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What is a Rheumatic Disease and What Causes it?

Nov 21, 2018 | Texas Partners Healthcare Group

A Rheumatic disease is one that can affect your joints, muscles, bones, tendons, and ligaments. In more rare cases, rheumatic disease can even affect various bodily organs. Joints are most commonly affected as a result of a rheumatic disease. There are over 100 different types of rheumatic diseases in existence. These types of diseases typically all share a common trait in that they cause inflammation in the body that connects the above mentioned connecting and supporting structures and tissues.

Arthritis falls under the category of a Rheumatic disease and is probably the most common type in the category, while there is a multitude of different kinds of arthritis to be considered. The name “arthritis” itself actually translates to “joint inflammation.” While different types of arthritis are common, rheumatic diseases, in general, affect more than 46 million Americans.

The most common symptoms of Rheumatic diseases often include:

Other less common symptoms can include:

What causes Rheumatic Disease?

The main factor involved with rheumatic diseases is the failure of the immune system to function properly. The immune system rebels against the body and attacks its own tissues. Doctors are not entirely sure what causes this, however, many believe it is a defect in one’s genes, and some believe that it is a result of a reaction to various environmental factors, such as pollution, etc. Many doctors believe it is a combination of both genes and environmental factors. Rheumatic diseases are more commonly found in males and are more common from middle-aged and older.

Some of the most common Rheumatic diseases include:

Osteoarthritis

This is one of the most common types of arthritis, which typically results in the destruction of the cartilage. The cartilage is the soft tissue surrounding the area where bones and joints connect in order to form a sort of cushion.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

this is an autoimmune disorder where the synovium is attacked by the immune system. The synovium is a soft tissue that lines the joints.

Lupus

this type of rheumatic disease occurs when the immune system attacks various healthy cells and tissues, it can affect various parts of the body including the organs.

Gout

this is a type of arthritis that develops when crystals of uric acid deposit into the joints. It is commonly found on one’s big toe.

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis

this type of arthritis is the most common that is found in children. It often includes symptoms other than the common joint pain and swelling, but also fever and rashes.

How to get relief from your Rheumatic Disease

It is dependent upon the type of rheumatic disease that you are suffering from as to how your doctor will want to treat it, and there is usually no single medication or treatment for these types of diseases. There are various medications used in treatment, while some just relieve symptoms, others can potentially result in positive changes in health. The different medications, dependent upon the disease, often include:

Aside from medication, your doctor will also likely inform you about other ways to get relief from your condition such as:

Often the best relief will be found with a combination of medication and alternative therapies. Living with a rheumatic disease can be life altering, and here at Texas Partners Healthcare Group we understand and are devoted to helping you to find relief from your pain. If you have any questions or would like to come to see us about our various pain management techniques, please don’t hesitate to contact our Frisco pain management clinic today.