Rheumatism of the hand and foot joints

Rheumatism is generally referred to as joint damage, although this is not entirely true. Rheumatism is a systemic pathology of the body with damage to connective tissues, and the pathology is mostly localized in the heart area. Rheumatism is also characterized by damage to the joints (rheumatic arthritis), skin and nervous system.

It is necessary to distinguish rheumatoid arthritis from rheumatoid arthritis (similar to rheumatic arthritis), an autoimmune disease of a complex nature that has similar symptoms. Unlike rheumatoid arthritis (rheumatism of the joints) with its infectious nature, rheumatoid arthritis occurs when the body's defense system is impaired, often caused by genetic factors.

Causes

In modern medical practice, the name “rheumatism” has been replaced by the term “acute rheumatic fever.” This name of the disease more accurately characterizes the etiology of the disease - it is caused by a previous infection with streptococcus A. As a rule, infection with streptococcus is associated with a previous sore throat, scarlet fever, and the presence of chronic inflammatory diseases of the ENT organs.

The cause of rheumatic joint damage when infected with streptococcus A is not only the toxic effect of its enzymes on connective tissue, but also the similarity in the structure of proteins of some strains of streptococcus and body tissues, which is more important. When an immune response to streptococcal infection occurs, the body begins to produce antibodies that attack the person’s own tissues. First of all, as we wrote above, the membranes of the heart are affected, then the pathological changes “spread” to the rest of the body, affecting the connective tissues. By the way, it was this method of spread that gave the name to the disease - “rheuma” is translated as “flow/flow”.

No matter how strange it may seem, most often it is not only elderly people who suffer from rheumatism, including the limbs, but also schoolchildren. The reason is a weak immune system and the infectious nature of the pathology. According to statistics, this disease affects schoolgirl girls 3-4 times more often than boys.

Rheumatism of the joints - symptoms and treatment

In this article I will tell you about rheumatism of the joints: we will talk about its symptoms and treatment, and discuss some misconceptions associated with this disease.

Very often, upon entering my office, a middle-aged man or woman declares from the threshold: “Doctor, my joints hurt. It's probably rheumatism." As a specialist, such statements always make me smile, because in fact, rheumatism is much less common than people imagine.

In addition, rheumatism is a disease of children and adolescents aged 6 to 15 years. The chance of getting this disease in those over 30 years old is almost zero. And even in the classic age group for rheumatism of children 6-15 years old, only one child in a thousand suffers from it. The question arises: if rheumatism is so rare, why do we hear this term so often? Most likely, the “memory of our ancestors” is taking its toll. In earlier times, rheumatoid arthritis was more common. But over the past 50 years, thanks to the advent of antibiotics and the efforts of medicine, the incidence of rheumatism in our country has decreased several times.

The second reason why rheumatism was mentioned much more often in earlier times relates to the category of literature. Previously, the word “rheumatism” meant any joint diseases - arthrosis and arthritis.

Doctors simply did not need to differentiate different joint diseases - after all, in most cases they were all treated with the same methods, since the choice of healing procedures was small. Fortunately, now the capabilities of medicine have increased significantly. And in our time, not a single competent rheumatologist or arthrologist will confuse the manifestations of true rheumatism with the symptoms of any other disease.

Symptoms of rheumatism

Manifestations of rheumatism are very characteristic. As already mentioned, mainly children and adolescents get sick. The disease usually develops 1-3 weeks after a streptococcal infection of the upper respiratory tract: after pharyngitis (inflammation of the pharynx), tonsillitis or tonsillitis (inflammation of the tonsils).

Streptococcal infection does not always manifest itself clearly. Sometimes it occurs latently and atypically, with minimal fever and mild sore throat, so often in such cases doctors diagnose acute respiratory infections and do not provide antistreptococcal treatment. Meanwhile, an untreated streptococcal infection, especially if it occurs repeatedly and against the background of reduced immunity, can lead to joint rheumatism. And a few days after suffering from a sore throat or pharyngitis, inflammation of any large joints occurs: knees, wrists, ankles, elbows and shoulders (small joints of the fingers or toes are rarely affected by rheumatism).

In this case, the joints become inflamed in turn. Let's say, first the knee joint becomes inflamed. Then, after a few hours or days, this inflammation disappears, but another joint becomes inflamed, then a third, etc. This alternating “flaring” of the joints is the “calling card of rheumatism.” Moreover, inflammation of the joints is in the nature of a short-term attack, the duration of which rarely exceeds 10-12 days. But there are usually several such attacks, and, worst of all, each such attack ultimately hits not so much the joints as the heart.

The consequence of rheumatism not cured in time most often becomes rheumatic heart disease (rheumatic inflammation of the heart). Rheumatic carditis can be mild, moderate and severe. The process involves the heart muscle (myocarditis), the lining of the heart (pericarditis) and the heart valves.

In mild forms of rheumatic carditis, not the entire heart is affected, but only certain areas of the heart muscle. The blood circulation of the heart is not impaired, and external manifestations of the disease are usually absent. This form of the disease is the most common and usually goes unnoticed.

With moderate rheumatic carditis, the heart muscle is more severely affected; the heart moderately hypertrophies (increases in size). Patients note discomfort in the chest and behind the sternum, complain of shortness of breath, increased fatigue when climbing stairs and walking (even slowly), and a feeling of palpitations during normal household activities.

With severe rheumatic carditis, the heart weakens even more; its size increases significantly. Patients, even in complete rest, are bothered by pain in the heart, shortness of breath and palpitations; swelling appears in the legs. A severe form of rheumatic carditis very often leads to the appearance of heart defects, that is, to shrinkage of the heart valves.

In addition to rheumatic carditis, chorea, a rheumatic lesion of the nervous system in children, can be a consequence of rheumatism not cured in time. As a result of chorea, a child or teenager becomes irritable, capricious, absent-minded, and sloppy. His handwriting and gait change, his speech and memory deteriorate, and his sleep is disturbed. In the early period of the illness, parents and teachers tend to attribute such changes in behavior to the child’s capriciousness and indiscipline, and seeking medical attention is postponed. Parents begin to “ring the bells” only when the child develops involuntary twitching of the muscles of the face, torso, arms and legs.

Fortunately, chorea, like rheumatic inflammation of the joints, goes away without a trace over time. And only rheumatic heart disease, if treatment is not started on time, can lead to serious health problems and early disability of the patient. Therefore, it is important to devote all your efforts to treating rheumatism before it has time to strike your heart.

Treatment of rheumatism

The main task facing us in the treatment of rheumatism is to suppress streptococcal infection, which causes the development of the disease and provokes its numerous complications. Currently, of the entire large group of antibacterial agents, penicillin (bicillin) and its analogues are most often used to treat rheumatism. Active therapy with penicillin usually lasts about two weeks, and then for five years, every three weeks the patient is given one injection of bicillin intramuscularly to prevent rheumatic complications of the heart.

tablet forms of “broad-spectrum” have been successfully used in recent years for rheumatism Oxacillin, ampicillin, erythromycin, cephalosporin, and a number of other drugs are very effective for rheumatism.

Along with antibiotics, during the period of joint attack of rheumatism, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed to eliminate joint pain, which act almost immediately and completely eliminate pain.

Typically, rheumatism is so well treated with antibiotics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that they are usually sufficient to completely defeat the disease. Only in rare cases do antibiotics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs prove to be ineffective. Then you have to resort to extreme measures - prescribe corticosteroid (anti-inflammatory) hormones, which, in combination with antibiotics, suppress rheumatic inflammation literally in a matter of days.

Prevention of relapses of rheumatism

Treating rheumatism in a timely manner and stopping (stopping) its attack is only half the battle. It is more important to prevent repeated attacks and exacerbations of the disease. To do this, it is necessary to pay attention to restoring the body’s defenses, its immunity, as well as preventing the possibility of repeated infections with streptococcal infection, to which a person who previously suffered from rheumatism is especially sensitive. Therefore, all those suffering from rheumatism must be sent to specialized sanatoriums.

After discharge from the sanatorium, within a year or two from the last rheumatic attack, it is advisable to rest in the summer only in your own climatic zone: at the dacha, in holiday homes or in sanatoriums (since long trips to foreign climatic zones are associated with inevitable acclimatization and the risk of complications). All this time, doctors do not recommend that people who have suffered an attack of rheumatism sunbathe a lot and swim for a long time in cold water - cold rivers, lakes, etc. You can swim and sunbathe only in such a way as to prevent extreme temperature effects on the body weakened by rheumatism.

It is also undesirable to actively engage in sports in the first few years after suffering a rheumatic attack. Great physical activity leads to overexertion of a heart weakened by disease and accelerates its wear and tear. On the other hand, completely stopping physical education and ignoring hardening also does not improve health. Therefore, you still need to toughen up and exercise, but little by little. When doing physical exercise, a person who has suffered from rheumatism must control his pulse and breathing. If you experience shortness of breath and a pulse rate of more than 120 beats per minute, you must take a break and rest, and only after the pulse has normalized, continue the exercises, but at a slower pace.

To conclude this section, I would like to give the basic rules for preventing repeated rheumatic attacks, which are indicated by scientists from the Institute of Rheumatology in the “Book for Patients with Rheumatic Diseases.” These are the rules. You need:

maintain constant contact with your doctor;
follow the doctor’s instructions regarding the daily routine, hardening, physical training, treatment, and, if possible, avoid participation in those sports games, competitions, hikes that are not authorized by the doctor;
in case of any acute illness or deterioration in health, immediately consult a doctor and do not self-medicate;
treat sore teeth, chronic inflammation of the tonsils or pharynx in a timely manner;
carry out prescribed preventive antibiotic therapy in a timely manner.

And for parents of children who have had rheumatism, the same reference book reminds that a calm and friendly environment in the family will help strengthen the child’s health. Which I agree with one hundred percent.

Nutrition for rheumatism

diet No. 10 during their illness and for another year or two after the last attack of rheumatism . In addition to following diet No. 10, there are additional nutritional rules for those patients whose rheumatism is in the active phase, that is, at the time of exacerbation or during a rheumatic attack.

Since metabolism is disrupted during a rheumatic attack, especially water-salt and carbohydrate metabolic processes, all dishes are prepared without salt or with a minimum of salt. In addition, you need to limit the use of seasonings containing salt (remember that even soy sauce contains a large amount of sodium salt). It is necessary to exclude from the diet or minimize the consumption of dishes containing extractive substances - strong meat and vegetable broths and soups, especially soups from bags or prepared on the basis of bouillon cubes. It is necessary to temporarily limit the consumption of foods containing easily digestible carbohydrates (sugar, jam, honey, confectionery).

Mushrooms, peas, legumes, sorrel and spinach should be practically excluded from the diet. Grapes and grape juice are not recommended for fruits. Meat and fish are recommended only boiled or lightly stewed, and vegetables should be well cooked.

You need to eat little by little, but often - about 5-6 times a day.

In addition, in the acute phase of rheumatism, we need to replenish the loss of vitamin B caused by increased vascular permeability in this disease. Vitamins C, P, PP, B1, B2, B6, B12 must be added to the diet. You can include drinks made from brewer's and baker's yeast in your diet, since yeast supplies large doses of natural B vitamins.

Strict adherence to the above nutritional rules must be observed throughout the entire acute phase of the disease and plus 3-5 days after its end. After getting out of the crisis, if you feel well, you can loosen the strict dietary restrictions, but in general you still need to more or less adhere to the above nutritional recommendations.

Symptoms

Signs of rheumatoid arthritis appear approximately 1-2 weeks after illness caused by acute streptococcal infection. Rheumatitis of the extremities is just one of the syndromes inherent in rheumatism. In the acute course of this disease, the following pathological conditions are possible:

rheumatoid arthritis (inflammation of the joints);
rheumatic carditis (inflammation of heart tissue);
rheumatic chorea (damage to the nervous system);
skin lesions (erythema, rheumatic nodes);
rheumatic pleurisy (inflammation of the lining of the lungs).

Rheumatoid arthritis affects mainly the large joints of the extremities (elbows, knees and ankles), and somewhat less commonly it affects the small joints of the hands and feet. Since rheumatoid arthritis is a syndrome of post-streptococcal infection, the patient feels general weakness, shortness of breath, and body temperature rises to 38-39 °C.

A distinctive feature of rheumatoid arthritis is symmetrical damage to the joints, and it is benign in nature, that is, it does not lead to joint deformation. The patient feels pain in the joints, their mobility is lost, swelling and redness of the skin in areas of inflammation are possible.

Remedies used for rheumatic joint pain part 1

Home Medical Encyclopedia Medicines Analgesic (painkillers) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

APISARTHRON

Pharmachologic effect. Combined preparation for external use. It has a local irritating, vasodilating and analgesic (pain-relieving) effect. Causes hyperemia (redness) and increased skin temperature at the site of application.

Indications for use. Myalgia (muscle pain) and arthralgia (joint pain) with rheumatism and degenerative diseases of the joints. Neuritis (nerve inflammation). Sprained muscles and ligaments. For a warming muscle massage before and after sports.

Method of administration and dose. Apply a strip of ointment 3-5 cm long to the skin in the painful area, spread it in a thin layer, then (after 2-5 minutes)

After the appearance of redness and a feeling of warmth, it should be slowly and intensively rubbed into the skin with massage movements. It is recommended to keep the treated areas warm. The ointment is applied 2-3 times daily until symptoms disappear.

The drug should not come into contact with the eyes, mucous membranes, or open wound surfaces.

Side effect. Allergic skin reactions are possible at the site of application of the drug.

Contraindications. Acute arthritis (joint inflammation), skin diseases, severe renal and liver dysfunction, pregnancy, hypersensitivity to the drug.

Release form. Ointment in tubes of 20 g. 100 g of ointment contains 100 units of bee venom, 10 g of methyl salicylate, 1 g of allyl isothiocyanate, 2 g of Roymakur aquasols.

rapeseed oil 2 g, ethanol denatured with camphor, 2 g.

Storage conditions. In a cool place.

APISARTHRONNOVY (Apisarthron new)

Bee hell preparation.

Pharmachologic effect. Anti-inflammatory and analgesic.

Indications for use. As an analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent for myositis (inflammation of muscles), neuralgia (pain spreading along the nerve) and polyarthritis (inflammation of several joints) for rubbing.

Method of administration and dose. Rub 2-5 g into the skin daily (in the place of greatest pain).

Side effects and contraindications are the same as for apizartron.

Release form. Ointment in tubes of 25 and 100 g. 1 g of ointment contains: bee venom - 30 mcg, methyl salicylate - 100 mg, allyl isothiocyanate - 10 mg.

Storage conditions. At a temperature not higher than +8 “C.

APIFOR (Apiphor)

Pharmachologic effect. Anti-inflammatory and analgesic.

Indications for use. Polyarthritis (inflammation of several joints), myositis (muscle inflammation), radiculitis, peripheral vascular diseases (endarteritis /inflammation of the inner lining of the arteries of the extremities/, etc.), keloid scars (overgrowth of connective tissue of the skin at the wound site) after burns, etc.

Method of administration and dose. By electrophoresis (percutaneous administration of medicinal substances through an electric current) from both poles at a current strength of 10 mA - 1 tablet is dissolved in 20 ml of distilled water immediately before use. The course of treatment is 15-20 procedures.

Side effect. In case of hypersensitivity, allergic reactions.

Contraindications. Individual intolerance to bee venom, diseases of the liver, kidneys, pancreas, adrenal glands, diabetes, neoplasms, severe infectious diseases, sepsis (blood poisoning by microbes from the source of purulent inflammation), cachexia (extreme degree of exhaustion), decompensation of the cardiovascular system (sharp decrease in pumping capacity) heart function), blood diseases.

Release form. Tablets containing 0.001 g of lyophilized (dried by freezing in a vacuum) bee hell, in a package of 25 pieces.

Storage conditions. List B. In a place protected from light.

VIPRAXIN (Vipraxinum)

An aqueous solution of the common hell viper.

Pharmachologic effect. Anti-inflammatory, analgesic and absorbable agent.

Indications for use. Neuralgia (pain spreading along the nerve), arthritis (inflammation of the joint), myositis (inflammation of the muscles), chronic nonspecific mono- and polyarthritis (inflammation of one or several joints), radiculitis, etc.

Method of administration and dose. Intradermally, subcutaneously and intramuscularly, starting from 0.2 ml with a gradual increase in dose to 1 ml. The course of treatment is 10 injections.

Side effect. Individual increased reaction, quickly passing pain and swelling at the injection site.

Contraindications. Active pulmonary tuberculosis, febrile conditions (accompanied by a sharp increase in body temperature), cachexia (extreme degree of exhaustion), tendency to vasospasms (spasms/sharp narrowing of the lumen/of blood vessels), dysfunction of the liver and kidneys.

Release form. Ampoules of 1 ml in a package of 10 pieces.

Storage conditions. List A. In a cool, dark place.

VIPRATOX

Pharmachologic effect. Anti-inflammatory, analgesic (pain reliever) agent.

Indications for use. Rheumatic pain, neuralgia (pain spreading along the nerve), sciatica (lumbosacral radiculitis), lumbago (paroxysmal intense pain in the lumbar region), myositis (muscle inflammation), myalgia (muscle pain), arthralgia (joint pain) and so on.

Method of administration and dose. Apply topically. A small amount of ointment (3-6 g) is applied to painful areas and rubbed until completely absorbed 1-2 times a day. The effect of the drug is enhanced by a preliminary hot bath or local thermal exposure.

Side effect. Allergic reactions.

Contraindications. Not identified.

Release form. Ointment (liniment) in tubes of 45 g. 100 g of liniment contains 0.0001 g of venom from various snakes, 6 g of methyl salicylate, 3 g of camphor.

Storage conditions. In a cool place.

VIPROSAL (Viprosalum)

Pharmachologic effect. Painkiller and anti-inflammatory agent.

Indications for use. Rheumatic pain, neuralgia (pain spreading along the nerve), sciatica (lumbosacral radiculitis), lumbago (paroxysmal intense pain in the lumbar region).

Method of administration and dose. Externally. Apply a thin layer to the skin, previously wiped with warm water. Rub for 2-3 minutes 1-2 times a day. After rubbing, hands should be washed thoroughly. The course of treatment is 1-4 weeks.

Side effect. Allergic skin reactions are possible.

Contraindications. Hypersensitivity to the components of the drug, skin tuberculosis, febrile states (sharp increase in body temperature), cachexia (extreme degree of exhaustion), insufficiency of cerebral and coronary (heart) circulation, vasospasms (spasms - a sharp narrowing of the lumen of blood vessels), organic damage to the liver and kidneys, pregnancy.

Release form. Ointment in tubes of 50 g. Composition: dry viper poison - 16 IU, 0.9% isotonic sodium chloride solution - 8 g, emulsifier No. 1 - 8 g, solid paraffin - 3 g, petroleum jelly - 7 g, camphor - 3 g, fir oil - 3 g, glycerin - 2 g, salicylic acid - 1 g, distilled water - 65 g.

Storage conditions. In a cool place.

VIPROSAL B (ViprosalumB)

Pharmachologic effect. Painkiller and anti-inflammatory agent.

Indications for use. For rheumatic pain, neuralgia (pain spreading along the nerve), sciatica (lumbosacral radiculitis), lumbago (paroxysmal intense pain in the lumbar region).

Side effects and contraindications are the same as for viprosal.

Release form. Ointment in tubes of 50 g. Composition: dry viper venom - 5 IU, 0.9% sodium chloride solution - 8 g, emulsifier No. 1 - 8 g, solid paraffin - 3 g, petroleum jelly - 7 g, camphor - 3 g , fir oil - 3 g, glycerin - 2 g, salicylic acid - 1 g, distilled water - 65 g.

Storage conditions. In a cool place.

VIRAPIN

Pharmachologic effect. Painkiller and anti-inflammatory agent.

Indications for use. For rheumatism, nonspecific polyarthritis (inflammation of several joints), myositis (muscle inflammation), radiculitis, sciatica (lumbosacral radiculitis), neuralgia (pain spreading along the nerve).

Side effects and contraindications are the same as for apizarthron.

Release form. Ointment in tubes of 20 g. Ingredients: bee venom - 0.15 mg, ointment base - 1 g.

Storage conditions. In a cool place.

NAYAXIN (Najaxinum)

A preparation made from the dry venom of the Central Asian cobra (NajanaiaoxianaE.). 1 ml of aqueous solution contains 1 mg of dry native poison and 4 mg of novocaine hydrochloride.

Pharmachologic effect. Pain reliever, especially with repeated use. Enhances the effect of narcotic analgesics (see morphine, promedol and 256) and local anesthetics (see cocaine, trimecaine).

Indications for use. Pain syndrome in various diseases of the peripheral nervous system (lumbosacral radiculitis, trigeminal neuralgia /pain spreading along the facial nerve/ and neuritis /inflammation of the nerve/ of various causes).

Method of administration and dose. Subcutaneously and intramuscularly at intervals of 1-3 days. Treatment begins with a dose of 0.2 ml, then increasing it by 0.1-0.2 ml, and adjusted to 1-2 ml. The maximum single dose is 2 ml. The course of treatment is 12-20 injections. The course of treatment can be repeated after a 4-week interval.

Contraindications. Pulmonary tuberculosis, heart disease, fever (sharp increase in body temperature), pregnancy and lactation (lactation), organic damage to the liver and kidneys.

Release form. Ampoules of 1 ml for injection, 10 pieces in a package.

Storage conditions. List A. In a cool, dark place.

FORAPIN (Forapinum)

Pharmachologic effect. Analgesic (pain reliever) and antirheumatic agent containing bee venom.

Indications for use. Rheumatic pain in muscles and joints, sciatica (sciatica), hypothermia, prevention and treatment of sports injuries.

Method of administration and dose. Apply topically. Apply a thin layer to the skin of the affected area and rub vigorously.

Side effect. Skin irritation, rarely - contact (at the site of application of the drug) allergy.

Contraindications. Hypersensitivity to the drug, renal failure. Not prescribed for children under 5 years of age.

Release form. Liniment in tubes of 100 g; ointment in tubes of 50 and 100 g. 100 g of liniment contains lyophilized (dried by freezing under vacuum) standardized bee venom 0.0009 g, bornyl salicylate 1.5 g, methyl nicotinate 2 g. 100 g of ointment contains lyophilized standardized bee venom 0 .0003 g, benzyl nicotinate 1 g, bornyl salicylate 3 g.

Storage conditions. In a cool place.

FORAPIN E (ForapinE)

Pharmachologic effect. Combined preparation for external use. It has a local irritant, vasodilator, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect. Bee venom, which is part of the drug, also has a resorptive (manifested after absorption into the blood) effect, which consists of stimulating the pituitary gland, increasing the release of adrenocorticotropic hormone (pituitary hormone) and, consequently, glucocorticosteroids of the adrenal cortex (hormones of the adrenal cortex that affect carbohydrate and protein metabolism).

Indications for use. Arthritis (inflammation of the joint), periarthritis (joint disease), osteoarthritis (joint disease), tenosynovitis (inflammation of the tendons), bursitis (inflammation of the joint capsule), myalgia (muscle pain), muscular rheumatism, traumatic inflammation of the musculoskeletal system, peripheral disorders blood circulation

Method of administration and dose. A strip of ointment or liniment 1-3 cm long is applied to the skin and evenly distributed in a thin layer. After 2-10 minutes, a burning sensation appears, after which the drug is rubbed in completely with massaging movements until a feeling of warmth appears. In subsequent days, the dose is doubled. The drug is applied 1-2 times a day. After 4 days of treatment, you can take a one-day break.

After applying the drug, you must wash your hands thoroughly. Avoid contact of the drug with the eyes and mucous membranes.

Side effect. Allergic reactions.

Contraindications. Hypersensitivity to the components of the drug.

Release form. Ointment in tubes of 50 g in a package of 10 pieces. Liniment in bottles of 100 g in a package of 10 pieces. 1 g of ointment contains: standardized bee venom - 3 units; bornosalicylate - 30 mg; benzyl nicotinate - 10 mg; nonivamide - 2 mg. 1 g of liniment contains: standardized bee venom - 0.9 units; boronosalicylate - 15 mg; benzyl nicotinate - 1 mg; camphor - 3 mg, chloroform - 250 mg.

Storage conditions. In a dry, cool place.

UNGAPIVEN

Pharmachologic effect. It has an analgesic (pain-relieving) and anti-inflammatory effect.

Indications for use. Prescribed for arthritis (inflammation of the joint), arthrosis (joint disease), osteochondrosis (spinal disease associated with metabolic disorders in the intervertebral discs and bone tissue), radiculitis, myalgia (muscle pain), myositis (inflammation of the muscles), lumbago (paroxysmal intense pain in the lumbar region).

Method of administration and dose. Apply externally. Apply a thin layer to the skin, previously wiped with warm water (to improve absorption). Rub for 2-3 minutes 1-3 times a day. The course of treatment is 1-4 weeks. After rubbing in the ointment, wash your hands thoroughly.

Side effects and contraindications are the same as for the use of apizartron.

Release form. Ointment in aluminum tubes of 30 g. Contains 0.06 g of bee venom per 100 g with the addition of polyethylene oxide.

Storage conditions. In a cool place.

Medicines based on substances of natural origin

BISHOFIT

Pharmachologic effect. Bischofite is a natural mineral containing chloride-magnesium-sodium complex, iodine, bromine, iron and other elements. It is obtained in the form of brine when drilling wells.

It has a moderate anti-inflammatory and analgesic (pain-relieving) effect in chronic inflammatory diseases.

Indications for use. Bishofite is approved for use as an external balneological (mineral water, therapeutic mud) remedy for deforming arthrosis (joint diseases), rheumatoid arthritis (an infectious-allergic disease from the group of collagenoses, characterized by chronic progressive inflammation of the joints), radiculitis, lumbodynia (paroxysmal intense pain in lumbar region) and other chronic inflammatory and dystrophic (associated with tissue malnutrition) diseases of the musculoskeletal and neuromuscular system.

Method of administration and dose. Bishofite (brine) is used in the form of compresses. It is recommended to first warm the area of the body to be treated (joint, lumbar area, etc.) with a blue light lamp or a heating pad for 3-5 minutes. The brine, diluted with water (1:1) or undiluted, is lightly rubbed into the painful area for 3-5 minutes, then a warm compress is made (usually at night, gauze is moistened with brine, applied to the painful area, covered with wax paper). After removing the compress, wash the skin with warm water. The course of treatment is 10-12 procedures (every other day).

Side effect. With daily and too long-term use of bischofite, tissue irritation and allergic skin reactions are possible.

In case of exacerbation of the process and intolerance to the procedures, stop taking the drug. If you have skin diseases, you should not apply a compress to the painful area.

Release form. Bishofite is sold in glass containers.

Storage conditions. At room temperature.

BISHOLIN

Indications for use. See Bischofite.

Method of administration and dose. The paste is rubbed into the affected areas (joints, lower back, etc.) for 1'/2 - 2 minutes 2-3 times a day. The course of treatment is 10-14 days. After a 3-4 week break, repeat courses are possible.

Contraindications. The use of the paste is contraindicated for skin diseases in the area of its application.

Release form. Paste.

Storage conditions. In a tightly closed container at room temperature.

GUMISOL (Gumisolum)

A preparation of sea (Haapsalu) medicinal mud. Pharmachologic effect. Biogenic stimulant. Indications for use. Chronic and subacute radiculitis, plexitis (damage to the nerve plexus),

neuralgia (pain spreading along the nerve), rheumatoid arthritis (inflammation of large and medium joints of the extremities during a rheumatic attack) inactive form, infectious nonspecific polyarthritis (inflammation of several joints), arthrosis (joint disease), chronic diseases of the middle ear, paranasal sinuses , pharyngitis (inflammation of the pharynx), rhinitis (inflammation of the nasal mucosa), etc.

Method of administration and dose. Intramuscularly 1-2 ml once a day. The course of treatment is 20-30 days. Children - 1 ml for 20-25 days. For periodontal disease (dental disease), the drug can be used by electrophoresis (a method of introducing medicinal substances through intact mucous membranes of the oral cavity using an electric current) for 15-20 sessions every other day.

Contraindications. Acute febrile (accompanied by a sharp increase in body temperature) diseases, decompensated heart disease, severe atherosclerosis and thyrotoxicosis (thyroid disease), active form of tuberculosis, liver and kidney dysfunction, tumors, psychosis.

Release form. Ampoules of 1 ml in a package of 10 pieces.

Storage conditions. In a place protected from light.

PRESERVED MEDICAL BILE (Choleconservatamedicata)

A preparation containing natural bile from slaughtered cattle.

Pharmachologic effect. Analgesic, anti-inflammatory and absorbable agent.

Indications for use. External anesthetic and absorbent agent for acute and chronic arthrosis (joint diseases), arthritis (inflammation of the joint), bursitis (inflammation of the joint capsule), tenosynovitis (inflammation of the tendons), spondyloarthrosis (disease of the spine), secondary radiculitis.

Method of administration and dose. In the form of compresses. The course of treatment is 6-30 days.

Side effect. In some cases, skin irritation.

Contraindications. Violation of skin integrity, inflammatory and pustular skin lesions, lymphangitis (inflammation of the lymphatic vessels), lymphadenitis (inflammation of the lymph nodes).

Release form. Bottles of 250 ml.

Storage conditions. In a cool place.

Linimentum “Alorom”

A complex preparation containing liquid chamomile extract, aloe juice, liquid calendula extract, castor oil, emulsifier, menthol and eucalyptus oil. A homogeneous thick mass of light brown color with a specific odor.

Pharmachologic effect. Analgesic, anti-inflammatory and absorbable agent.

Indications for use. Used as a local anti-inflammatory and analgesic for arthritis (inflammation of the joint), plexitis (damage to the nerve plexus), radiculitis, myalgia (muscle pain), tenosynovitis (inflammation of the tendons), as well as for the prevention of bedsores.

Method of administration and dose. Liniment is applied to the skin in the painful area in a thin layer 2-3 times a day and lightly massaged. The course of treatment is 3-15 days. If necessary, the course of treatment is repeated after 1-2 weeks.

Contraindications. Liniment should not be applied to damaged skin.

Release form. Liniment composition: liquid chamomile extract - 20 parts, aloe juice - 47.8 parts, liquid calendula extract - 10 parts, castor oil and elgulgator - 11 parts each, menthol and eucalyptus oil - 0.1 parts each, - in orange glass jars 30 g each

Storage conditions. In a dry, cool place.

PURIFIED TERPENTINE OIL (Oleum Terebinthinaerectificatum)

Purified turpentine. Essential oil obtained by distillation of living matter from Scots pine (Finnssilvestris L.), fam. pine (Pinaceae).

Pharmachologic effect. It has a local irritating, distracting (pain-relieving) and antiseptic (disinfecting) effect. The distracting effect is associated with the ability of turpentine (as well as other essential oils) to penetrate the epidermis (the surface layer of the skin) and cause reflex changes in the body as a result of irritation of skin receptors; The release of biologically active substances from the skin, in particular histamine, also plays a certain role.

Indications for use. For neuralgia (pain spreading along the nerve), myositis (muscle inflammation), lumboischialgia (lumbosacral pain), rheumatism, sometimes used internally and for inhalation for putrefactive bronchitis (inflammation of the bronchi, occurring with the release of foul-smelling mucopurulent sputum), bronchiectasis (lung disease with the formation of cavities filled with sputum in the lung tissue) and other lung diseases.

Method of administration and dose. Used mainly externally in ointments and liniments for rubbing; sometimes internally and for inhalation.

Contraindications. Damage to the parenchyma (structural and functional elements) of the liver and kidneys.

Release form. In bottles of 50 g.

Storage conditions. In a cool place, protected from light.

COMPLEX TURPENINE LINIMENT (LinimentumoleiTerebinthinaecompositum)

Contains 40 ml of purified turpentine oil, 20 ml of chloroform, 40 ml of bleached or intoxicating oil.

Indications for use. Used for neuralgia (pain spreading along the nerve), myositis (muscle inflammation), rheumatism.

Method of administration and dose. Externally for rubbing.

Side effects and contraindications are the same as for efkamon ointment.

Release form. In bottles of 80 ml.

Storage conditions. In a cool place, protected from light.

TURPENAL OINTMENT (Unguentum terebinthinae)

Ingredients: purified turpentine oil 20 g, consistency emulsion (water/vaseline) 80 g.

Indications for use. For arthritis (inflammation of the joint), myositis (inflammation of the muscles), neuralgia (pain spreading along the nerve) for rubbing.

Method of administration and dose. Rub into the skin of the painful area.

Side effects and contraindications are the same as for efkamon ointment.

Release form. Packed in 50 g.

Storage conditions. In a cool place, protected from light.

OINTMENT "GEVKAMEN" (Unguentum "Geucamenum")

Indications for use. Used externally as a distraction and analgesic for neuralgia (pain spreading along the nerve), myalgia (muscle pain), etc.

Method of administration and dose. Rub 2-3 g 2-3 times a day.

Side effects and contraindications are the same. as for efkamon ointment.

Release form. In glass jars of 40 g. Contains 18 g of racemic menthol (or mint oil 22.5 g), 10 g of camphor and eucalyptus oil; 1 g of clove oil, medical paraffin and medical vaseline up to 100 g.

Storage conditions. In a cool place, protected from light.

OINTMENT "EFCAMON" (Unguentum "Efcamonum")

Pharmachologic effect. Rubbing the ointment into the skin causes dilation of superficial blood vessels, a feeling of warmth and improved blood circulation in the skin and subcutaneous tissue.

Indications for use. Used for arthritis (inflammation of the joint), myositis (inflammation of the muscles), neuralgia (pain spreading along the nerve), etc.

Method of administration and dose. Rub 2-3 g into the skin 2-3 times a day, cover with a warm bandage.

Side effect. Skin irritation.

Contraindications. If the skin becomes severely irritated, stop rubbing. The ointment should not be applied to damaged skin.

Release form. In aluminum tubes of 10 g. Contains 10 g of camphor, 3 g of clove and essential mustard oils, 7 g of eucalyptus, 14 g of menthol, 8 g of methyl salicylate, 4 g of capsicum tincture, 4.4 g of paraffin, up to 100 g spermaceti and Vaseline.

Storage conditions. In a cool place.

FORMAL ALCOHOL (Spiritus formacicus)

Ingredients: formic acid - 14 g, ethyl alcohol 70% - 986 ml.

Pharmachologic effect. Irritant.

Indications for use. As a skin irritant for myositis (inflammation of muscles), neuralgia (pain spreading along the nerve), etc. for rubbing.

Method of administration and dose. Rub into the skin 2-3 times a day.

Release form. In bottles of 40 ml.

Storage conditions. In a cool place, protected from light.

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This information is not a guide to self-treatment. A doctor's consultation is required.

Diagnostics

The first way to diagnose rheumatism is a blood test. During the acute stage of the disease, the level of leukocytes and ESR increases, and the number of red blood cells decreases. A complete blood test shows a decrease in albumin levels, an increase in fibrinogen levels, and the presence of C-reactive protein.

To confirm the presence of infection, a blood test is performed to detect the presence of antibodies to streptococcus. To exclude the autoimmune nature of joint damage, so-called rheumatic tests are performed - a blood test for the presence of specific antibodies (rheumatoid and antinuclear factors, antibodies to streptolysin, etc.).

X-rays of the affected joints show no joint deformation characteristic of autoimmune disorders. Inflammatory changes in joints and cardiac tissues are diagnosed by ultrasound. An ECG can also reveal disruption of the heart muscles due to inflammatory processes in rheumatism. These studies make it possible to confirm the infectious nature of the disease.

Treatment

First of all, sanitation of foci of inflammation is carried out in chronic diseases of the ENT organs and the oral cavity (sinusitis, tonsillitis, caries). Treatment of acute streptococcal infection is carried out in a hospital. To combat it, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory (nonsteroidal and corticosteroid) drugs are used. Symptomatic manifestations are neutralized with analgesic ointments and compresses, and ultraviolet irradiation procedures may be prescribed. To prevent relapses of streptococcal infections, drug prophylaxis is prescribed under the supervision of a physician.