Inflammatory rheumatic diseases in young people pose a risk of permanent joint damage
Prof. Dr. Meryem Can emphasized that inflammatory rheumatic diseases can leave permanent damage in the joints if not diagnosed early.
Prof. Dr. Meryem Can, Rheumatology Specialist at Medipol Mega University Hospital, stated within the scope of October 12 World Arthritis Day that inflammatory rheumatic diseases seen in young people can lead to permanent joint damage if not diagnosed and treated in time.
Arthritis and Symptoms
Arthritis, which manifests itself with symptoms such as joint pain, swelling, redness, and restricted movement, can cause joint damage and permanent loss of function if not diagnosed early.
Experts state that it is of vital importance to notice inflammatory joint diseases in the early period, especially in young people.
More Than a Hundred Diseases
Stating that arthritis is not the name of a single disease on its own, experts indicate that this term means joint inflammation.
More than a hundred diseases related to arthritis are defined worldwide, and the vast majority of these consist of inflammatory joint diseases.
Common in Young People and Women
Although rheumatic diseases are known in society as a problem of advanced age, inflammatory joint diseases are generally seen in young people under the age of 50.
While these disorders mostly affect women, non-inflammatory osteoarthritis is one of the most frequent causes of disability over the age of 50.
Treatment Processes and Medications
Inflammatory rheumatic diseases can follow a chronic course, and therefore treatment planning is carried out on a long-term basis.
During the treatment process, in addition to classical agents that suppress inflammation, cortisone and new-generation smart drugs are also actively used.
Exercise and Lifestyle
Although exercise is of great importance in rheumatic diseases, physical therapy and exercise are not recommended during periods when the disease is active.
It is stated that exercises performed during the active period may increase complaints, and therefore movements should be planned after the disease is brought under control.
Genetic and Environmental Factors
In addition to genetic predisposition, various environmental factors play a critical role in the development of rheumatic diseases.
Having a family history of rheumatic diseases does not mean that a person will definitely contract the same disease, but it puts the person at risk.