
Along with medical therapy for the elimination of signs of rheumatic fever in the treatment of folk remedies are involved. For example, using propolis cakes, propolis alcoholic infusion, ointment from a mixture of propolis and petrolatum, tincture of aconite. Reduces inflammation and reduces the pain of turmeric. Notably, iodine-salt compresses, applications of colored clay help. Rheumatologists are advised to eat fresh berries of cranberries, blueberries, cranberries or to drink berry juice every day.