Rheumatism: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and Prevention

What is rheumatism?

Rheumatism is a general term used to describe more than 100 diseases that affect the bones, joints, cartilage, muscles, tendons, and ligaments (the musculoskeletal system). These conditions can also impact other parts of the body, such as the heart, lungs, kidneys, and skin.

Among the main rheumatic diseases are osteoarthritis, osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis. It is important to highlight that, contrary to popular belief, rheumatism does not only affect elderly individuals—it can occur at any age.

Symptoms

The symptoms of rheumatic diseases are diverse and can vary, but they generally include:

joint pain: discomfort in the area where bones meet to form a joint

stiffness in movement: especially upon waking up or after periods of inactivity

swelling: in the affected joints, often accompanied by warmth and redness

fatigue: a constant feeling of tiredness and lack of energy

muscle weakness: difficulty performing daily tasks that require physical effort

Other less common symptoms include fever, weight loss, skin changes, and eye problems (inflammation, tearing, and pain).

Causes

The causes of rheumatic diseases include:

genetic inheritance: people with relatives who have had this type of disease are at a higher risk of developing it
immune system problems: the body’s defense system may mistakenly attack healthy tissues. This is the cause of some diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus
infections: viruses and bacteria can trigger inappropriate immune responses that affect the joints. In other cases, such as infectious arthritis, the infection directly affects the joints
smoking: tobacco use increases the risk and severity of rheumatic diseases

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of rheumatic diseases is complex and generally involves:

clinical evaluation: the patient’s symptom history and physical examination performed by a healthcare professional are essential for diagnosis
laboratory tests: various lab tests can be important to help the healthcare provider confirm the diagnosis and plan treatment
imaging tests: x-rays, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and other imaging exams may be necessary to support the diagnosis

Treatment

Rheumatism refers to more than 100 different diseases. Therefore, treatment varies depending on the precise diagnosis and individual factors. Medications, physical therapy, dietary guidance, and surgeries may be recommended. Everything depends on the specific case.

Some rheumatic diseases are chronic and require long-term monitoring and treatment, while others are acute conditions that can be treated on a short-term basis.

Often, in addition to rheumatologists, treatment may involve physical therapists, occupational therapists, surgeons, and other healthcare professionals. Continuous follow-up is essential to improve the patient’s quality of life.

Prevention

Rheumatic diseases vary among themselves, and therefore, prevention methods can also differ. Some are preventable through lifestyle changes, while others require continuous monitoring.

However, some general practices can contribute to the overall health of most people. These include:

maintaining an active lifestyle: engaging in regular low-impact exercises, such as walking, to strengthen muscles and joints
balanced diet: adopting a diet rich in essential nutrients for bone and joint health, such as vitamin D (found in fish and egg yolk), calcium (found in milk and cheese), and proteins (found in chicken breast and other meats)
avoiding smoking: reducing exposure to risk factors such as tobacco use
stress management: practices like meditation help reduce stress
regular check-ups with a healthcare professional: for monitoring the patient’s health and enabling early interventions if necessary