What are rheumatic diseases?

The word literally means “joint inflammation” and most people with arthritis experience symptoms like pain, stiffness, and swelling in their joints. However, the term arthritis actually covers more than 1-hundred rheumatic diseases and conditions that affect joints, the tissues around the joint and other connective tissue. The two most common types are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Other types include: fibromyalgia, gout, lupus, mixed connective tissue disease, and scleroderma. While arthritis-related conditions primarily affect the muscles and bones, there are forms that affect the entire body. These forms can damage almost any organ or system- from the heart to the skin. Treatments for rheumatic diseases can involve medication, exercise, proper diet, rest, even surgery in severe cases. Some patients use pain relief methods and tools like splints or braces. Watch video about rheumatic diseases or share your story or experience on video with icyou.