Rheumatology deals with the diagnosis and treatment of rheumatic diseases. These involve problems of the joints and allied conditions of the connective tissue.

Rheumatism refers to various painful medical conditions which affect bones, joints, muscles, tendons. It may also involve internal organs including, heart, skin, kidneys and lungs.

Rheumatism has been more specifically classified, based on location and characteristics of symptoms. Rheumatic diseases and conditions primarily affect joints, tendons, ligaments, bones, and muscles. They are characterized by the signs of inflammation - redness, heat, swelling, and pain. They are also characterized by loss of function among one or more connective or supportive structures of the body. These diseases can also affect internal organs.

Some people use the word arthritis to refer to all rheumatic diseases. Arthritis, which literally means joint inflammation, is just part of the rheumatic diseases.

Arthritis primarily involves:

• Joint pain

• Joint stiffness

• Joint inflammation

• Joint damage

Rheumatism and rheumatic disease are terms which can be used interchangeably. The various types of arthritis, however, are just part of the rheumatic diseases.

Arthritis must not be neglected. If that done then almost invariably the patient will be crippled and become dependent on others even for his daily activities, and may lose mobility as well as means of livelihood. Hence Arthritis must be treated.

Treatment of Arthritis

a) Relief from pain
b) Encouragement for greater functioning or mobility of joints
c) Prevention of deformities and disabilities.

This is achieved by a combination of :

a) Physical Methods such as, Heat therapy, Hydrotherapy, Short wave diathermy, Infrared lamps, etc.
b) By intelligent use of surgical operations, minor or major.
c) Drug therapy which is the main stay for Arthritis Management.

Physiotherapy is vital in the treatment of many rheumatological disorders. Occupational therapy can help patients finding alternative ways for common movements which would otherwise be restricted by their disease. Various other ancillary therapies are available like Acupressure, Magneto therapy, etc.

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