Out of the “circle” of rheumatic diseases

  Long treatment period, heavy physical pain and psychological stress are common to almost all rheumatic diseases. As a result, many patients who have been ill for a long time like to “consult” themselves, sometimes go online to look up some, and buy their own drugs based on past experience. If the effect is immediate, the patient will become more and more dependent on the so-called special drugs. But the good times do not last, these “magic pills” gradually do not work, side effects have emerged one after another, not only rheumatism aggravated, face, calves are also prone to fat and swelling …… rheumatic diseases nearly a hundred, including rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and psoriasis are three of the most common and harmful rheumatic diseases. These three diseases are not yet completely curable and require long-term treatment. Most patients have not undergone systematic professional medical and pharmacological education, and even if some patients know a little bit about pharmacology, they are not necessarily familiar with the pathology, not to mention that pharmacology is also specious, and self-medication is extremely risky. Some patients also believe in cupping and acupuncture, topical creams and other methods when rheumatism attacks. Rheumatic diseases that are not treated in a timely and standardized manner, about 50% of patients with rheumatoid arthritis develop moderate joint dysfunction within 2 years of diagnosis, and up to 60% of patients with ankylosing spondylitis experience varying degrees of joint function loss.  The “culprit” for rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and psoriasis is an inflammatory factor called “tumor necrosis factor”. The drugs used to treat these three diseases include traditional chemical drugs (NSAIDs, glucocorticoids, methotrexate, etc.) and newer biologics. The new biological agents are represented by the tumor necrosis factor receptor – antibody fusion protein, etanercept, which is the most commonly used. These drug treatments are characterized by significant relief of joint pain, morning stiffness and other symptoms, and can effectively control inflammation and inhibit the process of bone destruction.  In addition to standardized treatment, if patients can receive timely and effective psychological guidance and rehabilitation guidance, they can build up confidence to overcome the disease and adhere to treatment for a long time, and eventually achieve the goal of recovery.