Rheumatism

Rheumatism is a non-specific term that is often used to describe various conditions that affect the joints, muscles, and connective tissue. It has fallen out of favor in modern medical usage due to its vague definition, and it has been replaced by more specific terms such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and other rheumatic diseases.

A rheumatism patient uses an electrical machine called the Wellcome V0030863

Classification of Rheumatic Diseases

• Rheumatic diseases can be broadly classified into three categories:
• Inflammatory Rheumatic Diseases: These include conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis, which are characterized by inflammation of the joints and often other parts of the body.
• Degenerative Rheumatic Diseases: The most common example is osteoarthritis. These diseases are characterized by wear and tear on the joints, often due to aging.
• Soft Tissue Rheumatic Diseases: These conditions, such as fibromyalgia and tendonitis, affect the soft tissues around the joints, including muscles, tendons, and ligaments.

Clinical Presentation

The primary symptom in most rheumatic diseases is pain in and around the joints, often accompanied by stiffness and reduced range of motion. Depending on the specific condition, additional symptoms may include inflammation, redness, and swelling in the joints, fatigue, and in some cases, systemic effects affecting other parts of the body.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of rheumatic diseases involves a comprehensive medical history and physical examination, followed by diagnostic tests such as blood tests, imaging studies like X-rays or MRI, and sometimes a synovial fluid analysis or biopsy.

Treatment

Treatment strategies for rheumatic diseases are varied and depend on the specific disease. They generally aim at reducing pain, preventing or slowing joint damage, and improving function and wellbeing. They may involve medications (pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)), physical and occupational therapy, and in severe cases, surgery.

References

Rheumatism Resources
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