Rheumatism, also called rheumatic disease, is a group of more than 100 diseases that affect the muscles, ligaments, tendons, bones or joints, but can also affect the heart, kidneys or blood. They generally occur due to an inflammatory condition and, in some cases, autoimmune, in which the immune system produces antibodies that attack the body’s healthy cells.
The most common types of rheumatism are rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, bursitis, rheumatic fever, lupus, fibromyalgia, gout, tendonitis or ankylosing spondylitis, for example, causing symptoms such as pain, swelling or stiffness in the affected joint or limb.
Rheumatism does not only occur in the elderly, but also in children, however the chance of developing any type of rheumatism increases with age. Therefore, it is more common for older people to present any type of rheumatism, and it is important to consult a rheumatologist to identify the type and begin the most appropriate treatment.
Main symptoms
Symptoms of rheumatism vary depending on the type of disease, and may include:
- Joint pain or stiffness;
- Redness, heat or swelling in the affected joint or limb;
- Pain in the affected limb;
- Difficulty performing movements;
- Lack of muscle strength;
- Excessive tiredness.
Symptoms can appear at any time of the day, but are more common when waking up and tend to improve in the heat.
How to confirm the diagnosis
The diagnosis of rheumatism is made by a rheumatologist through clinical examination and evaluation of symptoms, as well as blood tests, such as markers of inflammation or antibodies, to help identify the type of rheumatism and the functions of the organs.
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In addition, the doctor may also order imaging tests such as X-ray, MRI, CT scan and ultrasound of the joint, bones or affected limb.
Types of rheumatism
Rheumatism is a set of diseases that can affect muscles, ligaments, tendons, bones or joints, as well as other organs, the main types of which are:
- Ankylosing spondylitis;
- Rheumatoid arthritis;
- Idiopathic juvenile arthritis;
- Infectious arthritis;
- Psoriatic arthritis;
- Drop;
- Osteoarthritis;
- Bursitis;
- Tendinitis;
- Fibromyalgia;
- Polymyalgia rheumatica;
- Polymyositis;
- Scleroderma;
- Sjögren’s syndrome;
- Systemic lupus erythematosus.
It is important that these diseases are always evaluated by a doctor so that the most appropriate treatment can be given.
Possible causes
The causes of most types of rheumatism are not yet completely known, however, they can occur due to an inflammatory condition and, in some cases, it can be autoimmune, in which the immune system produces antibodies that attack healthy cells in the body.
Some factors seem to contribute to the development of rheumatism, such as genetic factors, family history of rheumatism, viral or bacterial infections, metabolic diseases or wear and tear on one or more joints.
Furthermore, rheumatism is more common in older people and women, although it can also occur in children, young people and men.
How the treatment is carried out
The treatment of rheumatism is carried out by a rheumatologist and depends on the type of disease, and the use of analgesics, anti-inflammatory drugs or corticosteroids may be indicated to control pain and inflammation, immunosuppressants or biological agents to control the disease.
Furthermore, physiotherapy is very important in the treatment of rheumatism and includes the use of devices, hot packs, exercises, joint mobilization techniques and muscle strengthening, helping to alleviate pain, prevent deformities of the joints or affected limb and improve movement in a person’s daily life.
Another important recommendation for the treatment of rheumatism, especially rheumatoid arthritis, tendinitis or bursitis, is to follow an anti-inflammatory diet including foods such as tuna, salmon, garlic, red and citrus fruits, dark green vegetables or saffron, which in addition to decrease inflammation, help strengthen the immune system. Learn how to follow an anti-inflammatory diet.
Watch the video with nutritionist Tatiana Zanin with tips on anti-inflammatory foods:
