Rheumatology Symptoms, Causes and Risk Factors

Symptoms, causes and risk factors of common rheumatic disorders  

Rheumatic disorders can affect different parts of the body with a range of symptoms. Typically, rheumatic conditions cause inflammation, autoimmune dysfunction, and tissue degeneration in the bones, joints, muscle, tendons and ligaments.

Some of the most common symptoms of rheumatic disorders include:

• Joint ache, pain, or tenderness
• Inflammation or swelling in the joints or affected area
• Stiffness or limited motion in the joints
• Fever or a general feeling of being unwell
• Tiredness or fatigue
• Weight loss

Many rheumatic conditions are autoimmune disorders, which means the body’s immune system starts attacking the body’s healthy tissues. The cause of this isn’t fully understood, but there are certain risk factors that may make you more likely to develop a rheumatic disease. These risk factors include:

• Genetics: The presence of certain genes may increase the risk for some rheumatic disorders. A family history of certain conditions may also increase the risk of developing that condition.
• Gender: Some rheumatic diseases are more common in certain genders. For example, rheumatoid arthritis and lupus are more common in women, while ankylosing spondylitis is more common in men.
• Medical history: Some infections have been linked to an increased risk for certain rheumatic diseases.
• Smoking: Tobacco use is a risk factor for conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.
• Weight: Being overweight or obese increases the risk of developing joint pain.

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of a rheumatic disorder, visit our Rheumatology clinic in Dubai today.