Rheumatic disease

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Rheumatic disease refers to a group of diseases that primarily affect the joints, muscles, and connective tissue. These diseases are characterized by inflammation and loss of function of one or more connecting or supporting structures of the body. They can affect any part of the body, but most often they affect the joints, muscles, and skin.

Types of Rheumatic Diseases[edit | edit source]

There are more than 200 different types of rheumatic diseases. Some of the most common ones include:

  • Rheumatoid arthritis: This is a chronic inflammatory disorder that can affect more than just your joints. In some people, the condition can damage a wide variety of body systems, including the skin, eyes, lungs, heart and blood vessels.
  • Osteoarthritis: This is the most common form of arthritis, affecting millions of people worldwide. It occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of your bones wears down over time.
  • Lupus: This is a systemic autoimmune disease that occurs when your body's immune system attacks your own tissues and organs.
  • Gout: This is a common and complex form of arthritis that can affect anyone. It's characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, swelling, redness and tenderness in the joints, often the joint at the base of the big toe.

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

The symptoms of rheumatic diseases depend on the specific disease, but they often include:

  • Pain: This is often the first symptom of a rheumatic disease. It can occur in one or more parts of the body, depending on the disease.
  • Swelling: This is a common symptom of rheumatic diseases. It can occur in one or more parts of the body, depending on the disease.
  • Stiffness: This is a common symptom of rheumatic diseases. It can occur in one or more parts of the body, depending on the disease.
  • Fatigue: This is a common symptom of rheumatic diseases. It can be caused by the disease itself or by the medications used to treat it.

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Treatment for rheumatic diseases generally aims to reduce pain and prevent further damage to the joints or other parts of the body. Treatment options include:

  • Medication: There are many different types of medications used to treat rheumatic diseases. The type of medication prescribed will depend on the specific disease and the patient's symptoms.
  • Physical therapy: This can help to improve strength and flexibility in the joints and muscles, and can also help to reduce pain.
  • Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair or replace damaged joints.

See Also[edit | edit source]

Rheumatologic diseases[edit source]

Arthritis is often used to refer to any disorder that affects the joints. Rheumatic diseases usually affect joints, tendons, ligaments, bones, and muscles. Rheumatologic diseases usually affect joints, tendons, ligaments, bones, and muscles.

Connective Tissue Diseases
Rheumatology and Connective Tissue Diseases
Ankylosing spondylitis Arthritis
Arthritis and Rheumatic diseases Autoimmune diseases
Autoinflammatory diseases Behçet’s disease
Bursitis Giant cell arteritis
Gout Juvenile arthritis
Knee problems Lupus
Osteoarthritis Polymyalgia rheumatica
Psoriatic arthritis Reactive arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis Scleroderma
Sjögren’s syndrome Systemic lupus erythematosus (Lupus)
Tendinitis Rheumatologic diseases


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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD