Why rheumatics can help a cure in the fall

Cold is coming / rheumatism is on the rise
Rheumatoid patients know it from their own experience: As the days get shorter and the weather gets worse, the illness-related symptoms and especially their pain increase. Rheumatism patients are often ridiculed for this sensitivity to the weather, although scientists have even provided evidence for it [1]. About half of rheumatic patients are affected by this phenomenon. They have more pain and joint stiffness, especially with short sunshine duration, rain or frosty temperatures. For these patients, a cure with radon and warmth in the fall may help to get through the winter well and reduce their painkillers.

Patients enter a mountain with a tunnel and stay on the therapy stations for about 60 minutes. "At temperatures above 37.5 degrees and high humidity, blood vessels dilate and blood flow is promoted. As a result, the muscles relax, which in turn frees the nerves from painful pressure stimuli, "explains Univ.-Doz. Dr. Bertram HölzI, scientific director of the Gastein Heilstollen. Especially effective are Radonthermalstollen. In addition, radon is released from the mountain rock in small quantities. This inhibits the activity of inflammatory cells in rheumatics.

Radon therapy as a cure.

"Radon heat therapy also influences the serotonin metabolism, which experts suspect is the cause of the increased sensation of pain associated with changes in the weather," reports Dr. med. Hölzl. Radon also influences painkillers. The less active they are, the lower the pain. The effect ranges from clear pain relief to complete freedom from symptoms, it often lasts for months. "In some patients, this effect begins at the end of the treatment, in others delayed after a few weeks," says Dr. hölzl.

For many it is important months, in which not only disappear rheumatic symptoms or at least greatly diminish, but also physiotherapeutic and occupational therapies and sports activities can be integrated into everyday life again. Sport can reduce inflammatory thrusts, counteract rheumatic joint stiffness and prevent muscle breakdown. Investigations confirm the good results in a course of about three weeks with regular stays in Radonthermalstollen: About 9 out of 10 patients benefit from a cure. They have less pain and less painkillers. The morning stiffness also improves. "Many of our patients are specifically targeted in the fall," reports Dr. med. Hölzl. "They come after a cure much better through the winter." Health insurance companies often take about 90 percent of the cost of treatment for cures with radon heat therapy. [1] Arthritis & Rheumatism 2009, Vol. 61 (9), pp: 1243-1247