Rheumatism wrist

Rheumatism is a common condition and serves as an umbrella term for around 100 different chronic disorders. Rheumatism causes pain and stiffness in the muscles, joints and tendons.

Approximately 2.5 million people in the Netherlands experience long-lasting (chronic) rheumatic symptoms. Most of these complaints are idiopathic, meaning that the exact cause is unknown.

Although rheumatism cannot be cured, it can be managed with a combination of therapy, medication and various supportive devices. A mix of these approaches is often most effective.

What is rheumatoid arthritis in the wrist?

When we speak about “rheumatism,” we often refer to rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition.

Normally, the body produces antibodies to protect itself against illness. However, in an autoimmune disorder, the immune system mistakenly produces antibodies that attack the body’s own tissues — in this case, the structures inside the wrist joint.

As a result, the tissue in the wrist is seen as “foreign,” leading to inflammation, irritation and progressive joint damage.