What are the symptoms of rheumatism?
Disease description:
I have been feeling joint pain recently, especially on cloudy and rainy days when the pain becomes more noticeable. Sometimes my body also feels stiff, and I'm not as agile when moving around. I wonder if this could be rheumatism. What other symptoms are associated with rheumatism?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Yang Tiesheng
Manifestations of rheumatic diseases include:
1. Joint pain: This can present as a dull ache, sharp pain, or throbbing discomfort. The severity often varies with weather and seasonal changes; for example, pain may intensify during cold, humid weather.
2. Morning stiffness: Patients often experience stiffness and pain in affected joints, limbs, or the lower back after waking up or prolonged rest; symptoms typically improve with movement.
3. Joint swelling and tenderness: Swelling and tenderness are reliable indicators of the severity of the disease.
4. Skin symptoms: Such as erythematous rashes, skin eruptions, and photosensitivity, commonly seen in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.
5. Internal organ involvement: Some rheumatic diseases may affect organs such as the heart, lungs, and kidneys, causing corresponding symptoms such as pericarditis, pulmonary fibrosis, and nephritis.
6. Vasculitis: Manifested as symptoms of blood vessel inflammation, such as purpura, ulcers, and neuropathy.
7. General symptoms: Nonspecific symptoms including fatigue, fever, weight loss, and loss of appetite.
