rheumatism
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rheumatism
A general term for various painful diseases of the musculoskeletal system that affect the joints, muscles, tendons, or bones and are often accompanied by inflammation.
Wegen seines Rheumas fallen ihm Bewegungen am Morgen besonders schwer.
Because of his rheumatism, movements are especially difficult for him in the morning.
When expressing that someone has this illness, 'Rheuma' (rheumatism) is often used without an article, like other disease names. So you say 'er hat Rheuma' (he has rheumatism).
Meine Tante hat seit vielen Jahren Rheuma in den Händen.
My aunt has had rheumatism in her hands for many years.
Common phrases are 'Rheuma haben' (to have rheumatism), 'an Rheuma leiden' (to suffer from rheumatism), or 'etwas gegen Rheuma tun' (to do something for/against rheumatism). It is often combined with body parts such as 'in den Gelenken' (in the joints) or 'in den Fingern' (in the fingers).
Viele ältere Menschen leiden an Rheuma.
Many older people suffer from rheumatism.
'Rheuma' (rheumatism) is a general term for many different diseases. In everyday language, the word is used almost exclusively in the singular.
Der Arzt diagnostizierte bei ihm Rheuma.
The doctor diagnosed him with rheumatism.
arthritis
'Arthritis' and 'Rheuma' both have to do with pain and problems in the musculoskeletal system, especially often in the joints. 'Arthritis' is more precise: it refers to inflammation in one or more joints. 'Rheuma' is broader and is used as a general term for various diseases of the joints, muscles, tendons, or bones. The words can be confused because pain and inflammation can occur with both. If joint inflammation is meant, 'Arthritis' is more precise. If you are speaking generally about such painful conditions, 'Rheuma' is more appropriate.
Rheuma macht ihm besonders an kalten Tagen starke Schmerzen in den Händen.
Rheumatism causes him severe pain in his hands, especially on cold days.
Die Ärztin sagt, dass die Schwellung im Knie von einer Arthritis kommt.
The doctor says that the swelling in the knee comes from arthritis.