Reumaattinen

Reumaattinen is a Finnish word that translates to "rheumatic" in English. It refers to conditions affecting the joints, muscles, and connective tissues, characterized by pain, stiffness, swelling, and limited movement. These conditions are often chronic and can be caused by a variety of factors, including autoimmune responses, inflammation, or wear and tear.

Rheumatic conditions encompass a broad spectrum of diseases. Among the most common are different forms of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition where the cartilage in the joints wears down over time, leading to pain and reduced mobility. Rheumatoid arthritis, on the other hand, is an autoimmune disease where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the joints, causing inflammation and damage.

Other rheumatic conditions include conditions like gout, lupus, fibromyalgia, and ankylosing spondylitis. Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints. Lupus is a systemic autoimmune disease that can affect various parts of the body, including the joints. Fibromyalgia is characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory, and mood issues. Ankylosing spondylitis primarily affects the spine, causing inflammation and stiffness.

Diagnosis of rheumatic conditions typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, blood tests to detect inflammation markers or specific antibodies, and imaging techniques like X-rays or MRI scans. Treatment aims to manage pain, reduce inflammation, slow disease progression, and improve function, and may include medications, physical therapy, lifestyle modifications, and in some cases, surgery.