Wat is Reuma?

Reuma omvat een breed scala aan aandoeningen die het bewegingsapparaat beïnvloeden. De meest voorkomende vormen van reuma zijn:

• Artrose: Dit is de meest voorkomende vorm van reuma en wordt gekenmerkt door slijtage van het kraakbeen in de gewrichten, wat leidt tot pijn en stijfheid.
• Rheumatoïde artritis: Een auto-immuunziekte waarbij het immuunsysteem de gewrichten aanvalt, wat leidt tot ontsteking en uiteindelijk gewrichtsschade.
• Jicht: Deze aandoening wordt veroorzaakt door de ophoping van urinezuurkristallen in de gewrichten, wat hevige pijn en zwelling veroorzaakt.

The exact cause of rheumatism is often not entirely clear, but genetics, age, gender and environmental factors play a role.

Symptoms of rheumatism

The symptoms of rheumatism can vary depending on the specific condition. Some common symptoms include:

• Joint pain: Pain in the joints, often worse in the morning or after prolonged inactivity.
• Stiffness: Difficulty moving the joints fully, especially after rest.
• Swelling: Swollen and sometimes red joints.
• Fatigue: General tiredness or a general feeling of being unwell.

If you experience these symptoms, it is important to consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

How can you reduce the risk of rheumatism?

Although you cannot change genetic factors, there are several lifestyle factors that you can adjust to reduce the risk of rheumatism. Below we list some of these factors.

• Healthy eating: A healthy diet can help maintain healthy joints. Focus on omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidant-rich foods and fiber.
• Regular exercise: Exercise keeps the joints flexible and strengthens the muscles around the joints. Choose low-impact activities, such as walking, swimming or cycling, to protect your joints from overload. If this is no longer possible independently, care innovations such as Fietslabyrint can play a role here. With Fietslabyrint you can virtually cycle around the world, so that this is still possible if you have difficulty walking.
• Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight puts extra pressure on your joints, especially the knees and hips. Maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce the stress on your joints and reduce your risk of developing osteoarthritis.
• Quit Smoking: Smoking is a risk factor for many health conditions, including arthritis. Quitting smoking can not only improve your overall health, but also reduce your risk of arthritis.
• Get Enough Sleep: A good night’s sleep is essential for recovery and overall health. Try to get enough sleep regularly to give your body time to repair itself and reduce inflammation.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a complex disease that can affect many different joints and tissues. Although some risk factors cannot be changed, there are several ways to reduce your risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis by maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, maintain a healthy weight, quit smoking, and get enough sleep. By following these steps, you can keep your joints healthy and reduce your risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis.