In brief
- Rheumatism is an umbrella term for more than 100 inflammatory rheumatic diseases affecting joints, muscles, tendons and organs.
- Rheumatoid arthritis, lupus erythematosus and psoriatic arthritis are among the most common forms.
- Inflammation in joints and soft tissues causes pain, restricted movement and fatigue.
- Medications such as NSAIDs, biologics and DMARDs help control the inflammation and ease pain.
- A balanced diet, regular exercise and physiotherapy support treatment and well-being.
What is rheumatism?
Rheumatism is an umbrella term for more than 100 different inflammatory rheumatic diseases that primarily affect joints, tendons, muscles and the musculoskeletal system.
But not only the musculoskeletal system can be affected – organs, vessels and the immune system can also suffer from these diseases.
Particularly well known is rheumatoid arthritis, an inflammatory joint disease that usually affects the hands, fingers or knees.
It often leads to severe joint pain and can seriously impair the affected joint.
Lupus erythematosus, psoriatic arthritis and vasculitis also belong to the rheumatic diseases.
Rheumatism affects people of all ages – even children can develop juvenile arthritis.
Who gets rheumatism?
Rheumatism can affect anyone, regardless of age or sex.
Women, however, are more frequently affected by inflammatory rheumatic diseases than men.
Children and adolescents can also be affected, with juvenile arthritis being a special form of the disease.
This variety shows that rheumatism is a condition that can occur at different stages of life and requires individual adaptation of treatment.
Causes & risk factors of rheumatism
The exact cause of many rheumatic diseases is not yet fully understood.
Autoimmune reactions play a central role: the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own joint capsules, cartilage or bones and triggers inflammation.
The most important risk factors include:
| Risk factor | Description |
|---|---|
| Genetic predisposition | Rheumatism often runs in families. |
| Environmental factors | Infections, smoking or certain chemicals increase the risk. |
| Hormonal influences | Women are affected more frequently than men. |
| Diet | An unbalanced diet can promote inflammatory processes. |
Typical symptoms & course of the disease
Rheumatic complaints usually develop gradually.
Early signs are joint pain, morning stiffness and increasing restriction of movement.
Pain frequently appears first in the hands or knees.
Left untreated, these symptoms can lead to serious deformation or destruction of the joint.
Over the course of the disease, the following symptoms can occur:
- Swelling and warmth of the joints
- Weariness and fatigue
- Muscle weakness and pain syndromes
- Severe movement restrictions up to deformation of the joints
Some inflammatory rheumatic diseases also affect the organs and can damage, for example, the heart, lungs or vessels.
How is rheumatism diagnosed?
An early diagnosis is decisive for avoiding permanent damage to joints, muscles and bones.
Important examination methods are:
- History & physical examination – The doctor checks mobility and pain points.
- Blood tests – Inflammation values, rheumatoid factors or antibodies can provide clues.
- Imaging – MRI, ultrasound or X-ray show changes in the joints.
What treatment options are there?
Rheumatism is not curable, but with the right treatment you can ease your complaints and slow its progression.
1. Medication
- NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) ease pain and inflammation.
- Cortisone can suppress acute joint inflammation.
- Biologics & DMARDs (disease-modifying drugs) intervene specifically in the immune system.
2. Physiotherapy & exercise
Regular exercise is essential for strengthening the muscles and keeping the joints mobile.
Special exercises for the hands, knees, hips and back help maintain mobility.
Physiotherapy can help with rheumatism by improving the mobility of the joints and easing pain through targeted exercises and techniques.
Regular physiotherapy treatments also strengthen the muscles around the affected joints, which can lead to better stability and a reduction in inflammatory reactions.
3. Diet & lifestyle
- An anti-inflammatory diet with omega-3 fatty acids (e.g. fish, nuts) can help.
- Avoiding too much sugar, red meat and alcohol can reduce inflammation.
- Stress management and sufficient sleep promote well-being.
4. Alternative treatments
Some patients report positive effects from acupuncture, osteopathy or medicinal plants such as frankincense.
However, you should always discuss these methods with your doctor.
Living with rheumatism: tips for everyday life
To make everyday life with rheumatoid arthritis or other joint diseases easier, the following help:
| Measure | Description |
|---|---|
| Ergonomic aids | Aids for household and work to relieve the joints. |
| Gentle forms of exercise | Activities such as yoga or swimming to promote mobility. |
| Heat and cold therapy | Pain relief through the targeted application of heat or cold. |
Rheumatism and its influence on life in older age
Rheumatic diseases affect not only younger adults but are also a burden in older age.
Especially in older people, rheumatoid arthritis or gout can affect mobility and general well-being.
Those affected often experience a deterioration in their general condition, characterised by joint pain, weariness and movement restrictions.
In old age, rheumatic diseases are often combined with other health problems, making treatment more complex.
It is therefore particularly important to develop a tailored therapy that considers both rheumatic symptoms and other age-related conditions.
Medication, physiotherapy and active exercise play a central role in maintaining your quality of life and minimising movement restrictions.
Diet and the right everyday support, for example through ergonomic aids or accessibility at home, can help you manage daily life despite rheumatic diseases in older age.
For the course of your disease, it is important to start therapy early to slow its progression and relieve the musculoskeletal system.
The psychological burden of rheumatism
Rheumatism burdens not only your body but also challenges your mental strength.
Constant pain and uncertainty about the course of the disease often lead to exhaustion or social withdrawal.
When the muscles weaken through inactivity, emotional resilience usually decreases as well.
But you can actively counteract this: methods such as cognitive behavioural therapy, mindfulness training or exchange in support groups help you cope better with pain syndromes.
A comprehensive approach of medical help and mental support gives you back more quality of life and control over your everyday life.
Diet in rheumatism: influence on inflammation
A colourful, balanced selection of fresh foods – like on this autumnal snack board – can not only have an anti-inflammatory effect but also boost general well-being.
The right balance is important.
Diet has a great influence on the course of inflammatory rheumatic diseases.
There are certain foods that promote inflammation, while others can help suppress it.
Especially omega-3 fatty acids, found in oily fish such as salmon or in plant sources such as linseed and walnuts, have an anti-inflammatory effect and can ease the symptoms of rheumatic diseases.
Antioxidants, found in fresh vegetables and fruit, also play an important role in reducing inflammation.
A plant-based diet has proven particularly beneficial for those affected by rheumatoid arthritis.
A balanced diet with plenty of vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats can supply your body with the necessary nutrients while reducing inflammation.
Those affected should also try to avoid inflammation-promoting foods such as sugar and unhealthy fats.
Practical dietary tips for people with rheumatism include using olive oil as a healthy source of fat, eating more green leafy vegetables and drinking anti-inflammatory teas such as ginger or green tea.
Rheumatism and exercise: how much is healthy?
Regular exercise is of decisive importance for the musculoskeletal system, especially with inflammatory rheumatic diseases.
Those affected by rheumatoid arthritis and other joint diseases benefit enormously from gentle movement exercises that strengthen the muscles and maintain the mobility of the affected joints.
Swimming, yoga and gentle strength training are particularly suitable, as they are easy on the tendons, muscles and bones while promoting freedom of movement.
It is important to adapt the exercise individually.
You should train your hands, knees and hips regularly in particular to avoid movement restrictions.
Light stretching exercises can help you increase your flexibility, while targeted strengthening exercises support the muscles.
Suffering from rheumatism?
Book an appointment here at our physiotherapy practice in Cologne and let our experts advise you on the best treatment options for easing your symptoms.