As an internal medicine specialist, we are highly trained to diagnose and treat rheumatic diseases, which are also called musculoskeletal diseases. This includes a large group of painful conditions affecting joints, bones, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and muscles.
Rheumatic diseases are characterized by pain, inflammation, and a subsequent loss of function or movement. In some cases, these diseases can affect your internal organs, eyes, skin, and nervous system. You might experience any of the following joint symptoms:
Stiffness
Pain or tenderness
Inflammation, redness, or warmth
Loss of movement
Extreme fatigue is another common symptom of rheumatic disease. Research shows that severe fatigue affects 41-57% of patients with a single rheumatic disease, such as arthritis, lupus, or ankylosing spondylitis. At least 82% of those with fibromyalgia struggle with extreme fatigue, where it's a core symptom.