rheumatism

Lawrence says: Rheumatism or rheumatic disorder is a non-specific term for medical problems affecting the joints and connective tissue.

The study of, and therapeutic interventions in, such disorders is called rheumatology.

"Rheumatism" is still used in colloquial speech and historical contexts, but is no longer frequently used in medical or technical literature; there is no longer any recognized disorder simply called "rheumatism." Some countries use the word rheumatism to describe fibromyalgia syndrome.

The traditional term covers such a range of different problems that to ascribe symptoms to "rheumatism" is not to say very much. Nevertheless, sources dealing with rheumatism tend to focus on arthritis.

However, "non-articular rheumatism", also known as "regional pain syndrome" or "soft tissue rheumatism" can cause significant discomfort and difficulty.

Furthermore, arthritis and rheumatism between them cover at least 200 different conditions.