rheumatism
Meaning of rheumatism: Rheumatism is a broad, nonspecific term for pain and stiffness affecting joints, muscles, and related connective tissue, rather than a single diagnosis.
Definition of rheumatism
Rheumatism is a general, nonspecific term traditionally used to describe pain, stiffness, and inflammation affecting the joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. It is not itself a single medical diagnosis but rather an older, broad label applied to a wide range of conditions causing this kind of discomfort.
Conditions historically described as rheumatism include various forms of arthritis, tendinitis, and other disorders affecting the musculoskeletal system. The term arose before many of these conditions were distinguished from one another through modern diagnostic testing and imaging.
Because rheumatism does not point to a specific cause or treatment, health professionals generally use a more precise diagnosis, such as a particular type of arthritis, when identifying and managing the underlying condition responsible for a person's joint or muscle symptoms.
Used in a sentence
The patient described longstanding rheumatism affecting the hands and knees.
Good to know
Rheumatism is a lay and historical term rather than a specific diagnosis, so a more precise condition, such as a specific type of arthritis, is generally identified in current medical use.
Word origin
Where “rheumatism” comes from
Formed from Greek rheuma, meaning flow or discharge, from rhein, meaning to flow, reflecting an old belief that the condition resulted from bodily fluid flowing into the joints.