Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease where your immune system attacks your joints. RA can affect multiple joints simultaneously. The joints in your hands, wrists, and knees are the... Understanding Rheumatism: Symptoms and Treatments Rheumatism historically encompassed a variety of conditions causing chronic, often intermittent, pain in the joints or connective tissue. In contemporary medical terminology, it is more precisely defined and classified into specific disorders. Understanding rheumatism’s symptoms, causes, and treatments is essential for managing this often debilitating condition. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) affects joints but also eyes, lungs, and other body systems. RA can increase the risk of osteoporosis, leading to bone loss and weakness. RA medications can cause skin sensitivity to sunlight, so sun protection is important. The term rheumatism stems from the Late Latin rheumatismus, ultimately from Greek ῥευματίζομαι "to suffer from a flux", with rheum meaning bodily fluids, i.e., any discharge of blood or bodily fluid.
