Rheumatism vs. Rheumatoid Arthritis – What You Need to Know

What is Rheumatism?

Rheumatism is a broad term used to describe various conditions that cause pain and inflammation in the joints, muscles, and connective tissues.

Symptoms of Rheumatism

Common symptoms include joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced movement. The symptoms can vary depending on the specific type of rheumatic condition.

What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a specific type of autoimmune disease that primarily affects the joints, causing chronic inflammation, pain, and potential joint damage.

Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Symptoms include joint pain and swelling, morning stiffness, fatigue, and sometimes fever. RA typically affects joints on both sides of the body equally.

Key Differences

– "Rheumatism is a general term, while rheumatoid arthritis is a specific disease." – "RA is an autoimmune condition, while rheumatism can refer to various types of joint and muscle pain, including non-autoimmune causes."

Diagnostic Approaches

Rheumatism is diagnosed based on symptoms and sometimes imaging tests. Rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis involves blood tests for specific markers (like rheumatoid factor) and imaging studies. 

Treatment for Rheumatism

Treatment varies depending on the specific condition but may include pain management, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes.

 Treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis

RA is often treated with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), biologics, and lifestyle changes to manage inflammation and prevent joint damage.