Temperature during arthritis: what causes it and should it be brought down?

Fever in arthritis is one of the symptoms of a musculoskeletal disease, reflecting the strength of the inflammatory process. Whether there can be a temperature with arthritis and how much it can increase depends on the stage of the disease, the severity of its manifestations, and the number of affected joints.

So, if you have a fever due to rheumatoid or other arthritis: what to do? The answer to similar questions is in this publication.

Features of temperature rise

Can there be a fever with rheumatoid arthritis? Over 70% of patients suffering from RA and other types of joint inflammation: psoriatic, traumatic, reactive arthritis complain of symptoms of fever.

Features of hyperthermia against the background of inflammation in the joints:

• The temperature can be either subfebrile (37-37.5 °C), or rise to febrile values ​​- over 38 °C.
• An increase in temperature reflects the degree of inflammation in the body.
• The temperature in rheumatoid arthritis may not increase if the disease develops slowly or is in a chronic stage.
• When the temperature rises, the patient is concerned about other symptoms: weakness, fever, sweating.
• In all cases, local hyperthermia is observed in the area of ​​inflammation.
• With arthritis, the body temperature is about 36.9-37 °C, even if other symptoms do not yet bother the patient.
• RA in children manifests itself precisely as high temperature values, without a low-grade fever.
• Infectious inflammation of the joints is characterized by a sharp increase in temperature values ​​- due to the viral (bacterial) etiology of the disease.
• With osteoarthritis, subfebrile values ​​are possible (37-37.5 °C).
• The temperature with polyarthritis can rise in the acute period to 37.5-38 °C. If the fever is above 40 °C, then this is an indicator of the addition of some kind of infection.

Diagnostics

Different methods are used to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis:

• laboratory They involve immunological, biochemical studies and the study of a general blood test;
• instrumental. Joint puncture, radioisotope study, x-ray are common diagnostic options;
• biopsy. It also belongs to the instrumental ones, but is presented separately, since of all the listed solutions it is used most rarely.

Diagnosis begins with an appointment with a doctor and examination. To make an appointment, you must contact a rheumatologist.

How can you tell if a fever is caused by arthritis?

Fever in arthritic ailments, especially during the first few days, has no features. Therefore, many patients at first do not suspect that the fever is due to arthritis.

After about a week, the presence of many other ailments is excluded, and it can be stated that it is joint inflammation that is taking place.

How can you tell if a fever is caused by arthritis?

1. Fever bothers the patient for more than 5-7 days.
2. Other symptoms of ENT diseases such as runny nose, cough, headache and ear pain are absent.
3. A blood test reveals an increased level of ESR and C-reactive proteins. The more acute the inflammatory process, the more these indicators differ from normal.
4. If arthritis is present, the temperature rises to 38°C and stays for several days, decreasing by a maximum of 0.5°C.

With ENT diseases or acute respiratory viral infections, the fever rises closer to night, and with arthritic ailments it is stable or increases spasmodically, regardless of the time of day.

• Temperature during arthrosis: should it be reduced or not?

Fever may increase with weather changes - it is known that joints often react to weather conditions.

Diagnosis of arthritis

Diagnosis of arthritis is carried out by several specialists: a traumatologist, a rheumatologist, a phthisiatrician, an infectious disease specialist and a dermatologist.

Diagnosis of arthritis includes examination (conversation, examination, testing for sensitivity and joint mobility), laboratory tests (tests) and instrumental diagnostic methods, and only on the basis of this a course of treatment for the patient is prescribed. Let's take a closer look at the methods for diagnosing arthritis.

Laboratory research

A general blood test is performed to determine the ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate). The acute stage of arthritis is characterized by an increased ESR. Bacterial arthritis produces an increased number of white blood cells, allergic arthritis produces an increased number of eosinophils.

A biochemical blood test determines the level of uric and sialic acids, elevated levels of which indicate the presence of gouty arthritis, as well as the level of fibrinogen, which indicates the presence of inflammation.

Immunological indicators (increased rheumatoid factor, the amount of antinuclear and other antibodies, as well as circulating immune complexes) make it possible to identify rheumatoid arthritis.

Other symptoms of joint inflammation

In addition to fever, the development of an arthritic disease will be indicated by the following manifestations:

• Feeling of pain in the joint capsule both during dynamics and in a calm state.
• Swelling in the area of ​​inflammation, redness of the skin, local hyperthermia.
• Feeling of stiff joints in the morning. After 1-2 hours, this feeling goes away, but after a long break in movement, the stiffness resumes.
• The shape and size of the joints change due to the formation of calcium deposits. The synovial gap becomes smaller or closes completely.
• There is contracture (immobility) of the affected joint.
• If this is an autoimmune type of inflammation, subcutaneous rheumatoid nodules appear - a typical sign of RA. Most often they are present on the back side of the joint, on the back of the head, on the heel tendon.

How to react?

If the fever continues for several days and other symptoms of a joint disease are present, it is better to entrust treatment to an experienced doctor, sometimes in an inpatient setting.

If the fever occurs sporadically, it needs to be brought down. This can be done by using any recommended NSAIDs within the daily dosage specified in the instructions (for example, Aspirin-Upsa).

It should be noted that taking NSAIDs for more than a week is prohibited - uncomfortable side effects may occur in the form of gastric and intestinal bleeding.

Serious fever - over 38.1 ° C - can be brought down with the usual antipyretic: Paracetamol or its analogue for children (in the case of juvenile arthritis).

If it turns out that the fever does not go down or decreases slightly, you cannot increase the recommended doses yourself. If health has seriously deteriorated, the patient feels lethargic and ill, it is necessary to call an ambulance. Specialists will give you an antipyretic injection, give you the necessary recommendations, and make an appointment with your local physician.

Hot baths or showers are prohibited - this can only worsen the symptomatic picture.

It is necessary to drink as much as possible – up to 2-3 liters of water/day. Tea, coffee and broths do not count.

Methods of therapy

Treatments for arthritic diseases can be divided into two types: symptomatic and disease-modifying.

Symptomatic therapy is aimed at quickly alleviating the patient’s condition, reducing acute symptoms of inflammation: hyperthermia, swelling, pain. This type of treatment often includes:

• Arthritis and arthrosis, what is the difference: how to treat

1. NSAIDs are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. They block omega-6 acid, thereby reducing the synthesis of inflammatory mediators. This leads to a rapid decrease in fever, reduction of swelling, relief of pain and overall well-being of the patient. Anti-inflammatory drugs can be prescribed in the form of tablets, topical gels for quick relief of symptoms, as well as injections. There are 2 types of NSAIDs: selective (Diclofenac, Piroxicam, Indomethacin) and non-selective (Meloxicam, Nimesulide). According to doctors, the latter have fewer contraindications and side effects, and can be taken for a long time without harm to health.
2. Glucocorticosteroids are hormonal anti-inflammatory drugs with antipyretic effects. They have a more pronounced and lasting anti-inflammatory effect. They can be prescribed in the form of pulse therapy if NSAIDs do not bring the expected effect, or in the form of intra-articular injections. For anti-arthritic therapy, the following are prescribed: Prednisolone, Hydrocortisone, Dexamethasone.

Basic therapy is designed to influence the cause of the disease. For example, in rheumatoid arthritis, joint inflammation is caused by autoimmune disorders. Therefore, to treat the disease, it is necessary to take medications that normalize the functioning of the immune system and suppress the autoimmune aggression of cells against joint tissues.

Adult patients are prescribed gold preparations (Auranofin, Crizanol, Myocrisin), and other basic drugs: Methotrexate, Penicillamine, Leflunomide. In advanced stages of the disease, a combination of basic drugs and glucocorticosteroids is recommended. As a rule, in less than six months, doctors determine a set of medications to successfully cure the disease.

Causes of Arthritis

The clear and exact cause of arthritis has not yet been determined, but doctors have identified some factors that can trigger the development of arthritis. Let's look at them:

— infections caused by bacteria, fungi, viruses; - allergies; - metabolic disease; - injury; - lack of vitamins (vitaminosis); - insufficient intake of nutrients into the body - diseases of the nervous system; — disturbances in the functioning of the immune system; - excessive load on the joints; — unhealthy diet, incl. consumption of alcoholic beverages; - overweight; - disturbances in the functioning of the endocrine gland; - genetic predisposition; - insect bites, such as wasps, bees, etc.; — hypothermia of the body (hypothermia); - some diseases: tuberculosis, brucellosis, gout, dysentery, gonorrhea.

Diet therapy

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During the acute period of arthritic diseases, which is accompanied by an increase in temperature, it is especially important to adhere to proper nutrition.

You should exclude foods that can cause an allergic response from the body: sausages, ham, lard, rhubarb and sorrel, grapes and seafood, and sometimes even tomatoes, milk and potatoes.

Water-based porridges are useful, especially rice, buckwheat, oatmeal, boiled or stewed rabbit, turkey, and chicken. If there are no signs of allergy, be sure to eat fish - river or sea. It is important that it is not overly fried - it is better to bake the fish in the oven or steam it.

Eat vegetables in any form - fresh, boiled or baked. Cucumbers, zucchini, greens, as well as pumpkins, melons, and watermelons are useful.

The menu of an arthritic patient must include fermented milk products - bifidok, snowball, kefir, acidophilus, cottage cheese, soft cheeses. Choose products with 2.5-5% fat content.

An important rule for the speedy relief of the acute phase of arthritis is to reduce table salt and increase the volume of fluid. You should drink still water (mineral can be used), green, white, herbal tea, fruit and vegetable juices. Strong coffee and tea, and especially alcohol, are strictly prohibited.

So, we found out whether there is a temperature with arthritis and what to do if it increases. If the fever bothers the patient for more than one day, it is necessary to stop home treatment and consult a doctor as soon as possible. The specialist will conduct the necessary tests, prescribe a course of hardware diagnostics, and prescribe the necessary medications. Get well soon!

• Fever and body aches - causes, symptoms, treatment

September 3710

IMPORTANT!

The information in this section cannot be used for self-diagnosis and self-treatment. In case of pain or other exacerbation of the disease, diagnostic tests should be prescribed only by the attending physician. To make a diagnosis and properly prescribe treatment, you should contact your doctor.

Arthritis: causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment methods. Arthritis is a collective term for a group of various inflammatory diseases of the joints that affect their synovial membrane, capsule (joint capsule) and articular cartilage. The capsule surrounds the joint cavity and ensures its tightness. The synovial membrane is the inner layer of the joint capsule and covers all intra-articular structures except the articular surfaces of the bones (they are covered with cartilage). The synovial membrane contains a large number of nerve fibers and vessels that are responsible for feeding the articular cartilage. Articular cartilage ensures the sliding of articular surfaces during movement and reduces the load when exposed to mechanical factors (shock-absorbing function). The incidence of arthritis is 9.5 cases per 1000 people; The prevalence is high among people of all ages, including children and adolescents, but arthritis most often develops in women after 40 years of age. More than 100 different forms of joint diseases or pathological processes have been described, in which arthritis is a common and sometimes leading manifestation. The cause of the development of the inflammatory process in the joint is often an autoimmune process in the body, that is, a dysfunction of the immune system, which begins to perceive its own tissues as foreign and damage them. The etiology of some severe inflammatory joint diseases (for example, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis) is still not well understood. Among the factors contributing to the development or exacerbation of arthritis are hypothermia and physical overload of the joint. Another common cause of the disease is infection. Possible pathogens are bacteria (gonococci, staphylococci, streptococci, mycobacterium tuberculosis, treponema pallidum), viruses (Epstein-Barr virus, adenoviruses, rubella virus, hepatitis B and C) and fungi (aspergillus, candida, etc.). They can penetrate the joint directly (through a wound, cut, puncture) or from distant sites through the bloodstream. Once in the joint, the pathogens begin to actively multiply, releasing toxic waste products and provoking the development of inflammation. Classification of the disease

Joint lesions can be divided into two large groups: inflammatory and degenerative. Inflammatory arthritis is precisely arthritis (in medical terminology, the suffix “-itis” means inflammation). Degenerative or dystrophic changes in joints of a non-inflammatory nature are called arthrosis (“-oz” from the Greek -ōsis - an intense pathological condition). Often, arthritis and arthrosis are stages of the same process: inflammation can lead to cartilage damage, and wear and tear of the cartilage can cause inflammation. Depending on the cause of the disease, there are: infectious and non-infectious arthritis. As mentioned above, infectious arthritis can be caused by various pathogens - bacteria, viruses and fungi. Non-infectious arthritis develops against the background of autoimmune processes (for example, rheumatoid arthritis), metabolic disorders (for example, gout), and arise from diseases of the blood, liver, and skin. According to the nature of the course, acute, subacute and chronic arthritis are distinguished. In the chronic course of the disease, a phase of exacerbation and remission is distinguished. According to the prevalence of the lesion, they are distinguished:

• monoarthritis (inflammation of one joint);
• oligoarthritis (inflammation of 2-3 joints);
• polyarthritis (inflammation of 4 or more joints).

Monoarthritis is characteristic of gout (often debuts from the 1st metatarsophalangeal joint - the joint of the big toe), reactive arthritis - Reiter's disease (the knee joint is most often affected after a urogenital or intestinal infection), psoriatic arthritis at its very beginning. Oligoarthritis occurs in rheumatoid arthritis at the onset of the disease, in seronegative spondyloarthritis, in particular ankylosing spondylitis, in infectious diseases - gonorrhea, brucellosis. Polyarthritis is of a viral nature and is associated with rheumatoid arthritis, etc. Symptoms of arthritis

Arthritis is characterized by patient complaints of pain in the joints, changes in their shape, dysfunction, changes in temperature and color of the supra-articular skin. Pain in arthritis is often bothersome at rest, but can intensify or, conversely, decrease during movement. Patients report the most intense pain in the second half of the night and in the morning (the so-called inflammatory type of pain). If it occurs when the joint is loaded and/or intensifies in the evening, then most likely we are talking about arthrosis of the joint, and the pain is mechanical in nature. In acute arthritis, the pain is usually very severe and constant, which significantly limits the functioning of the joint. A change in the shape of a joint is regarded as deformation and deformation. Joint deformation is a temporary change in the shape of a joint, usually associated with swelling, swelling or atrophy of soft tissues. Deformation is a pathological change in the shape of a joint caused by changes in bone structures, persistent contractures (the inability to fully flex or extend the joint), and dislocations. The degree of dysfunction of the joint can be either mild, which does not deprive patients of their ability to work, or complete, when the joint loses mobility. In acute arthritis, the limitation of mobility is usually reversible. Chronic forms are characterized by progressive limitation of mobility, first caused by pain, then by the development of a fibrotic process (overgrowth of connective tissue). A local increase in skin temperature is a fairly common symptom of the disease in acute, subacute arthritis and exacerbation of chronic ones. There may be accompanying hyperemia (redness) and swelling of the skin. The course of arthritis is highly variable. Acute, short-lived and completely reversible forms are observed (with viral infections), as well as long-term, progressive chronic arthritis, the outcome of which can be bone or fibrous ankylosis - complete immobility of the joint (with rheumatoid, septic arthritis, etc.). Chronic forms often lead to disability of patients. A preliminary diagnosis is established based on complaints and examination results of the patient. During palpation, the patient may notice diffuse, sharp pain, the doctor may notice fluctuation (fluctuation) due to the presence of fluid in the joint cavity, swelling of the periarticular (periarticular) tissues. Mobility in the joint may be limited. With long-term arthritis, more severe changes in the shape of the joint, contractures, subluxations, and ankylosis are detected. Palpation shows the presence of a dense, painful swelling of soft tissues. For diagnosis, the location, number, symmetry or asymmetry of the affected joints, the rhythm of the pain, the circumstances of its occurrence, the duration of the pain and factors that intensify and weaken the pain are important. Instrumental examination methods. The main method is radiography of joints in two projections. To clarify the diagnosis, a joint puncture with extraction and analysis of synovial fluid may be prescribed. Arthroscopy is performed to examine the joint from the inside and perform a biopsy of the synovial membrane. Laboratory diagnostics. The severity of the inflammatory process is determined using a clinical blood test and determination of C-reactive protein.

Increased body temperature with arthritis and arthrosis is one of the symptoms of the onset of the disease. More often, the readings increase slightly, causing weakness and a feeling of weakness. Whether something needs to be done about the manifestation of a slight fever should be decided by the doctor. The development of pathology does not always manifest itself immediately. With arthritis, the temperature can be either high, up to 39 degrees, or low-grade - up to 37.5, the indicators depend on the type of deviation and the condition of the body.

Arthritis is an inflammatory process in the joints that can cause an increase in body temperature.

Features of treatment

The treatment process for reactive arthritis in our clinic takes place simultaneously in three directions:

• Painful symptoms are relieved. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used to relieve pain. When the pain is severe and the prescribed medications do not help, intra-articular administration of hormonal medication is permissible. They act quickly, but they can be used no more than once a month and in the absence of bacteria in the synovial fluid.

• Treatment of infections that provoked the onset of the disease. The selection of medications, dosage and duration of treatment is carried out depending on what pathogen was detected.
• Elimination of consequences caused by the disease. To stop the harmful processes that were started by reactive arthritis, pathogenetic treatment is used, and immunomodulators are prescribed. This therapy is necessary only when the disease becomes protracted.

For the most effective treatment, we recommend contacting our clinic when the first signs or suspicions of reactive arthritis appear.

Why is the temperature rising?

The higher the temperature during rheumatoid arthritis, the stronger the inflammation and the worse the consequences for the body.

Fever is a characteristic symptom of rheumatoid arthritis. This is how the body responds to systemic immune inflammation. An increase in temperature is often accompanied by a feeling of weakness, fatigue, and weakness. Patients complain of apathy and move little. Most often, the thermometer reading is slightly elevated (up to 37.3 degrees), and occasionally a jump to 38.5-39° is possible.

Elevated temperature during arthritis is explained by the specifics of the immune system: the stronger the immune system, the less the thermometer readings change. The disease provokes increased production of antibodies, which is accompanied by the synthesis of hormones and active substances that cause inflammation. These processes irritate certain areas in the brain that control thermoregulation processes.

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Pulsetherapy

Pulse therapy is a treatment method based on the administration of large doses of drugs. Severe acute inflammatory process cannot be stopped with usual doses of drugs. Therefore, pulse therapy for rheumatoid arthritis is one of the treatment methods.

Therapy should be carried out in a hospital setting under the supervision of a physician. This is due to the fact that taking high doses of drugs can contribute to the development of unwanted reactions that must be quickly eliminated. Pulse therapy can be used with the following groups of drugs:

• Glucocorticosteroids. The effect of treatment can be noticeable within 3-5 days. As a result of therapy, the severity of pain and swelling syndromes decreases. After achieving the desired effect, treatment is transferred to maintenance doses of the drug.
• Cytostatics. The frequency of administration is selected individually. Drugs are discontinued one year after achieving stable remission.

How else does arthritis manifest?

This articular pathology is diagnosed more often than other diseases. Symptoms depend on the type of arthritis. There are 5 forms of this disease:

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Symptoms of the disease

Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic disease that can affect not only joints, but also various organs and systems. The severity of the clinical picture depends on many factors: the severity of the disease, the presence or absence of complications, and the location of the pathology. According to statistics, 70% of cases of exacerbation of rheumatoid arthritis occur during the cold season.

The disease mainly affects the small joints of the hands and feet. As the pathological process progresses, other organs and systems are involved. The latent period of the disease is expressed by weakness, fatigue, weight loss, muscle pain, increased body temperature, and sweating.

• Subacute onset is more typical for rheumatoid arthritis. It is accompanied by the following symptoms:
• Joint pain. Aching, wave-like flow. Treated by taking anti-inflammatory drugs. It is most often localized in the small joints of the feet, hands, wrists, knees and elbows.
• Muscle pain. They are aching in nature and persist for a long time.
• Fever. The level of increase in body temperature depends on the activity of the inflammatory process.
• Morning stiffness. Continues for 30-60 minutes.

Is it necessary to lower body temperature with arthritis?

The resulting fever during arthritis must be reduced with standard medications, but it is important to eliminate the disease itself.
Rheumatoid arthritis and high fever often occur together. The decision to take antipyretic drugs is made by the doctor based on the patient’s condition and the general picture of the disease. You need to understand: a jump on the thermometer indicates an inflammatory process and the body’s reaction to it. Therefore, it is very important to find the source of the disease and stop it at an early stage.

If the temperature rises due to inflammation of the joints, the doctor prescribes certain groups of drugs:

• glucocorticosteroids;
• non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

The treatment is combined with the main treatment course, but the mechanism of action of the drugs varies. Of course, cytostatics and sulfonamides will relieve fever by stopping inflammation, but NSAIDs help bring down the temperature much faster and more effectively. A frequently used non-steroidal drug in rheumatology is Diclofenac, available in various forms (ointments, tablets, suppositories and injection solution). The second group is hormonal drugs, of which the drug Metipred is predominantly prescribed. It is used as prescribed by a doctor, and the patient must prepare for a long course of treatment.

An increase in body temperature is a natural reaction of the body to infectious or autoimmune inflammation. Arthritis is an inflammatory, often immune, less often infectious pathology of the joints.

Damage to articular structures occurs in several forms: acute, subacute, chronic. The temperature with arthritis rises in the acute or subacute period. The long latent course of the disease is not accompanied by fever until the next relapse.

In approximately 20% of clinical cases against the background of autoimmune arthritis (the most common), there is no rise in the thermometer reading. The situation is more complicated with gouty forms (metabolic type of disease). Infectious forms of the disease always produce fever, regardless of the intensity of other manifestations.

Drug treatment of rheumatoid arthritis

There are 2 stages in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis:

1. Relieving exacerbation.
2. Maintenance therapy.

To eliminate the acute phase of the disease, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed. Thanks to them, it is possible to reduce the severity of pain, relieve swelling and inflammation, and local redness of tissues. Among the features of drugs in this group are:

• the onset of effect after 3-4 days of administration;
• consistent choice of drug;
• replacing the medication if there is no effect;
• undesirable combination of two or more NSAIDs;
• need to be taken strictly after meals;
• strong irritant effect on the gastrointestinal mucosa.

Selective COX-2 inhibitors are aimed at inhibiting the enzyme that is involved in the occurrence of the inflammatory process. They have fewer side effects compared to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. They can be prescribed in the presence of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, liver and other internal organs.

Glucocorticosteroids are hormones of natural or synthetic origin. They have an anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effect. GCS are used when non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are ineffective. When prescribing glucocorticosteroids, the doctor takes into account the patient’s age and gender, the state of the immune system, blood pressure, and electrolyte balance.

It is necessary to take GCS in a strictly defined dose. Treatment begins with small dosages with a gradual increase in the amount of the drug. A gradual dose reduction is made after achieving a therapeutic effect.

Can arthritis cause fever?

The answer to this question depends on the form of the pathological process:

• Psoriatic type . It develops against the background of current psoriasis, an autoimmune skin lesion. The thermometer readings remain normal most of the time. The started process is accompanied by a mild fever, which indicates the involvement of an infectious component. In some patients, the thermometer readings have been elevated since the onset of the disease; this is an individual characteristic of the body. This may also indicate a mixed origin of the inflammatory process.
• Gouty type . It flows spasmodically. Each episode is accompanied by a sharp jump in the thermometer reading. Outside the acute phase, there is no fever.
• Rheumatoid form . The most difficult from the point of view of understanding the mechanism and predicting the clinical picture. An increase in temperature is possible in the acute and subacute periods. The ratio of patients with fever is almost 50 to 50, it all depends on the characteristics of the body and the role of the viral component.
• Infectious type . Fever is always observed. Even during periods of remission (weakening of the manifestations of the disease), a slight increase in temperature values ​​is possible.

In a word, with arthritis there is a fever. Damage to large joints entails a greater risk of temperature reaction. The numbers depend on the development of the inflammatory process and on the characteristics of the human immune system.

Drug treatment of rheumatoid arthritis during remission

During the period of remission, treatment consists of taking cytostatic drugs. Cytostatics are drugs whose action is aimed at inhibiting the vital activity of body cells, mainly those capable of intensive division. The drugs have anti-inflammatory, antitumor, and immunosuppressive effects. Use with extreme caution.

There is a huge variety of groups of drugs and methods of their use. Self-medication can lead to complications. Therefore, therapy should be prescribed by an experienced doctor. In this case, complaints and the results of laboratory and instrumental studies are taken into account.

Doctors at the multidisciplinary clinic “Zdorovye” select an individual treatment plan for each patient. This approach allows you to achieve results in a minimum amount of time.

Causes of increased temperature with joint damage

An increase in temperature during arthritis occurs for several reasons. The following factors play a role:

1. General inflammatory process . During inflammation, a large number of so-called mediator substances (including histamine) are released. They have pyrogenic, that is, antipyretic properties. Mediators stimulate the hypothalamus, which is responsible for thermoregulation of the body, and turn on the heat production center in the brain. Hence the general symptoms of the pathological process, such as high fever, headaches, nausea, and vomiting.
2. Attachment of an infectious component . Occurs only in the case of bacterial, viral or fungal arthritis. Joint damage occurs as a secondary process. It is extremely rare that infectious arthritis begins on its own. This is possible with open wounds and injuries of the musculoskeletal system. Typically, the infection penetrates the joint cavity through the flow of blood and lymph from distant areas. A particular risk is posed by a sore throat (tonsillitis) and carious cavities in the teeth. The culprits of inflammation are Staphylococcus aureus and hemolytic streptococci. An increase in temperature occurs for the same reason: irritation of the hypothalamus by toxins and the beginning of the processes of fat breakdown and muscle tremors. Both described processes (inflammation, poisoning of the body with waste products of bacteria or viruses) go hand in hand.
3. Autoimmune reaction . For what reason it occurs is not yet fully known. It is assumed that the culprit is the penetration of bacteria or viruses into the joint capsule. The immune response consists of the release of antibodies that are aimed at eliminating pathogens. Specific immunoglobulins bind pathogenic structures and lead to the destruction of basophil cells with the release of histamine. How inflammatory mediators act on the body has already been said.

The result of all three mechanisms separately may be temperature in arthritis. Some clinical cases indicate the possibility of coincidence and reverse development of the process. Those. the onset of infectious pathology in the throat, nasopharynx, upper and lower respiratory tract causes inflammation. The joints are involved later, this is a complication. Moreover, there is likely a parallel course of two inflammations: the main one and damage to the joints.

The transition of the disease to the latent (hidden) phase may be accompanied by a minimal clinical picture. It usually only spikes in temperature in the evenings or during most of the day. There are no other symptoms. Secondary arthritis persists. With this picture, patients and even doctors make a false conclusion about the etiology of the process.

Possible causes of the problem

The medical community assumes that the development of the disease is influenced by many factors, and not just one. Possible causes of rheumatoid arthritis include:

• genetic predisposition. The point is that at the genetic level a person has a tendency to various disorders in the development of immunity;
• some infectious agents. There are several “candidates” here, but the researchers of this problem have not yet fully decided;
• a set of triggers: hypothermia, hyperinsolation, intoxication, bacterial infections, taking certain medications. This group also includes thyroid disorders and even stress.

There is information that breastfeeding for two years is a factor that reduces the risk of developing the disease (on average by half).

Temperature indicators during illness

The thermometer numbers depend on several factors: the form of the pathological process, its activity, the individual characteristics of the body, the presence of somatic pathologies, the strength of the immune system at the time of the onset of the disease. On average, the fever is 38 degrees Celsius.

A temperature of 38 with arthritis does not require elimination; it is a borderline indicator. In the acute phase, an increase in temperature values ​​up to 39-40 degrees is possible. This is dangerous because the functioning of internal organs is disrupted. Possible renal and liver failure, brain damage, with further increase - coma, death.

The chronic process is accompanied by rare episodes of increase to 37-37.5 degrees in remission.

High fever in arthritis occurs against the background of an infectious-inflammatory (purulent) form or gouty lesion.

Types of arthritis and temperature values

Jet type

Always secondary to one or another disease. Has much in common with the classic infectious variety. It is a complication of previous inflammatory and infectious diseases of the genitourinary system, intestines, lower and upper respiratory tract. It flows in parallel with the main process, echoes it: there is a relapse of inflammation - arthritis also worsens, etc. Over time, this “binding” is eliminated. Joint damage becomes an independent pathology, since bacteria actively multiply in the joint cavity.

The temperature with reactive arthritis reaches 39-40 degrees and higher in the acute period. Symptoms are pronounced. Duration: 3-6 weeks, less with treatment. Chronization occurs quickly. In remission, the thermometer readings are no higher than 37.8 degrees. Usually the increase occurs at night.

Thermometer readings with this form are stable and cannot be easily adjusted on your own. Therefore, hospitalization is often required.

Rheumatoid type

Autoimmune form of the disease. The mechanism of development has not been thoroughly studied. The temperature in rheumatoid arthritis is relatively low. A temperature of 38 with rheumatoid arthritis is the most common option. It is accompanied by a pronounced clinical picture, but does not pose any danger.

A temperature of 39 in rheumatoid arthritis is rare; a significant increase in thermometer readings is not typical for this form. Possibly the connection of an infectious component. In the latter case, urgent medical attention is required.

In the generalized form of the lesion (occurs several years after the beginning of the main process), the thermometer readings are higher than usual.

Gouty form

Determined by metabolic disorders. In particular, the removal of uric acid salts from the body is affected. They are deposited in the joint cavity and cause chronic inflammation with frequent relapses.

The temperature is unstable, hot flashes occur sporadically. The numbers are high, reaching 39-40 degrees. The intensity of symptoms is also significant.

Provocateurs for the onset of another exacerbation are fatty foods and alcohol.

It mainly affects small peripheral joints: big toes, hands. Less commonly, the ankle joint. Temperatures with ankle arthritis are on average higher.

In the next article we talk in more detail about how temperature manifests itself in gout.

Gonarthritis

Affects the knees. The temperature for arthritis of the knee joint is always high, from 38 degrees. The lesion can be of any nature described above. Specific indicators depend on the type of process.

With arthritis of the knee, the temperature is on average higher because the large joint is involved. The situation is worse only with generalized, that is, general forms of inflammation.

Chondrocalcinosis

Deposition of calcium salts in the joint cavity. In origin it resembles the gouty form of the disease. But it flows softly, latently. There are no acute periods as such. The thermometer readings remain at 37-37.5 degrees Celsius constantly.

In the next article we will talk in detail about what temperature occurs with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

Arthritis treatment

The sooner you worry about treatment, the greater the benefit will be. The first stages of arthritis already affect the joints, and with proper treatment it is quite possible to slow down the process. Special exercise therapy exercises have been developed and are prescribed during the period of improvement so that the muscles develop flexibility. Effective medications are also prescribed.

Treatment for arthritis depends on the stage and form of the disease. Therefore, at the first signs, be sure to contact a specialist and do not self-medicate.

How to treat arthritis without drugs?

Reducing stress on diseased joints:

• selection of orthopedic shoes with comfortable soles;
• weight loss;
• use of knee pads, instep supports, canes when walking;
• a complex of therapeutic and health-improving physical education, which can be performed in different starting positions and in water.

Gymnastics should not cause discomfort or pain. Squats and exercises with bent knees should be avoided. A visit to the pool is recommended.

Physiotherapeutic procedures:

• heat treatment;
• magnetic therapy for joints;
• ultrasound;
• massage;
• hydrotherapy;
• acupuncture;
• laser therapy;
• electrical pulse stimulation of muscles.

To prescribe any physiotherapeutic procedures, the patient must have no contraindications. The patient must forever get rid of bad habits and drinking coffee in large quantities.

Arthritis with fever in children

Juvenile arthritis is a clinical variant of the rheumatoid form in children under 16 years of age. The main patient population is adolescents under 12-13 years of age.

The process is more aggressive, complications arise earlier.

The progression of inflammation is rapid. The temperature in a child with arthritis is on average higher than in the classic rheumatoid type. Correction of the condition is carried out in a hospital. It makes no sense to knock down the thermometer without treating the underlying condition - this will suppress the symptom, but the inflammatory process will continue to develop.

Is it possible to lower the temperature with arthritis?

The general rule applies: there is no need to eliminate fever up to 38 degrees. Above - the use of antipyretic drugs is indicated. Juvenile arthritis, infectious forms, including the reactive type are exceptions to the rule. With them, you need to act immediately after the indicator on the thermometer rises.

To relieve fever, use:

• Products based on ibuprofen (Ibuprofen, Nurofen). The safest and most effective.
• Paracetamol and drugs based on it (Paracetamol, Panadol). They are dangerous for the liver, so they require precise dosage. Not suitable for regular use.

Aspirin is not used - it disrupts the functioning of the heart and blood vessels and increases the likelihood of bleeding. It is possible to occasionally use Analgin, Pentalgin (metamizole sodium) for parallel relief of pain and fever.

Removal of fever for arthritis is carried out in a hospital if home measures are ineffective.

Complications and consequences

The temperature itself is not dangerous if it does not reach critical levels above 40 degrees. In this case, coma, death, and multiple organ failure are possible. Other complications are caused by the disease itself. Among them:

• Deformation of the joints, resulting in dysfunction of the musculoskeletal system and loss of ability to work.
• Lesions of cardiac structures.
• Remote infectious lesions of organs and systems (in infectious-inflammatory forms of the disease). An extreme case is sepsis or general inflammation.

Often arthritis occurs simultaneously with arthrosis or becomes its cause. What kind of disease is this and in what cases is arthrosis accompanied by elevated temperature, read in the next article.

Conclusion

Fever in arthritis is a common symptom, but it is not constant. Episodic fever plays a role in diagnosis and allows the doctor to understand in which direction to move. Eliminating the symptom is part of the treatment. The basis of therapy is the elimination of the root cause of the painful condition.

Author of the article: Artem Shimansky, practicing physician. Graduated from Saratov Medical University. Since 2008 he has been practicing in Wroclaw (Poland). Specialization: urologist-andrologist. Regular author of the website temperaturka.com

Bibliography:

• https://medicinanog.ru/zabolevaniya-sustavov/temperatura-pri-artrite.html
• https://www.invitro.ru/library/bolezni/24251/
• https://etosustav.ru/vospalenia/inoe/temperatura-tela-pri-artrite.html
• https://temperaturka.com/bolezni/temperatura-pri-artrite