Rheumatic disease

Rheumatic Disease

Rheumatic disease (pronunciation: roo-MAT-ik disease) is a term used to describe a group of conditions characterized by inflammation and pain in the joints, muscles, and fibrous tissues.

Etymology

The term "rheumatic" is derived from the Greek word "rheumatos," which means "flowing," referring to the characteristic fluid accumulation in the joints associated with these conditions.

Types of Rheumatic Diseases

There are over 200 different types of rheumatic diseases. Some of the most common include:

Rheumatoid Arthritis: A chronic inflammatory disorder affecting many joints, including those in the hands and feet.
Osteoarthritis: The most common form of arthritis, it occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of your bones wears down over time.
Gout: A common and complex form of arthritis that can affect anyone, characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, swelling, redness and tenderness in the joints.
Lupus: An inflammatory disease caused when the immune system attacks its own tissues.
Fibromyalgia: A disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory and mood issues.

Symptoms

Symptoms of rheumatic diseases can vary greatly depending on the specific disease, but common symptoms include:

Joint pain
Swelling in the joints
Stiffness in the joints
Fatigue
Fever

Treatment

Treatment for rheumatic diseases typically involves managing symptoms and improving quality of life. This can include:

Medication: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are commonly used.
Physical Therapy: Can help to improve mobility and strength.
Surgery: In severe cases, joint replacement surgery may be necessary.