Rheumatism: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Rheumatism is a general term used for a group of rheumatic diseases that usually affect the muscles, ligaments, bones, tendons, and joints. These conditions can cause symptoms such as pain, swelling, and stiffness in the affected joint or limb.

There are different types of rheumatism, including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, lupus, fibromyalgia, gout, and tendinitis. They may be linked to inflammation or to an abnormal autoimmune response in which the immune system attacks healthy cells in the body.

If you have symptoms that could be related to a rheumatic disease, it’s important to see a rheumatologist. This specialist can identify the type of condition and recommend the most appropriate treatment, which may include medication, physical therapy, or surgery.

Main symptoms

The symptoms of rheumatism vary depending on the type of disease and may include:

• Joint pain or stiffness

• Redness, warmth, or swelling in the affected joint or limb

• Difficulty moving

• Pain in the affected limb

• Muscle weakness

• Excessive tiredness

Symptoms of rheumatism can occur at any time of day, but they’re most common in the morning and often get better with warmth.

Confirming a diagnosis

Rheumatic diseases are diagnosed by a rheumatologist through a physical exam and an evaluation of the person’s symptoms.

To confirm the diagnosis, the doctor may also order blood tests, such as inflammation markers or antibodies, and imaging tests such as X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), and ultrasound, as noted by the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.

Different types

The main types of rheumatism are:

• Rheumatoid arthritis

• Gout

• Osteoarthritis

• Bursitis

• Rheumatic fever

• Tendinitis

• Fibromyalgia

• Lupus

Other types of rheumatism include ankylosing spondylitis, myofascial pain, polymyalgia rheumatica, Sjögren’s syndrome, polymyositis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, infectious arthritis, scleroderma, and psoriatic arthritis.

Rheumatism in children

Rheumatism in children can appear at any age. The main types are juvenile idiopathic arthritis, lupus, juvenile scleroderma, and juvenile dermatomyositis.

In addition to the common symptoms of this disease, children with rheumatism may also feel frightened and confused by the pain and may experience social isolation and anxiety.

Possible causes

The causes of rheumatism are not yet fully understood. However, it may occur due to an inflammatory condition and, in some cases, may be autoimmune, meaning the immune system produces antibodies that attack healthy cells in the body.

Some factors that seem to contribute to the development of rheumatism include genetic factors, a family history of rheumatism, viral or bacterial infections, metabolic diseases, or joint wear and tear.

Treatment options

Depending on the type of condition, treatment for rheumatism may include:

1. Medications

Some medications a doctor may recommend for rheumatism include pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, or corticosteroids to help reduce pain, stiffness, and discomfort.

In addition, immunosuppressive drugs or biologic agents may also be prescribed to help control the disease.

2. Physical therapy

Physical therapy is very important in the treatment of rheumatism and may include the use of equipment, heat packs, exercises, joint mobilization techniques, and muscle-strengthening exercises.

Physical therapy helps relieve pain, prevent deformities in the joints or affected limb, and improve movement during daily activities.

3. Surgery

Surgery may be recommended to repair or replace a joint, for example.

It may also be considered when other types of treatment do not improve rheumatism symptoms.

4. Home remedies

Home remedies, such as ginger tea, turmeric, and topical menthol-based products, may help relieve pain and discomfort caused by rheumatism.

However, home remedies should not replace medical treatment and should only be used to complement the treatment recommended by a doctor.

5. Diet

To complement rheumatism treatment, it is also recommended to follow an anti-inflammatory diet with foods such as tuna, garlic, berries, and dark leafy green vegetables, which may help reduce inflammation and support the immune system over time.

Can rheumatism be cured?

Rheumatism can be cured when it is caused by acute inflammation, such as in cases of bursitis, myofascial pain, and tendinitis.

However, in autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatism has no cure. According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, these diseases do not currently have a cure, although treatments can help manage symptoms and slow progression.