By Dr. Alexandra Sisam ND | Updated by Birgitta Kautz
Rheumatism
Going back to its Greek word origin, the word ''rheumatism'' means flux or flow. The name referred to the outdated idea that body fluids were causing pain and stiffness in the joints.
The updated rheumatism definition is no longer that of a uniform clinical picture. Nowadays, rheumatism is a collective term for well over 100 different diseases of the rheumatic type.
These rheumatic conditions all have in common that they are painful and affect the musculoskeletal system. They can also be referred to as musculoskeletal diseases.
The musculoskeletal system comprises 206 bones, over 400 muscles and joints, tendons and ligaments that interact closely. Therefore, common rheumatism symptoms of these diseases include inflammation and pain in the joints, muscles or fibrous tissue.
Musculoskeletal pain can be caused by trauma to the area, such as a fall, fracture or sprain. However, it can also be caused by rheumatic disorders and the general wear and tear of muscle tissues.
Many sufferers experience rheumatic pain as a "drawing, tugging pain". The inflammation of the joints is often visible as swelling, redness, and warmth of the affected area. It can cause restricted movements or loss of motion in joints.
Some rheumatic diseases are specific diseases of old age. Others can also appear in young people or even in children.
Rheumatic diseases can be divided into four groups:
- Inflammatory rheumatic diseases
- Degenerative rheumatic joint and spine diseases
- Chronic pain syndromes
- Metabolic diseases with rheumatic complaints
Inflammatory rheumatic diseases include:
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) - is one of the most common forms.
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis - is the form found in children and adolescents.
Psoriatic arthritis - is accompanied by psoriasis.
Reactive arthritis - occurs because of previous infections, especially UTIs or the intestine.
Ankylosing spondylitis - is a progressive stiffening of the spine.
Vasculitis - is an inflammation of the blood vessels.
Collagenous - are diseases of the connective tissue that can damage organs. They include systemic lupus erythematosus and scleroderma.
The degenerative diseases distinguish between:
Osteoarthritis - the actual joint wear and tear.
Spondylosis - the wear and tear of the spine.
Chronic pain syndromes of the musculoskeletal system include:
Fibromyalgia
Irritation or inflammation of tendon attachments, sheaths or bursae, including what is known as tennis elbow
Nerve congestion syndromes, such as carpal tunnel syndrome
Metabolic diseases that can be associated with rheumatic complaints include:
Gout, diabetes mellitus, overactive thyroid, and osteoporosis
It is commonly known that ageing increases the risk of developing rheumatic disorders. Also, women seem to be more affected than men. However, the exact cause of autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), is not known yet.
Scientists think that a combination of environmental factors, genetics, and hormones leads to the development of RA. It is unclear what exactly triggers the immune system to attack the tissue of the joints in people with RA.
Arthrosis is a degenerative joint disease that often comes with age. Its name is derived from the Greek word “arthron”, meaning joint.
Arthrosis is caused by wear and tear of the joints. The cartilage at the bone ends in the joints begins to break down. This mostly starts in a single joint and often affects the knees, hips, and hands.
Arthrosis is also called Osteoarthritis or “wear and tear” arthritis. It is the most common form of arthritis.
Arthritis is an inflammatory joint disease. This is also shown by the suffix "- itis" which signifies inflammation. However, chronic inflammation and wear often occur at the same time.
There are many different types of arthritis. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are two of the most common forms. Both have similar symptoms such as pain and swelling. However, the reason behind these symptoms is different.
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease caused by joint overuse or injury and age.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease. The body’s own immune system malfunctions and attacks the joints by means of inflammation. It often occurs in the small joints of the hand, wrist, or fingers and affects the same joints on both sides.
Gout is another common form of arthritis that often affects the joint in the big toe. A build-up of uric acid crystals in the joint leads to inflammation. This causes sudden and intense pain attacks that often happen at night. A blood test can measure if the level of uric acid is higher than normal.
Fibromyalgia is a condition that does not cause joint pain but muscle pain. Scientists believe that the reason is found in overactive nerves that amplify painful sensations. Due to the similar names, it is sometimes confused with polymyalgia.
Polymyalgia rheumatica or simply polymyalgia is a form of arthritis that causes muscle pain and stiffness. It is thought to be an autoimmune disease and mainly occurs in people over the age of 50.
A thorough physical examination is important to clarify what kind of rheumatic disease is involved. Then, the most effective treatment can be offered to the patient.
Chronic joint pain is persistent or recurrent pain in one or more joints. It often goes along with joint redness, swelling, tenderness, or warmth. The joints can feel stiff or weak and even cause limping. The reason for it can be an injury or longer-lasting conditions.
Chronic muscle pain is a persistent or recurrent pain in the muscles. It is often caused by stress, tension, overuse or injury of a specific muscle.
Muscle pain spread throughout the entire body is known as systemic muscle pain. It can result from infection, illness or as a medication side effect. Common causes of systemic muscle pain include fibromyalgia, the flu, lupus, Lyme disease, and chronic fatigue syndrome.
The doctor, usually specialized in rheumatic disease, will decide what therapy is best. Above all, it contains measures against inflammation to minimize further damage to the joints and possibly other organs.
Drug therapy includes painkillers, basic rheumatism drugs and corticosteroids. Rheumatism drugs often strongly inhibit the immune system.
In naturopathy, the therapy often includes so-called immune modulators. These drugs do not slow down the immune system but help it start working properly again. They also help with inflammation.
Orthopedic physiotherapy, ergotherapy as well as psychological and socio-medical treatments are also part of the overall treatment.
Choose a diet that helps with rheumatic disorders:
- Eat a diet that is rich in vitamins and minerals. A sufficient supply of vitamin C, vitamin D and vitamin B12 is essential. The same applies to the minerals zinc, magnesium and calcium.
- Choose food rich in bases, such as vegetables.
- Avoid meat and other protein-rich foods since they are acidifiers.
- Try to add omega-3 fatty acids to your diet. Salt-water fish such as herring, salmon, and mackerel are good sources. So are linseed and linseed oil, walnuts, or rapeseed oil.
