Rheumatism
Natural Solutions in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch



Learn about the causes of Rheumatism & find a practitioner in Auckland, Hamilton, Bay of Plenty, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin to help you overcome Rheumatism within New Zealand.

Rheumatism is used to describe any type of pain or inflammation in or around the bones, muscles, joints & tendons. It can also involve internal organs such as the heart, skin, kidneys & lungs. A large number of traditional herbal remedies have been recommended for 'rheumatism'. Modern medicine, both conventional & complementary realise that there are many causes for the different rheumatic disorders & have different triggers, most of them have multiple causes & require different treatments.

 

Causes of rheumatism Rheumatism | The Wellness Directory

Rheumatism is an umbrella term for inflammation and pain of the joints, bones and muscles. There are three groups of rheumatic diseases:

  • Osteoarthritis
  • Inflammatory arthritis
  • Soft tissue rheumatism
 Osteoarthritis usually occurs as the body ages when the cartilage between the bones in the joints becomes brittle and rough. Cartilage breaks away causing the bones of the joint to rub together. The bone then attempts to compensate by creating knobbly bone spurs (known as osteophytes).

Also, the lubrication fluid (known as synovial membrane) within the tough layer of tissue  that surrounds the bones becomes thicker reducing the amount of space inside the joint. All these abnormalities cause the joint to change shape resulting in pain, inflammation and loss of mobility.


Inflammatory arthritis is the most common type of rheumatism and occurs due to a swelling inside the protective capsule that surrounds the joint. The lubrication fluid inside this capsule can become inflamed preventing the joint from functioning correctly. Inflammation can also damage the bone and cartilage.  


Rheumatoid arthritis is caused by the body's defence mechanism for fighting infection. When the body is infected, inflammation occurs due to a flood of chemicals to the affected area. Rheumatoid arthritis is a malfunction of this mechanism whereby healthy soft tissue is attacked in the joints.

 

Symptoms of rheumatism

Each group of rheumatoid diseases can have differing symptoms but all share a common set of problems such as:

  • Pain
  • Inflammation
  • Joint stiffness
  • Loss of mobility
Rheumatism usually develops over a long period of time and symptoms can vary in severity. In some cases, rheumatoid disease can occur rapidly with little warning.

 

Diagnosis of rheumatism

You should first visit your GP if you are suffering with pain and inflammation of the joints. The GP will perform a physical examination of the affected area and may refer you for blood tests and X-rays to confirm a diagnosis of rheumatism.

Radiographs may also be used to track the progression and severity of the damage to your joints.



*Source: GoToSee.co.uk



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