Rheumatic Disorder

Rheumatic disorders represent a large group of over 200 conditions that primarily affect the joints, muscles, bones, and connective tissues throughout the body, causing pain, swelling, and difficulty with daily activities.

Table of contents

• What Are Rheumatic Disorders?
• Common Symptoms
• Causes and Risk Factors
• Related Conditions
• Treatment Options
• Living with Rheumatic Disorders

What Are Rheumatic Disorders?

Rheumatic disorders are conditions that usually affect the joints, tendons, ligaments, bones, and muscles^[1]. Sometimes they are called musculoskeletal diseases because they impact the system that allows your body to move and maintain its structure^[2].

More than 200 different rheumatic diseases have been identified, and each one can affect people differently^[1]. Some of these conditions are very common, while others are rare. For example, osteoarthritis affects about 32.5 million adults in the United States, making it very common. In contrast, rheumatoid arthritis affects roughly 1.3 million adults, and lupus affects about 200,000 Americans^[2].

musculoskeletal disease

Many rheumatic disorders are chronic, which means they last a long time and progress over time^[1]. This can make it harder for people to perform daily activities. Some conditions cause episodes of pain and stiffness in specific body areas, while others can affect internal organs such as the skin, eyes, heart, lungs, and kidneys^[1].

The medical field that studies and treats rheumatic disorders is called rheumatology. If your regular doctor thinks you might have a rheumatic disorder, they will likely refer you to a rheumatologist—a doctor specially trained to diagnose and treat these conditions^[2].

Common Symptoms

Because there are so many different types of rheumatic disorders, symptoms can vary widely. However, some symptoms are common across many of these conditions^[2].

The most frequently reported symptoms include joint pain, soreness, and tenderness. You might also notice inflammation—swelling, redness, and warmth—in a joint or affected area^[2]. Joint stiffness is particularly common in the morning or after sitting for long periods, and this stiffness can last for more than half an hour^[2].

Many people with rheumatic disorders find that their joints feel better after light activity but get worse after intense exercise. Weather can also play a role, with some people noticing their joints feel worse during stormy or humid conditions^[2].

Beyond joint-related symptoms, rheumatic disorders can cause other problems throughout the body. These may include frequent tiredness, fever, weakness, and weight loss^[2]. Some people also experience chest pain, dry mouth, eye irritation, hair loss, seizures, or stroke, depending on which condition they have^[7].

Because symptoms can be general and not always easily noticeable, rheumatic diseases are often hard to recognize^[1]. If you start experiencing these symptoms suddenly or they continue for more than a few weeks, it’s important to schedule a medical evaluation^[7].

Causes and Risk Factors

What causes rheumatic disorders is not always well understood. Most of these conditions happen when the immune system—the body’s natural defense against infections—goes wrong and attacks the body’s own healthy tissues^[1]. Doctors aren’t completely sure why this happens^[2].

Many rheumatic diseases are immune-related, triggered by the immune system’s overreaction to a perceived threat. Some also have a genetic component, meaning they can run in families^[1].

Scientists have identified several risk factors that may make you more likely to develop a rheumatic disorder^[2]:

• Genetics: Some genes may develop changes that seem to increase the risk for certain rheumatic diseases.
• Sex: Some rheumatic diseases are more common in one sex. For example, rheumatoid arthritis and lupus occur more often in women, while ankylosing spondylitis affects men more often.
• Weight: Being obese increases the risk for some rheumatic diseases.
• Health history: Some infections, childhood trauma and distress, and conditions such as gum disease may increase risk.
• Smoking: Smoking is a risk factor for several rheumatic diseases.
• Exposure to toxins: Being exposed to certain pollutants and chemicals makes you more likely to develop a rheumatic disease.

While some risk factors like aging and genetics cannot be controlled, others can be. Smoking and being overweight are two of the most preventable risk factors^[7]. People whose work requires them to overuse their joints are also at higher risk^[7].

It is a common belief that rheumatic diseases only affect elderly people. However, this is not true. More than two-thirds of people with a diagnosed rheumatic condition are under 65, and 300,000 of them are children^[7].

Related Conditions

Rheumatic disorders include many different conditions. Some of the most well-known include:

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Osteoarthritis
• Psoriatic arthritis
• Ankylosing spondylitis
• Lupus
• Gout
• Fibromyalgia
• Sjögren’s syndrome
• Scleroderma
• Polymyalgia rheumatica
• Systemic vasculitis
• Infectious arthritis
• Juvenile idiopathic arthritis
• Reactive arthritis
• Rheumatic heart disease
• Osteoporosis

One reason people may feel unclear about rheumatic disorders is that the terms “rheumatic disease” and “arthritis” are sometimes used to mean the same thing. While arthritis might be one of the best-known rheumatic diseases, the term arthritis specifically means joint inflammation and does not describe all the other conditions that lead to pain and movement difficulties^[7].

Treatment Options

Although there is no cure for most rheumatic disorders, many treatments can help reduce symptoms and slow disease progression^[4]. The goal of treatment is to reduce pain, stop or slow further damage, and help people stay as active and comfortable as possible^[4].

Treatment typically involves several approaches working together. Your rheumatologist will create a treatment plan that may include medications, regular exercise, a healthy diet, stress management, and rest^[2].

Medications

Several types of medications are commonly used to treat rheumatic disorders. These include pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, and medicines that can actually slow down the disease^[4].

Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are often the first choice for treatment. These medicines work by blocking the chemicals released when your immune system attacks your joints, helping to prevent further damage^[12]. Some patients may also need biologic treatments, which are newer medicines given by injection that target specific parts of the immune system^[12].

Requesting a referral to a rheumatologist within the first three months after developing symptoms can decrease the likelihood of organ and joint damage. It is also more likely your rheumatic disease will go into remission when you seek prompt treatment^[7].

Physical Therapy and Surgery

Physical and occupational therapists can help you become stronger and more flexible. They can show you the safest ways to move your body for everyday tasks and teach you exercises to do at home safely^[19].

In some cases, when joints are severely damaged, surgery may be needed to repair or replace them^[4].

Living with Rheumatic Disorders

Managing a rheumatic disorder requires attention to several aspects of daily life. While medication plays a central role, lifestyle changes are equally important^[20].

Stay Active

Regular exercise is one of the most important things you can do. It helps reduce pain, improve flexibility, strengthen muscles, and boost overall health^[19]. Low-impact activities like walking, swimming, cycling, and gentle yoga are particularly good choices^[2].

A common misconception is that people with rheumatic diseases should not exercise. This is not true. While you should avoid exercises that worsen your pain, many safe activities can help you feel better^[24].

Healthy Eating

Eating a healthy diet can help reduce inflammation in your body. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids—like salmon and walnuts—along with leafy green vegetables and berries can be particularly helpful^[23]. Avoiding processed foods, refined sugars, and excessive alcohol will also help reduce inflammation^[23].

Weight Management

If you are overweight, losing even a small amount of weight can make a big difference. Fat cells release proteins that cause inflammation, making joint pain worse and reducing the effectiveness of medicines^[22].

Rest and Sleep

Getting enough sleep is crucial. Aim for 7-9 hours each night to allow your body to heal. Taking short breaks during the day when you feel tired can also help reduce joint strain^[23].

Protect Your Joints

Learning to protect your joints from further damage is important. Use larger joints when possible—for example, push open a door with your shoulder instead of your hands. Avoid positions that stress your joints, such as sitting in very low chairs^[20].

Adaptive equipment can make daily tasks easier. This includes items like larger-grip toothbrushes and pens, easy-open jar openers, and lever attachments for doorknobs^[20].

Manage Stress

Stress can make symptoms worse. Finding ways to relax—such as meditation, gentle yoga, or spending time with friends—can help you feel better both physically and emotionally^[22].

Take Your Medicine

It’s important to take your medicine as instructed, even if you start to feel better. The medicine helps prevent flare-ups and reduces the risk of further problems^[21].

Regular Check-ups

Because rheumatic disorders are long-term conditions, you’ll need to see your healthcare team regularly so they can check how well your treatment is working^[21].

While rheumatic diseases are chronic and may not go away, many people with these conditions live happy and fulfilling lives. By learning about your condition, communicating openly with your healthcare team, and staying positive, you can adjust to the changes and keep moving forward^[18].