Rheumatism is not a disease in its own right. It is is a collective term for various diseases of the musculoskeletal system which can cause pain in muscles, tendons, joints, bones or connective tissue. connective tissue. Rheumatism includes a group of more than than 100 different diseases. Rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout and fibromyalgia fibromyalgia are just a few examples.

The causes of rheumatism depend on the disease in question. Autoimmune processes, genetic factors, environmental factors and inflammation are often responsible for the development. The symptoms are also disease-specific, with pain, stiffness, swelling swelling, restricted mobility and fatigue are common.