JOINT PAIN (RHEUMATISM)
Its location, intensity, cause and evolution are quite varied.
The acute joint condition, which manifests itself with inflammatory signs (heat, red skin, swelling and movement restriction) as well as pain is called arthritis; if four or more joints are affected, it is called polyarthritis.
If the condition is chronic, degenerative and has pathologic signs (deformities, lumps) it is called arthrosis; this condition has no inflammatory signs initially and it is the most common form of rheumatism in the elderly.
Joint pain must be assessed by a doctor. In the mean time, and until this is possible, while there is pain and inflammation, keep the joint at rest. This rest must be in a functional position according to the joint. As a general rule, the comfort of the patient is not the best guide to place the joint.
In case of need, give analgesics and / or anti-inflammatory drugs, such as acetyl salicylic acid (DRAWER 3, first aid kits A, B, C and RAFTS) 500 mg. every six to eight hours, never fasting. Anterior to the treatment, it is convenient to ask for MEDICAL ADVICE VIA RADIO ,especially with chronic digestive patients.
Skin analgesics (ointments, lotions, etc.) are of doubtful efficacy.
In acute cases affecting chronic patients, local heat may alleviate the symptoms. In an acute trauma case, cold within the first hours is convenient (refer to Chapter 2.5, FRACTURES AND DISLOCATIONS).