Rheumatology
The Importance of Muscle and Joint Health
Rheumatology is a branch of medicine that examines diseases related to the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue. Musculoskeletal diseases, which manifest themselves with symptoms such as joint pain, limited movement and chronic fatigue, can negatively affect the quality of life of individuals. With early diagnosis and correct treatment, the progression of these disorders can be slowed down and brought under control. Specialists who are trained to diagnose and treat many diseases called rheumatological diseases are called rheumatologists.1
One of the most common rheumatological diseases is rheumatoid arthritis.1 This autoimmune disease can cause swelling, pain and deformities as a result of the immune system attacking the joints. In addition, disorders such as ankylosing spondylitis, lupus and gout are also in the field of rheumatology. These diseases are usually chronic and can affect other organs over time.2
The patient's complaints, blood tests and imaging methods are of great importance in the diagnosis of rheumatological diseases. Early treatment is especially critical to prevent joint damage and maintain daily life activities.
It is important to adopt a healthy lifestyle to protect yourself from rheumatic diseases or to alleviate their symptoms. A balanced diet, regular exercise and avoiding stress are the main elements that support joint health. In addition, weight control can reduce the risk of disease by reducing the load on the joints.3
If you feel stiffness in your joints in the morning, experience unexplained pain or have difficulty moving, you should consult a rheumatologist. Early diagnosis and regular follow-up are the keys to coping with such disorders in a healthy way.
The information provided here does not include a scientific diagnosis or treatment purpose, we recommend that you consult your physician for the information provided here.
References
1. https://www.romatoloji.org/OgrenmeMerkezi/HastalarIcin/RomatologKimdir, Access date: November 2024
2. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22335-rheumatologist, Access date: November 2024
3. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4250827, Access date: November 2024
