18/03/2024
Recognise the signs of inflammation and find out how it is treated
Inflammation is a natural mechanism of our immunity system. It is through inflammation that our body reacts to different types of damage in the body, whether it is an injury or bacteria. What are the most common causes of inflammation? How does inflammation manifest itself and how to treat it effectively? Find out in this article.
What causes inflammation?
First of all, let's approach the process of inflammation in the body. The moment our body suffers an injury or comes into contact with viruses, bacteria or toxic chemicals, the body activates the immune system. It sends out inflammatory cells and substances that stimulate these inflammatory cells. The job of these cells is to start an inflammatory response so that the body can deal with the harmful substances.
The causes of inflammation can be divided into three categories, namely biological (infections, diseases, etc.), physical (burn injuries, etc.), and chemical.
How do acute and chronic inflammations differ?
Inflammation is divided into acute and chronic:
Acute inflammation is short-lived and is essential to our health. It helps fight bacteria and other harmful substances in the body. The moment the body heals, the inflammation gets better. Acute inflammation can be caused, for example, by cuts and scratches on the skin, viruses, and bacteria.
Chronic inflammation can last for several months, but in some cases for several years. Chronic inflammation occurs when the immune system continues to send out inflammatory cells even though there is no external danger. Examples of chronic inflammatory conditions include eczema, inflammatory bowel disease, asthma, or inflammatory arthritis.
Treatment of acute joint inflammation
In many cases, acute inflammation does not require any treatment, but anti-inflammatory drugs can help with the pain. Although they do not eliminate the cause of inflammation, they can relieve swelling, pain, fever or other symptoms. Anti-inflammatory creams and gels help with the treatment of foot, knee, hip, back and other common types of inflammation. Herbs with anti-inflammatory properties, such as ginger or turmeric, can also provide relief.
Anti-inflammatory diet
In the case of inflammation, a so-called anti-inflammatory diet based on the consumption of foods with anti-inflammatory properties is also very effective. What kind of foods are these? Oily fish (mackerel, salmon, etc.), leafy vegetables (kale, spinach, etc.), olive oil, or tomatoes.
Anti-inflammatory creams and gels
Anti-inflammatory creams and gels can also reduce inflammation. Pain and swelling in inflammation of joints, muscles, tendons and soft tissues is reduced, for example, by the over-the-counter Mobilat® Gel or Mobilat® Cream.
How is chronic joint inflammation treated?
Treatment of chronic inflammation depends on what caused the inflammation. Treatment may include taking certain vitamins (vitamin A, C and D) to reduce inflammation and improve healing, taking anti-inflammatory drugs or steroid injections.
Muscle inflammation treatment
Muscle inflammation, or myositis, occurs when the immune system starts attacking the muscles. Muscle inflammation most commonly affects the arms and shoulders, legs and hips, and abdomen and back. Symptoms of myositis include muscle weakness, swelling, fatigue, muscle and joint pain, difficulty breathing and arrhythmia.
Experts are not entirely sure what causes myositis. Sometimes it appears on its own, and other times it is triggered by other medical conditions. Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for myositis, but there are drugs that can relieve the symptoms, such as corticosteroids or immunosuppressants.
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