Soft-tissue (non-articular) rheumatism

Abstract

Arthritis is the name given to diseases of joints and their attached structures. Rheumatic pain arising in tissues other than the joints is called soft tissue or non-articular rheumatism. At the same time it should be remembered that inflammation of a tendon (tenosynovitis) well away from a joint may be the first sign of rheumatoid arthritis, that is, arthritis may start with non-articular symptoms. Pain apparently arising in the soft tissues may in fact be referred from elsewhere (usually the spine). Generalized soft-tissue rheumatism (occurring in many areas at once) is a well-known feature of certain systemic illnesses. Non-articular rheumatism may also be a manifestation of certain psychological disturbances.