Medical professionals use the term “rheumatism” to describe well over 100 different conditions, most of which are associated with pain in the musculoskeletal system. When looking at rheumatism in terms of numbers, its enormous prevalence becomes clear: millions of people are affected. The best-known form is rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic, inflammatory rheumatic disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues. However, rheumatism can also affect internal organs, the skin, and other body tissues, as well as blood vessels and muscles. Whether it’s osteoarthritis, gout, ankylosing spondylitis, or systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatic diseases can affect people of all ages, even children—a condition known as juvenile idiopathic arthritis. An early diagnosis in rheumatology is crucial to preventing joint damage and permanent loss of mobility.
Rheumatism is not a single disease. The term encompasses about 100 different forms of inflammatory processes. The term originates from ancient Greek and roughly translates to “pulling pain.” This pain is the main characteristic of rheumatic diseases.
Rheumatism can affect people of all ages and both genders equally. Even children can suffer from rheumatic conditions.
Joints in a hand deformed by rheumatoid arthritis © Wikimedia Commons
What Is Rheumatism?
What we generally refer to as rheumatism is actually rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease.
However, the following conditions are also classified as rheumatic diseases:
Doctors, in turn, refer to so-called fibromyalgia as a soft-tissue rheumatic condition. This is a generalized, diffuse pain disorder affecting the muscles and joints.
Furthermore, rheumatism is not limited exclusively to the joints. Rheumatic eye diseases and inflammation of the heart muscle can occur, as can inflammation of:
- the kidneys
- blood vessels
- the intestines, and
- pleura
All conditions within the rheumatic spectrum are based on inflammation and the pain associated with it.
Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (rheumatism in the strict sense)
One of the most common chronic forms of joint inflammation is rheumatoid arthritis. It is also known as chronic polyarthritis.
An estimated 800,000 Germans are affected by it. Women are about twice as likely to develop the condition as men.
In rheumatoid arthritis, the following structures are primarily affected by inflammation:
- the inner lining of the joints
- tendon sheaths, and
- bursae
This leads to limited mobility and severe pain.
Watch the video to see how the disease progresses in the hip joint:
As of today, rheumatism is not curable. If doctors detect the disease early, the progression of the disease can be significantly slowed.
Otherwise, the disease results in a loss of function in the affected joints due to complete joint destruction.
The first signs of rheumatism are usually still very nonspecific.
This often leads to:
- Fatigue
- loss of appetite and
- a slight fever
At this stage, it is almost impossible to attribute these symptoms to rheumatism.
As the disease progresses, however, the signs become increasingly clear. The joints are swollen, reddened, and slightly warm. In addition, morning joint stiffness may occur.
Pain often first appears in the toes and fingers. A characteristic feature of rheumatoid arthritis is that symptoms always occur symmetrically. For example, both knee joints are always affected.
If left untreated, joint inflammation (arthritis) leads to joint destruction. This usually results in deformities and joint stiffness.
Illustration of joint destruction in rheumatoid arthritis © GraphicsRF | Fotolia
The doctor—usually a rheumatologist or orthopedic rheumatologist—confirms the suspected diagnosis through blood tests.
Among other things, they measure:
- Inflammatory proteins
- rheumatoid factor and
- other autoimmune antibodies
Causes of Rheumatic Diseases
Rheumatic diseases cannot always be traced to a single underlying cause.
Various causes are also under discussion for rheumatoid arthritis, e.g.:
- Autoimmune processes
- Genetic predisposition
- Environmental toxins and
- Smoking
It is very likely that the disease results from a combination of various factors.
The Treatment of Rheumatism
The goal of rheumatism treatment is to reduce inflammation while also alleviating pain.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have proven to be the most effective for this purpose. These are very effective pain relievers, such as diclofenac.
However, they are not recommended for long-term use. These pain relievers can damage the kidneys and stomach. You should therefore not take them on a permanent basis. In severe cases of rheumatism, however, there are not many alternatives.
In addition, there is now a whole range of naturopathic approaches. These range from willow bark and green-lipped mussel to leech therapy.
Natural therapies, however, generally take longer to take effect. They are also only likely to be effective if the disease has not yet progressed too far.
As a supplement to medication, gentle exercise helps slow the progression of rheumatism. Physical therapy plays a major role here.
Other well-suited and joint-friendly options for increasing physical activity include:
- Walking
- Cycling, or
- Swimming
A Special Case: Diet
Rheumatic conditions can be effectively managed through an appropriate diet. Fruits and vegetables, along with limited amounts of meat—but plenty of eggs and fish—should be part of a person with rheumatic conditions’ diet. This applies to all forms of rheumatic conditions, whether rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, or gout.
Meat contains a great deal of animal fatty acids, of which arachidonic acid is the most dangerous.
The body uses this to produce prostaglandins, so-called inflammatory messengers.
So anyone who eats a lot of meat also consumes a lot of arachidonic acid. This creates the conditions for a veritable flood of prostaglandins. As a result, inflammation levels in the body skyrocket.
This results in more rheumatic pain and faster deterioration of the affected joints.
In contrast to meat, fish contains many omega-3 fatty acids. These are natural antagonists of arachidonic acid. They block the enzyme that produces the inflammatory messengers. This helps alleviate rheumatic pain.
Eggs contain high-quality proteins. They serve as the building blocks for the body, helping to repair some of the damage caused by inflammation.
Fruits and vegetables provide vitamins and minerals. These support overall health and act as antioxidants to combat inflammation.
A balanced and mindful diet is therefore an important cornerstone of rheumatism treatment. At the same time, it helps prevent rheumatism.
FAQ: The 8 Most Important Questions About Rheumatism and Rheumatic Diseases
What is the exact difference between rheumatism and rheumatoid arthritis?
The term “rheumatism” is actually a historically evolved umbrella term for aching, pulling pains in the musculoskeletal system and is not a specific diagnosis. However, when doctors refer to a specific condition, they often mean rheumatoid arthritis. This is a clearly defined, inflammatory rheumatic disease caused by an autoimmune reaction; it is chronic in nature and primarily destroys the joints through inflammatory processes.
Can organs also be affected by rheumatism?
Yes, many forms of rheumatic disease are systemic conditions. This means that the inflammation is not limited exclusively to bones, cartilage, and joints. Internal organs such as the heart, lungs, kidneys, and intestines can also be affected and damaged. The eyes are also frequently affected, for example, by inflammation of the tear glands in Sjögren’s syndrome or of the iris, as well as the blood vessels in conditions known as vasculitides.
Is rheumatism curable today?
Most chronic rheumatic diseases, particularly rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis, are not yet considered completely curable. However, thanks to modern medications and early treatment, the course of the disease can often be controlled so effectively today that the inflammation subsides almost completely. Doctors refer to this as remission, allowing people with rheumatism to live with virtually no symptoms and preventing joint damage.
What role does diet play in rheumatic diseases?
Diet has a direct impact on inflammatory processes in the body. Certain foods, especially red meat and processed meats, contain arachidonic acid, which can fuel inflammatory processes in the tissues. A predominantly plant-based diet, supplemented with fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, has an anti-inflammatory effect. Many patients can alleviate their symptoms and reduce their dosage of pain medication by changing their diet.
What are collagenoses?
Collagenoses are a specific group of rheumatic autoimmune diseases that primarily affect connective tissue. Since connective tissue is found throughout the body, symptoms can be very diverse and affect the skin, joints, and organs. Among the best-known connective tissue diseases are systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, and Sjögren’s syndrome.
Can children also develop rheumatic diseases?
Yes, rheumatic disease is not exclusively a disease of the elderly. Children and adolescents can also suffer from inflammatory rheumatic diseases. The most common form is juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Since a child’s skeleton is still growing, a prompt diagnosis by a pediatric rheumatologist is particularly important to prevent permanent deformities and growth disorders.
What are the responsibilities of the German Rheumatism League?
The German Rheumatism League is the largest self-help organization for people with rheumatism in Germany. It offers those affected counseling, information on disease patterns and treatment options, as well as practical help with daily life. It also organizes functional training and advocates for patients’ interests in the political and healthcare sectors. For many patients, it is the first place they turn to for support after receiving a diagnosis.
What is ankylosing spondylitis?
Ankylosing spondylitis, medically known as spondylitis ankylosans, is a chronic inflammatory rheumatic disease that primarily affects the spine and the sacroiliac joints. The inflammation leads to deep-seated back pain, often in the second half of the night, and can result in bony fusion of the spine in the late stages, severely limiting mobility of the torso.
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