Rheumatism and Arthritis - What's the Difference?

Rheumatism and arthritis are two bone and musclefor specific cases of arthritis and rheumatism. After
diseases that people refer to almost interchangeably.all, the different types of arthritis and rheumatism are
Generally speaking, most people do not really see thetriggered by many factors, including food, allergens,
difference. After all, both diseases manifest the samegenetics, and obesity. Among the most common
symptoms of recurring pain in joints and muscles.types of rheumatic diseases are ankylosing
While both conditions can sometimes be unbearablyspondylitis, fibromyalgia, lupus, scleroderma,
painful and afflict older men and women, they are inpolymyositis, dermatomyositis, polymyalgia
fact different.rheumatica, bursitis, tendinitis, vasculitis, carpal tunnel
Rheumatism does not refer to a single disease orsyndrome, and complex regional pain syndrome.
condition, but to over a 100 conditions based on theOn the other hand, the most common cases of
location and characteristics of the symptoms. Forarthritis, an ailment characterized by joint related pain,
many years, rheumatism was the generic term usedstiffness, inflammation and damage, are rheumatoid
to describe various painful medical conditions relatedarthritis, osteoarthritis, juvenile arthritis, psoriatic
to bones, muscles, joints and tendons, until doctorsarthritis, reactive arthritis, infectious arthritis, gout and
began to use the term arthritis to describepseudogout. Just like rheumatism, each type of
joint-related ailments.arthritis requires a separate and distinct treatment.
By definition, arthritis is a disease of the bone joints,Despite these distinctions, people continue to use the
where two or more bones come together andterms interchangeably. Such a lack of knowledge has
connect. When joints begin to show signs of redness,potentially painful, if not dangerous, consequences for
tenderness, and sensitivity to pain, then you are likelyarthritic and rheumatic sufferers, whose best chances
to be experiencing arthritis. Rheumatism, on the otherto stop the progression of both diseases are when
hand, affects not just joints, but also bones,they are just starting to manifest the painful
ligaments and other vital organs of the body, includingsymptoms.
heart, lungs, kidneys, and liver. In this context, allArthritis and rheumatism inflict the most pain on
arthritis types are forms of rheumatism, whilepeople who fail to recognize the cause of their
rheumatism is not always arthritis.affliction and, therefore, are unable to immediately
The cure and treatment for different types offollow the doctor's advice to control both diseases
arthritis or rheumatism depends on certain conditions.through a balanced, low-uric acid and high-fiber diet,
Doctors underscore the need for specific treatmentregular exercise, and medication.