Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatic osteoarthritis is one of the major manifestations of rheumatic fever and is a common acute or chronic connective tissue inflammation. It can recur repeatedly and may involve the heart. Clinically, it is characterized by migratory soreness, heaviness, and pain in the joints and muscles. It is classified as an allergic disease. Atypical patients may have only joint pain without other inflammatory manifestations. Acute inflammation generally subsides within 2-4 weeks without leaving sequelae, but it often recurs. The typical presentation includes mild to moderate fever and migratory polyarthritis, with the affected joints usually being large joints such as the knees, ankles, shoulders, elbows, and wrists. It is common for the condition to shift from one joint to another, with the affected area showing redness, swelling, burning heat, and severe pain. Some patients may also have several joints affected simultaneously. If the rheumatic activity affects the heart, myocarditis may occur, and it may even leave valvular heart disease. The etiology of rheumatic arthritis has not been fully clarified. Based on symptomatic, epidemiological, and immunological data analysis, it is believed to be closely related to human hemolytic streptococcal infection. Currently, it is also noted that viral infection may have a certain association with this disease.