Rheumatic Disease Encyclopedia

What is a Rheumatic Disease?

Rheumatic diseases, also known as rheumatism, are conditions that causes pain, inflammation and swelling in the joints, muscles and connective tissues, often resulting in immune dysfunction. There are approximately 100-150 rheumatic disorders currently known, many of which are autoimmune disorders. 

Rheumatic Disease and Autoimmune Disorders

Not all rheumatic diseases are autoimmune disorders. While many rheumatic diseases, like rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus, are autoimmune in nature, others are caused by different factors such as wear and tear on joints (e.g., osteoarthritis), infections (e.g., bacterial arthritis), or crystal deposition (e.g., gout). Rheumatic diseases encompass a broad range of conditions affecting joints, muscles and connective tissues, with varying underlying causes.

Most Common Rheumatic Diseases

Diseases marked with an asterisk (*) indicate autoimmune disorders.

Ankylosing Spondylitis*: A type of arthritis that causes inflammation of the spine and large joints, leading to stiffness and pain.

Bacterial Arthritis: Also known as septic arthritis, is a severe joint infection caused by bacteria, leading to rapid joint inflammation, pain, swelling and potential joint damage if untreated.

Behçet's Disease: A rare disorder that causes blood vessel inflammation throughout the body, leading to mouth sores, eye inflammation, skin rashes and joint pain. Behçet's Disease is a form of vasculitis. 

Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursae, small fluid-filled sacs that cushion bones, tendons, and muscles near joints, often causing pain in areas like the shoulder, elbow, or hip.

Dermatomyositis*: Similar to polymyositis, but also involves skin rashes along with muscle weakness.

Gout: A form of arthritis caused by the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints, leading to intense pain and inflammation.

Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA)*: The most common form of arthritis in children, causing persistent joint inflammation.

Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (MCTD)*: A rare autoimmune disease that combines features of lupus, scleroderma and polymyositis.

Osteoarthritis (OA): A degenerative joint disease that results from the breakdown of cartilage, leading to pain and stiffness.

Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR)*: An inflammatory disorder that causes muscle pain and stiffness, particularly in the shoulders and hips.

Polymyositis*: An inflammatory muscle disease causing weakness and inflammation in the muscles.

Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA)*: A type of arthritis associated with the skin condition psoriasis, characterized by joint pain and swelling.

Reactive Arthritis (Reiter’s Syndrome)*: An autoimmune condition that develops in response to an infection elsewhere in the body, leading to joint pain and inflammation.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)*: An autoimmune disorder that primarily affects joints, (but can also affect the organs) causing pain, swelling and eventual joint deformity.

Scleroderma*: A group of autoimmune diseases that cause hardening and tightening of the skin and connective tissues.

Sjögren’s Syndrome*: An autoimmune disorder that primarily causes dry eyes, dry mouth and joint pain, but can also affect other organs.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)*:  An autoimmune disease that affects the skin, joints, kidneys and other organs. 

Vasculitis*: Inflammation of the blood vessels, which can affect organs and tissues throughout the body.

CBD Oil and Rheumatic Disorders

CBD oil may help manage symptoms of rheumatic disorders by providing anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects. It interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in regulating pain and immune responses. Some potential benefits of CBD oil for rheumatic disorders include:

• Reducing inflammation: CBD has anti-inflammatory properties that may help lower the immune system's overactive response seen in many rheumatic diseases.
• Pain relief: CBD may alleviate chronic pain associated with conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis by influencing pain receptors.
• Improving sleep: Since pain and inflammation can disrupt sleep, CBD may help improve sleep quality, contributing to better overall well-being.
• Supporting mental health: CBD may help reduce anxiety and depression, which are common in individuals with chronic conditions like rheumatic and autoimmune disorders.

Rheumatic Diseases FAQ's:

What causes rheumatic diseases?

Rheumatic diseases can be caused by autoimmune disease, wear and tear on joints, genetic factors, infections or crystal deposits in joints (e.g., gout).

How are rheumatic diseases diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically involves a combination of physical exams, blood tests (e.g., for inflammatory markers or autoantibodies to test for autoimmune disorders), imaging tests (X-rays, MRIs), family history and general assessment of symptoms.

What are the early signs of rheumatic diseases?

Early signs may include joint pain, stiffness, swelling, fatigue, fever, and, in some cases, skin rashes or other systemic symptoms.

Can a rheumatic disease be cured?

Most rheumatic diseases are chronic and cannot be cured, but they can be managed with medication, lifestyle changes and sometimes surgery to control symptoms and prevent progression.

Can diet affect rheumatic diseases?

Yes, certain diets can help manage symptoms. Anti-inflammatory diets rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids may help reduce inflammation, while avoiding processed foods and sugars can be beneficial. Many people with autoimmune disorders or rheumatic disorders find a Mediterranean diet to be beneficial.