Evidence based articles and expert guidance to help you better understand rheumatism.
Rheumatism is a general term commonly used to describe pain and stiffness affecting the joints, muscles or surrounding tissues. It is not a single medical condition, and symptoms described as rheumatism can have several different causes.
This knowledge hub brings together clear, patient-focused information about rheumatic pain, arthritis and symptoms affecting one or more joints. The articles explain some of the possible causes of musculoskeletal symptoms and when a specialist assessment may be helpful.
You can begin by reading about what rheumatic pain is and the difference between arthritis and rheumatism. If your symptoms affect more than one area, our guide to pain in multiple joints explores several possible explanations.
These articles are intended to help you understand the terminology, recognise symptoms that may need further investigation and have more informed conversations about your health.
“Rheumatism” is an older, non-specific term rather than the name of one particular disease. It may be used to describe pain, stiffness or reduced movement involving the joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments or other parts of the musculoskeletal system.
Symptoms described as rheumatism may be associated with osteoarthritis, inflammatory arthritis, autoimmune conditions, soft-tissue problems or injuries. Because these conditions can produce similar symptoms, establishing the underlying cause is important.
Symptoms may include:
These symptoms do not necessarily indicate inflammatory arthritis. A clinical assessment can help distinguish between inflammatory, mechanical and soft-tissue causes of pain.
The articles below address common questions about rheumatism, rheumatic pain and specialist assessment. Topics include:
Consider seeking medical advice if pain or stiffness persists, keeps returning or begins to affect your mobility and daily activities. Assessment may be particularly important if you develop unexplained joint swelling, warmth or redness, prolonged morning stiffness, pain in several joints or additional symptoms such as persistent fatigue.
A rheumatologist can investigate whether symptoms are related to an inflammatory condition, osteoarthritis, a connective-tissue disorder or another musculoskeletal problem. Our guide explaining what a private rheumatologist does provides more information about the assessment process.
Consultant Rheumatologist Dr Naveen Bhadauria provides careful assessment and personalised treatment planning for adults experiencing joint, muscle and musculoskeletal symptoms.
Pure Rheumatology London offers consultations at established clinic locations across London.
The articles within this knowledge hub are provided for general information only. They are not a substitute for individual medical advice, diagnosis or treatment from a qualified healthcare professional.
