Rheumatic diseases

Rheumatic Diseases

Rheumatic diseases (/ruːˈmætɪk/), also known as rheumatism, are a group of diseases that primarily affect the joints, tendons, ligaments, bones, and muscles, causing pain, inflammation, and often loss of function in these areas. The term "rheumatic" derives from the Greek word "rheumatos," which means "that which flows as a river or stream" and "the flow of a stream."

Types of Rheumatic Diseases

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

Pain in one or more joints
Swelling in one or more joints
Stiffness around the joints that lasts for at least one hour in the early morning
Chronic fatigue
Fever associated with other symptoms
Rashes and sores
Weight loss

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause of most rheumatic diseases is unknown. They are thought to be a result of a combination of genetic, environmental, and hormonal factors. Risk factors include:

Age: The risk of developing most rheumatic diseases increases with age.
Sex: Many rheumatic diseases are more common in women.
Family history: Certain diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus tend to run in families.
Obesity: Being overweight can increase the risk of developing certain rheumatic diseases, such as osteoarthritis.

Treatment

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: Including pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, and steroids.
Physical therapy: To improve strength and flexibility.
Surgery: In severe cases, joint replacement surgery may be necessary.

Rheumatic diseases