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About Rheumatism Symptoms

Rheumatism is an inflammation in the body that primarily affects joints. However, it can also affect muscles and other organs. Rheumatism is older terminology; the condition is often called rheumatoid arthritis. The condition affects women more than men. Normally, it begins in late middle age, although sometimes it occurs earlier, even in children.

  1. Types of Rheumatism

    • Rheumatoid arthritis affects joints symmetrically on both the right and left side of the body. The condition can affect different joints but is often seen in the fingers, hands and knees. Localized forms of joint pain can include bursitis and tendinitis. Other forms inflammation can also cause generalized problems in the body, such as fibromyalgia. In some cases, other body organs, such as the skin, lungs or heart, become involved.

    Joint Pain and Swelling

    • The most common symptom of rheumatism is pain in the joints or a visible swelling which makes the joint feel sensitive and painful to touch. When the condition affects the hands, they can redden and look swollen and puffy. Severe conditions result in gnarled or deformed joints.

    Stiffness

    • The typical swelling of rheumatism is accompanied by a tightening or stiffness of the joints when the person affected does not move for long periods of time, such as upon awakening in the morning.

    Fatigue and Fever

    • The inflammation and body involvement can cause excessive fatigue and other generalized symptoms such as fever or a loss of weight.

    Symptom Onset

    • Rheumatoid arthritis affects people differently. Some notice a gradual onset of symptoms with problems beginning in the fingers, wrists, feet or other small joints. Over the years, the condition can progress to larger joints such as the hips, elbows or shoulders. In other people, however, the condition can worsen more quickly.

    Remission

    • The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis can ease or go into a state of remission during which the condition's pain and swelling lessens or even appears to disappear. Remissions are common and can result from successful medication or simply for no reason whatsoever.

    Systemic Involvement

    • The inflammation of rheumatoid arthritis can affect the entire body causing problems that go beyond what we typically think of as joint pain. For example, inflammation can affect the mouth or throat, causing hoarseness, the lungs, causing difficulting in breathing, or the heart tissue, causing pain in the chest. It's vital that anyone suffering from any form of rheumatism see a doctor for proper treatment.

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