Rheumatism is a colloquial term. The word “Rheumatism” is non-specific. In less specific times, disease could be
named as rheumatism if they seemed to be a dysfunction of the joints. However, as medical advances and technology
grew to improve such things as classification and discovered the source of many problems, the term has fallen into
disfavour. It is obsolete. It is no longer used in the medical profession. That being said, it is still possible to
use the term in reference to any type of symptoms or problems arising within the joints, tendons, muscles and
ligaments.
Description
Rheumatism is a term that can be used synonymously with arthritis, gout, bursitis, lumbago and other similar
diseases. As such, the characteristics reflect the specific medical problem. In general, however, the
characteristics of rheumatism consist of any or all of the following:
Swelling
Inflammation of the joint or joints involved
Redness of the affected part
Pain
Soreness
A tingling sensation
Hot spots
Possibly fever
Limited movement
Joints Affected
The body consists of joints and more joints. Wherever there is a bone, you will locate a hardworking joint or 2
or 3. Rheumatism is, therefore, found throughout the body. Popular joints affected include the knee, hands, wrists,
the neck and the hip.
Types of Rheumatism
Originally, the term rheumatism embraced any form of joint dysfunction. As a result, it originally included
various diseases that did not originate in the joints but did cause some effect on the joints. Autoimmune diseases
were included along with various joint diseases. The list of medical conditions lumped under the term rheumatism
once included the following
Arthritis including rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis
Tendonitis – called non-articular rheumatism (NAR)
Fibromyalgia – NAR
Lupus
Bursitis – NAR
Carpal Tunnel syndrome – NAR
Lumbago
Temporomandibular joint syndrome – an NAR that effects the joints of the jaw
Treatment for Rheumatism
Treatment for rheumatism varies according to the type of problem. To reduce the swelling of joints, a common
remedy was rest and icing the affected part. Compresses were also applied consisting of various substances, some
herbal, some medicinal. The use of ASA, Acetaminophen and other analgesics has been in use for decades. A
rudimentary and original source of ASA is found within a centuries old cure for inflammation, aches and pains –
white willow bark.
Today, people who have rheumatism can rely on natural and synthetic medications. There are non-steroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)as well as corticosteroids to treat the symptoms. There are also drugs and
operations to attack the cause of the disease. Surgery can replace certain affected parts such as hips and
knees.
Alternatively, an individual can turn to other non-traditional types of healing. This includes such things as
herbal medications, joint pain supplements, and Asian forms of medicine such as acupuncture, shiatsu, and
acupressure. There are also exercise- based forms of treatment. These include yoga, Pilates and NIA. Moreover, you
can also elect to try the Alexandrian technique, chiropractic or osteopathy. All offer some form of relief from
rheumatism, if only temporary.
Conclusion
Rheumatism is no longer a popular or timely medical term. However, it is still in colloquial use. It once
applied to a variety of medical problems involving joint symptoms. As a result, lumbago, arthritis, bursitis and
other diseases with swollen and inflamed joints became considered rheumatism. With increased specialization and
specification, the term has fallen into disfavour. Within a decade, it may no longer been used to refer to any type
of medical condition.