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
Both words can refer to painful complaints affecting the joints or the musculoskeletal system. Arthritis is more specifically an inflammatory joint disease, whereas Rheuma is commonly used as a general term for various such diseases. Use Arthritis for a precise diagnosis and Rheuma as a general term.
Wegen seines Rheumas tun ihm bei kaltem Wetter oft die Gelenke weh.
Because of his rheumatism, his joints often hurt in cold weather.
Der Arzt stellte bei ihr Arthritis im Knie fest.
The doctor diagnosed her with arthritis in her knee.
