Sore fingers or wrists, stiff knees, swollen joints. Whether inflammatory or degenerative , rheumatism rots the daily lives of those who suffer from it. Focus on these pathologies that must be taken care of from the first symptoms.
Rheumatoid arthritis
The most common rheumatoid arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, is characterized by painful episodes and joint swelling generally in women between 40 and 60 years of age.
"It affects symmetrically wrists, metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal joints, the metatarsals, cervical," says Dr. Leger.
This autoimmune disorder is caused by genetic, hormonal , infectious and environmental factors, including smoking . The body produces antibodies against the synovial membrane lining the joints, causing an inflammatory reaction with thickening of the membrane and abnormal production of synovial fluid. The pains, frequent in the second part of the night, turn into morning stiffness which requires a rust removal of the joints.
Psoriatic arthritis
Associated with cutaneous psoriasis (red patches masked by a thick layer of squama) , psoriatic arthritis, also inflammatory, affects men and women equally, most often between 30 and 50 years old.
"The joint damage affects the lumbar spine and the sacro-iliac or, asymmetrically, one or two joints of the limbs, where tendons, ligaments and joint capsule are inserted," continues Dr. Léger.
This condition, due to a disruption of the immune system , in which heredity plays a significant role, also results in nocturnal pain and a laborious start to awakening.
Rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis
Linked to the progressive deterioration of the cartilage, mainly in women over 40, osteoarthritis can also be favored by premature wear of the joint in high-level athletes or in people whose work requires repetitive actions .
Obesity and genetics are also triggers. "Characterized by mechanical discomfort and the formation of osteophytes (bone growths), osteoarthritis can affect any joint: knee, hip, hands, shoulders, spine," says Dr. Léger.
Triggered during a movement, the pain grows in the day to be maximum in the evening, but stops as soon as the joint is at rest.
Two types of treatment
The earlier the diagnosis, the more effective the care will be.
After a clinical examination of the joints, biological analyzes and X-rays, according to the severity, the antecedents and contraindications of the patient , the doctor establishes a treatment. "It usually includes analgesics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to fight pain, associated with infiltrations or, at a more advanced stage, with corticosteroids .
In parallel, to stop the evolution of the disease, a background treatment is set up (except for osteoarthritis). The most used , methotrexade (tablet or injection) must be coupled with a folic acid intake to avoid any heart problem.
If this is insufficient, we have a new arsenal, biotherapies, molecules produced by cells to repair immunological disturbances. They can lead to remission, but involve regular liver and kidney tests because of the many side effects, "adds Dr. Léger.
The effectiveness of hydrotherapy
Physiotherapy and adapted physical activity replace the basic treatments for osteoarthritis. For this pathology as for inflammatory rheumatism, except in case of acute crisis, the spa treatment is saving.
A stay of three weeks restores mobility and flexibility of the joints and improves the quality of life.
In Cambo-les-Bains, the program includes highly targeted thermal treatments in sulphurous, magnesian, copper and zinc-rich water, as well as poultices and kaolin baths with analgesic effect, to relieve painful joints.
A la carte, various workshops such as soft gym, back school, yoga , foot reflexology , sophrology , also help to relieve the tension of the peripheral muscles and the psychological suffering.
Back home, the curists see a clear reduction of their symptoms for several months; which allows them to space out taking medication.
Cure Rheumatology: 72 treatments in 18 days (duration recognized by the CPAM) from 530,77 / Mini Cure Rhumato custom: 52 treatments in 12 days from 652 €.
Accommodation at the Residence du Levant in the spa park. Studio from 915 € for 22 nights. From € 700 for 14 nights.
Closed from December 9, 2017 to February 18, 2018. Reservations tel 0820 00 35 35 www.chainethermale.fr
French Association of Polyarthritis www.polyarthritis.org Tel. 01 400 30 200
French Association of Rheumatic Fighting www.aflar.org Tel. 0810 42 02 42
