Rheumatism is a term used to describe a group of conditions that affect the joints, tendons, muscles, ligaments, bones, and muscles. It is an umbrella term that refers to arthritis and several other conditions that cause pain and discomfort in the affected areas. The term "rheumatism" is not commonly used in modern medicine, and there are more than 200 distinct rheumatic diseases. Some of the most common rheumatic diseases include:

• Osteoarthritis: the most common form of arthritis, which occurs when the cartilage that protects a joint breaks down.
• Rheumatoid arthritis: an autoimmune disorder that occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue in the joints, causing inflammation, swelling, and pain.
• Lupus: an autoimmune disease that can affect many parts of the body, including the joints, skin, kidneys, heart, and lungs.
• Gout: a form of arthritis that occurs when urate crystals build up in a joint, usually in the big toe.
• Fibromyalgia: a rheumatic disorder that causes pain all over the body, sleep problems, fatigue, and often emotional and mental distress.

Rheumatic diseases can cause joint pain, loss of motion in a joint or joints, inflammation, swelling, redness, and warmth in a joint or affected area. If someone suspects they have a rheumatic disease, they should see a rheumatologist, a doctor who specializes in treating these conditions. Treatment for rheumatic diseases may include medications, regular exercise, a healthy diet, stress management, and rest.