Rheumatism

Rheumatism is a term used to describe a variety of medical conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system. Symptoms may include pain, swelling, stiffness and joint inflammation. Rheumatism is an umbrella term used to describe a variety of disorders, the most common of which is rheumatoid arthritis. It is a chronic condition, with no known cure, but treatments can help to reduce pain and improve mobility. Other types of rheumatism include lupus, gout and osteoarthritis. The exact cause of most cases of rheumatism is unknown, but autoimmune diseases, infections and age-related wear and tear of joints are all believed to play a role. Treatment, depending on the type of rheumatism, may include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, steroid injections and physical therapy.