What is "rheumatism"?

The term "rheumatism" is commonly used to refer to rheumatic diseases or conditions related to the muscles, joints, and connective tissues. However, it is important to note that the term "rheumatism" does not have a precise medical meaning and is used colloquially.

Historically, the term "rheumatism" has been used to describe a wide range of diseases and disorders related to the musculoskeletal system. In ancient times, "rheumatism" was believed to be caused by an imbalance of the bodily humors, according to the medical theory of the four humors proposed by Hippocrates in ancient Greece.

For centuries, "rheumatism" was considered a chronic and debilitating disease, with symptoms such as pain, inflammation and stiffness in the joints and muscles. As medicine advanced and scientific knowledge developed, "rheumatism" began to be understood as encompassing a variety of rheumatic diseases with different underlying causes and mechanisms.

At present, much progress has been made in the understanding and classification of rheumatic diseases, and better management and treatment of these conditions has been achieved. Medical research has made it possible to identify the causes, risk factors and pathological mechanisms involved in different rheumatic diseases, which has led to the development of more specific and effective therapeutic approaches.

It is important to highlight that, due to the lack of precision and specificity of the term "rheumatism", it is essential to seek an adequate medical diagnosis and consult with rheumatology specialists for management and treatment in the case of having any non-traumatic musculoskeletal pain.