Rheumatic Diseases

Rheumatic diseases are a group of disorders affecting the muscles, tendons, ligaments and bones that cause pain, stiffness, and swelling. They can affect one or more joints, as well as other organs throughout the body. Common rheumatic diseases include rheumatoid arthritis, gout, osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, lupus, and fibromyalgia. These diseases can cause pain and disability, and can sometimes lead to complications such as heart disease, eye problems, and lung problems. Treatment typically involves lifestyle changes, medications, and sometimes surgery. Early diagnosis and treatment can help to reduce the severity of the symptoms, reduce the risk of complications, and improve quality of life.