rheumatisk

Rheumatic, or rheumatisk in some Scandinavian languages, is a medical term for conditions that affect the joints, muscles, bones, and other connective tissues. The category includes inflammatory, autoimmune, and degenerative disorders, as well as systemic syndromes that involve multiple organs. Common examples are rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout, systemic lupus erythematosus, spondyloarthritis, polymyalgia rheumatica, and fibromyalgia. The term is used by clinicians in rheumatology to describe diseases with musculoskeletal or connective tissue involvement, and language variants include reumatisk in Swedish and Danish.

Symptoms vary by condition but often include joint pain, stiffness (especially in the morning), swelling, and reduced movement. Fatigue, fever, weight loss, or muscle weakness may occur in systemic or inflammatory diseases. Some conditions cause deformities or spinal stiffness, while others primarily involve soft tissues.

Diagnosis relies on history and physical examination, supported by imaging such as X-ray, ultrasound, or MRI, and laboratory tests. Blood tests may check inflammatory markers (CRP, ESR) and autoantibodies (rheumatoid factor, anti-CCP, ANA). Gout is diagnosed by elevated uric acid and crystal analysis in synovial fluid.

Treatment is individualized and often multidisciplinary. Nonpharmacologic measures include physical therapy, regular gentle exercise, weight management, and patient education. Pharmacologic options vary by condition and may include NSAIDs or analgesics for pain; disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) such as methotrexate or biologics for inflammatory arthritis; corticosteroids for flare control; and urate-lowering therapy for gout. Early diagnosis and ongoing management aim to control symptoms, prevent joint damage, and maintain function.

Rheumatic diseases are common and typically chronic. Prognosis ranges from well-controlled conditions to progressive disorders causing disability. Management often requires ongoing coordination among primary care providers, rheumatologists, physical therapists, and other specialists, with attention to comorbidities such as cardiovascular risk and infection.