Rheumatism is the number one common disease

First of all: Rheumatism is not a single disease. Rather, rheumatism serves as a collective term for more than 200 painful diseases. These can be of very different nature or origin. The course or the damage they cause is also varied. What they all have in common is that they are mainly found in the musculoskeletal system and in the connective and supporting tissue. Therefore, pain occurs in bones, joints or soft tissues (muscles, tendons, bursa, etc.).

In most cases, rheumatic diseases can be divided into two categories: inflammatory and non-inflammatory rheumatism. Women are affected about twice as often as men. And: Rheumatism is the number one common disease in Switzerland and incurs higher costs than any other non-communicable disease.

inflammatory rheumatism

Inflammatory rheumatism includes all types and forms of arthritis. So all kinds of joint inflammation and many different reasons. Even if they are the result of, for example, a bacterial or viral infection. Inflammatory diseases of the spine, joints and vessels and connective tissue diseases also fall into this category.

The most common of the inflammatory forms is called rheumatoid arthritis. It typically presents with day and night joint pain, joint stiffness lasting at least an hour in the morning, and swelling in the joints, accompanied by a general feeling of sickness, fatigue and exhaustion. In the early stages, only a few joints are usually affected. However, after a certain time, in almost all cases, the so-called polyarthritis develops, which is inflammation of many joints, both larger and smaller, in the body. The knuckles and wrists are often affected.

Rapid diagnosis is important for inflammatory rheumatism. The first few months after the onset of the disease are very important. In this so-called ‘therapeutic window’, the immunological process can still be stopped, or at least modified in the long run.

Diagnosis and treatment of inflammatory rheumatic diseases

The diagnosis is always made on the basis of several findings. Namely, physical examination, laboratory results and X-ray examination. Changes and levels of inflammation, anemia or various antibodies specific for rheumatism can be detected in the blood. On X-rays, the doctor can see if there are any changes in the joints.

The goal of therapy is to prevent the destruction of more and more joints. Various treatment methods are available for this purpose. These include treatment with pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory drugs, cortisone injections or physiotherapy and occupational therapy. It is not yet possible to completely cure rheumatism. However, the symptoms can be alleviated. However, in most cases, rheumatism takes a chronic course and progresses gradually.

So-called biologics have also been available to rheumatologists for about 15 years. Valérie Krafft of Rheumaliga Schweiz explains: “These drugs can be used to slow or to some extent stop the disease process. They give those affected the opportunity to lead a normal life and greatly improve their quality of life.”

non-inflammatory rheumatism

Degenerative or non-inflammatory rheumatic diseases include age-related or wear-related diseases such as osteoporosis or arthrosis. These are very common and are particularly common in older periods. But even at a younger age, he can suffer from premature cartilage damage. For example, due to an accident, incorrect positions on the skeleton, excessive stress or metabolic problems. The therapy here varies from clinical picture to clinical picture.

It includes non-inflammatory rheumatism, all kinds of back pain, cartilage deterioration, bone and connective tissue diseases and soft tissue rheumatism.

In this form of rheumatic diseases, the focus is on the fight against pain. Medication is almost always used for this. “Exercise is particularly important for keeping joints healthy,” says Valérie Krafft. Even if the disease has already broken out. In many cases, this can prevent the need for excessive medication or surgery at an early stage.

living with rheumatism

“These days, rheumatism is no longer a fatality,” explains Valérie Krafft. “However, you need a few framework conditions, you need to organize yourself.” Thanks to new drugs, the inflammatory process can be stopped. “This means that someone who walks 30 kilometers a day still does 15 with the disease.”

The expert emphasizes: “Often you go to an orthopedist with joint problems quickly, but in most cases the rheumatologist will suffice and they will recover in a short time.”