Rheumatism is a chronic inflammatory disease in which the immune system does not act as a friend, but as a damaging agent of the body.
It affects joints, spine and soft tissues. If it remains untreated for longer, deformities can occur, sometimes severe pain occurs, and mobility is further restricted. In the end, the joints can completely lose their functionality. The disease usually starts in the feet and hands. Signs include warm finger and toe phalanges, swelling and morning stiffness. Early treatment is also crucial for rheumatism.
In addition to a detailed anamnesis interview and physical examination, imaging procedures (X-ray, MRI, CT) are often used for diagnosis, depending on the severity of the symptoms and stage of the disease. In most cases, rheumatism is treated conservatively with medication. However, surgery can also be useful, for example a synovectomy, in which the synovial membrane is removed from the joint capsule to remove the focus of inflammation. Before we reach for the scalpel, however, we make sure that no conservative measure promises more effective help: after all, we practice gentle, sustainable medicine.