Rheumás

Rheumás is a term used in some languages as a colloquial reference to rheumatic diseases or rheumatism. In professional medical language, rheumatism is an older umbrella term for conditions that involve joints, bones, muscles, and connective tissues, but modern practice typically names specific diseases rather than using the broad label rheumatism.

Rheumatic diseases cover a wide range of conditions with different causes, courses, and treatments. They can be broadly categorized into inflammatory diseases (such as rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory arthritides), degenerative or mechanical disorders (such as osteoarthritis), metabolic conditions (such as gout), and autoimmune or connective-tissue diseases (such as systemic lupus erythematosus). Some conditions primarily affect joints, while others involve muscles, tendons, bursae, or the small blood vessels and organs.

Common symptoms associated with rheumatic conditions include joint pain, stiffness (often worse in the morning), swelling, reduced range of motion, and fatigue. Symptoms may be localized or widespread and can fluctuate over time.

Diagnosis relies on a combination of patient history, physical examination, laboratory tests (for example, inflammatory markers and disease-specific antibodies), and imaging studies such as X-rays, ultrasound, or MRI. Because many rheumatic diseases share similar symptoms, accurate diagnosis often requires specialist evaluation by a rheumatologist.

Treatment aims to relieve pain, control inflammation, prevent joint damage, and maintain function and quality of life. It typically involves medications (NSAIDs, corticosteroids, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, and biologics), physical and occupational therapy, exercise, weight management, and, when appropriate, surgery. The prognosis varies widely by condition and individual factors.