Arthritis affects joints, while rheumatism affects connective tissues surrounding bones and joints. Both are chronic conditions that can be difficult to treat and have crippling effects if left untreated. Treatment options include pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, physical therapy, moderate exercise, and weight management.
One of the main differences between arthritis and rheumatism is the conditions they describe. “Arthritis” is a term used to describe conditions that primarily affect the joints, and “rheumatism” is used to describe conditions that primarily affect the connective tissues surrounding the bones and joints. There are about 200 different conditions that fall into the categories of arthritis and rheumatism. These conditions affect different areas of the body, including joints, bones, muscles, tendons, skin and organs. Another difference between arthritis and rheumatism is that arthritis usually affects only the elderly or affects people more as they get older, but rheumatism can affect anyone at any age.
Arthritis is a disease of the joints and encompasses more than 100 conditions, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, septic arthritis and gout. Arthritis pain often results from wear and tear on the surrounding joints or muscles. As a result, arthritis usually gets worse as the day goes on. Arthritis pain can also occur due to inflammation, infection, or certain diseases. The pain can make it difficult for people to carry out daily activities such as holding a pen or pencil, typing, or going up and down stairs.
Rheumatism is an inflammatory disease of connective tissues such as muscles, tendons and ligaments. It can affect joints and bones, but is mostly associated with muscles and other tissues that surround bones and joints. Rheumatism can also affect the skin, heart and other organs. Some of the various forms of rheumatic ailments include bursitis, fibrositis, myositis, rheumatoid arthritis, rheumatoid fever, and neck and back pain.
The pain of rheumatism often results from an autoimmune disease, in which the immune system begins attacking the surrounding joints and muscles. While there’s no hard evidence, some people suggest that cold and humidity might also play a role in causing rheumatoid pain. The pain associated with rheumatism is usually worse in the morning when the muscles are stiff from the night. As the day progresses, however, the muscles and joints warm up from the movement and the pain often subsides.
The similarity between arthritis and rheumatism is that both conditions are chronic, meaning they are long-term conditions. Both are difficult to treat and can have crippling effects on the body if left untreated. Treatment options for arthritis and rheumatism include the use of pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs. In the case of arthritis, physical therapy, moderate exercise, and weight management can help keep symptoms under control.
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