Early Diagnosis and the Importance of Symptoms in Rheumatic Diseases
It has been reported that symptoms such as prolonged morning stiffness and limited mobility may be precursors to rheumatic diseases.
Prof. Dr. Seval Pehlevan from the Medicana Health Group Rheumatology Department, in a statement regarding October 12 World Arthritis Day, drew attention to the importance of early diagnosis, stating that symptoms such as prolonged morning stiffness and limited mobility can be heralds of rheumatic diseases.
World Arthritis Day Statements
Prof. Dr. Seval Pehlevan from the Medicana Health Group Rheumatology Department made evaluations regarding the symptoms, risk factors, and treatment processes of arthritis within the scope of October 12 World Arthritis Day. Pehlevan stated that symptoms such as prolonged morning stiffness and limited mobility could be precursors to rheumatic diseases.
Types of Arthritis and Their Effects on the Body
According to the statement made by the hospital, joint pain can be related to age, fatigue, or daily physical activities, and in some types of arthritis, it can also be among the first symptoms of rheumatic diseases affecting different systems of the body. While some types of arthritis, which can be seen at any age, remain limited to the joints, inflammatory rheumatic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis can affect different systems of the body.
Goals of the Treatment Process
The impact of arthritis on life can sometimes be broader than the pain described during a medical examination. Especially in inflammatory arthritides, fatigue as well as pain and stiffness can affect a person's working life, social relationships, and physical activity. Arthritis treatment is carried out with the aims of reducing pain, protecting joint function, and keeping the progression of the disease under control.
Arthritis in Different Age Groups
Some types of arthritis can start in young adults, or even in childhood. On the other hand, not every pain should be evaluated as arthritis. The evaluation and treatment approaches for inflammatory arthritides and diseases related to the structural and mechanical properties of the joint, such as osteoarthritis, can differ from one another.
Symptoms to Watch Out For
Stating that one of the most important issues regarding arthritis is paying attention to the persistence and nature of the symptoms, Prof. Dr. Seval Pehlevan expressed that the presence of findings such as joint swelling, increased temperature, limited mobility, and prolonged morning stiffness together may require an evaluation in terms of rheumatic diseases. It was noted that a decrease in pain does not mean that the underlying disease has completely disappeared.
Distinction Between Morning Stiffness and Pain
Pehlevan conveyed that joint stiffness, which is prominent in the morning hours and loosens up with movement, is among the findings that need attention in inflammatory arthritides, whereas in joint complaints arising from mechanical causes, pain increasing with movement and decreasing with rest is more commonly seen.
Comprehensive Approach for Accurate Diagnosis
Pointing out that rheumatic diseases should not be evaluated solely through pain, Pehlevan emphasized that fatigue and limited mobility also affect a person's quality of life. It was stated that in cases where prolonged and recurrent complaints affect daily life, an accurate diagnosis can be reached by evaluating examination findings, patient history, laboratory, and imaging methods together.