Inflammation joint
definition
Inflammation of the joint, which experts also call arthritis is called, doctors understand a joint disease that originates from so-called synovial tissue.
The synovial tissue is part of the Joint capsule and consists of a certain type of cell that makes the joint fluid called synovia.
One distinguishes the Monoarthritis, in which only one joint is affected by the Polyarthritis involving multiple joints.
There is also a division into acute and chronic inflammation.
The acute inflammation of the joint begins suddenly and in most cases subsides after a relatively short time.
Chronic inflammation, on the other hand, develops slowly over a longer period of time without a clear starting point. There is usually no full recovery.
Symptoms
The symptoms of joint inflammation are the same as any other inflammation. The joint is painful and often swollen, overheated and reddened. In addition, it can usually only be moved to a limited extent.
Depending on the cause of the inflammation of the joint, there are other specific symptoms.
In rheumatoid arthritis, for example, there is more pain that occurs at night and in the morning hours. Morning stiffness is also commonly reported, and swelling is typically found in the metacarpophalangeal and medial joints.
Overall, the rheumatoid form is more likely to affect the small joints.
The symptoms can be alleviated by applying cold.
If the inflammation of the joint is related to the gout, in many cases the metatarsophalangeal joint is affected first. Here are the typical signs of inflammation with swelling, redness, overheating and severe pain.
Inflammation in the joint can also cause pain in the groin area. Read more about this under: Pain in the inguinal ligament
root cause
The causes of inflammation in a joint are numerous. One possible cause can be Infection with bacteria which then spreads to the joints and in this way leads to inflammation of the joint.
Typical pathogens that can trigger arthritis are staphylococci, streptococci, Escherichia coli (an intestinal bacterium), Salmonella and Haemophilus influenzae.
The joint inflammation caused by bacteria is also called infectious arthritis designated.
In addition, joint inflammation can also be caused by Mushrooms or Viruses caused.
Another group of inflammations is the reactive inflammation. Often also as Reiter syndrome called inflammation is an often unnoticed infection in the airways, the Gastrointestinal tract or that Genitourinary tract ahead.
In contrast to infectious inflammation, however, reactive arthritis does not contain any pathogens directly in the joint.
In the context of Autoimmune diseases Joint inflammation can also occur. Here are those Rheumatoid arthritis and the ankylosing spondylitis called.
The Psoriatic arthritis is a side effect of the psoriasis, also called psoriasis vulgaris, hence the name psoriatic arthritis.
With certain metabolic diseases, such as the gout, which causes uric acid to build up in the joints, joint inflammation can also occur.
When transmitted by ticks Lyme disease is often found as Lyme arthritis called joint inflammation.
Another cause can also be a Wear of the joint be.
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diagnosis
The diagnosis of joint inflammation begins with a anamnese, to which a physical examination connects. The doctor tries to get more detailed information about the type of complaints, the localization and severity as well as the resulting restrictions by asking specific questions. It is also important for the doctor to know how long the symptoms have existed, when and in what context they first appeared, and how they have developed since then.
During the physical examination, the examiner feels the joint and looks Swelling, Tenderness and overheat. Also, he will be careful of the agility testing.
This is often followed by a X-ray image made to get clues about possible damage to the joint. Joint inflammation can be confirmed by special blood tests. Important values are the so-called inflammation parameters. This includes the white blood cells (Leukocytes), the C-reactive protein (CRP) and the Sedimentation rate (BSG).
In the rheumatoid arthritis there are often so-called Rheumatoid factors and at the gout can be increased uric acid levels detect in the blood.
If these examinations are not sufficient for a diagnosis, a Joint puncture, that means a removal of fluid or tissue material from the joint, or a Jointoscopy (Arthroscopy) be necessary. In about 20% of the cases, no pathogen can be detected despite special methods.
therapy
Inflammation of the joint can have many different causes. Therapy therefore depends on the cause of the inflammation.
In general, the symptoms of acute arthritis can be alleviated by immobilizing, elevating and cooling the affected joint.
In addition, various medicinal, physical and surgical measures are used. Painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs often form the basis of drug therapy. These include, for example, glucocorticoids (Cortisone) and the so-called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
If the inflammation of the joint is caused by bacterial colonization, antibiotics are used.
In rheumatoid arthritis, special rheumatoid drugs, the so-called basic therapeutic agents or DMARDs (= Disease Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs), which include methotrexate, a cytostatic drug, rituximab, a monoclonal antibody, and ciclospoprin A, an immunosuppressive drug.
There are several options when it comes to physical therapy. The joint can be relieved by a joint puncture. This removes excess fluid from the joint, which alleviates the feeling of tension, restricted mobility and pain.
The symptoms can also be relieved with cold therapy, as well as with physical exercises and physiotherapy.
If bacterial joint inflammation persists for more than six to nine months despite therapy, surgical repair of the joint may be considered.
Before deciding on an operative measure, however, a second opinion should be obtained from an expert. As part of an operation, the joint is then cleaned up, so to speak, in a minimally invasive or open procedure, and the bacteria are largely eliminated.
forecast
The same applies to the prognosis: it depends on the cause of the inflammation.
A acute infectious arthritis often heals without consequences. However, in the course of the inflammatory process, the joint can also be destroyed and, as a result, permanently deformed.
A chronic arthritis usually progresses continuously.
In this case, the goal is to prevent further inflammation and joint destruction, and to alleviate pain and inflammation. Complete healing and regeneration rarely occur in chronic arthritis.
prophylaxis
To prevent the development of joint inflammation is recommended regular exercise with gentle and even loading. Cycling or swimming are well suited for this, as they are gentle on the joints.
Also Gymnastics with exercises that are gentle on the joints can help prevent.
In the case of injuries near the joint, early and appropriate treatment should be given, on the one hand to prevent infections and on the other hand to avoid consequential damage that could lead to joint inflammation.
If there are underlying diseases that can lead to inflammation of a joint, the Therapy for this underlying disease to be started. Regular checks of the success of the therapy and any signs of inflammation that may already be present in the joint are recommended.
Rheumatoid arthritis
A rheumatoid-related inflammation in the joint is the result of a chronic process.
It is based on a misdirection of the own immune system and belongs to the group of forms Autoimmune diseases.
It is one systemic disease and usually affects the whole body.
The immune system attacks the body's own structures such as the cartilage or other parts of the joint, which leads to a painful reaction and in the further course can irreversibly damage the joint. Gradually it comes to Destruction of cartilage or other parts of the joint, which lead to a deviation in shape and axis and thus restrict movement.
Joint inflammation caused by infection
On the other hand, there is infection-related joint inflammation.
Causes for this can be Microorganisms be like bacteria, viruses or fungi. You can use both the Bloodstream as well as by a surgery get in the knee.
In this case too, the inflammatory processes in the joint can increase irreversible damage and thus lead to impairment of function.
