Currently, there are over 150 different types of Rheumatic Diseases, most of which are related to the musculoskeletal system and may have either autoimmune or degenerative origins.
Women are more affected than men, and although the prevalence of these diseases is more closely linked to the elderly population, children can also experience complaints related to Rheumatic Diseases.
Rheumatology is the medical specialty that diagnoses and treats rheumatic diseases related to the musculoskeletal system of non-traumatic origin, as well as systemic rheumatic diseases, metabolic bone diseases, and others.
Rheumatic Diseases are typically painful and often disabling. Pain is one of the primary symptoms and can vary in intensity and presentation: morning versus night pain, pain with polyarticular involvement, as well as muscle pain, among other manifestations. It is important to distinguish between inflammatory pain and metabolic or infectious pain.
Edema (swelling), heat, redness, stiffness, and weakness in the affected areas are other common symptoms in various rheumatic diseases. Patients may also report pronounced fatigue, limited movement, lack of energy, or a general feeling of discomfort.
In most cases, these diseases are degenerative, meaning that the musculoskeletal system loses its original structure and function over time. Diagnosing these diseases can sometimes be complex and challenging. It is essential to understand the patient's family history and precisely identify their complaints. Various exams and imaging studies are crucial to making an accurate diagnosis.
In general, these diseases do not have a cure, except in the case of Infectious Rheumatic Diseases. However, this does not mean that the patient must endure constant suffering, as medication, physiotherapy, and other therapies can help achieve a good quality of life.
It is worth noting that the earlier the diagnosis is made, the better the outcomes and even the prognosis of the disease.
Finally, for any rheumatic disease, it is important to adopt a proper diet, control weight, engage in physical activity, especially exercises that improve mobility and strength, but also protect the musculoskeletal system.
The most common Rheumatic Diseases include:
- Osteoarthritis, particularly gonarthrosis (knee osteoarthritis) and coxarthrosis (hip/coxofemoral osteoarthritis)
- Osteoporosis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Gout
- Fibromyalgia
- Ankylosing spondylitis and other spondyloarthropathies, including psoriatic arthritis
- Juvenile idiopathic arthritis
- Polymyalgia rheumatica
- Progressive systemic sclerosis
