Difficulties in lower extremities – Rheumatism

Rheumatism. Rheumatism, also known as lumbago, myositis and myalgia, unlike arthritis does not affect the joints, but concerns itself primarily with the muscles and ligaments. It may occur anywhere in the body except the joints, and is commonly found in the neck, back, shoulders, arms and legs. It is often thought to be a cold in the muscles.

The exact cause of rheumatism is not clear; however, over-

Fig. 139. Rheumatism concerns the muscles and ligaments, not the joints. Often called a cold in the muscle, it possibly is caused by infection and is influenced by weather conditions.

work and muscular strain are very much associated with this difficulty. Chilling, wet weather and body infections, also have the ability to initiate rheumatism attacks.

A diagnosis of rheumatism is often hard for the physician to make, because of other associated and similar diseases. For this reason the physician’s examination is important in this disease. An investigation of possible infection throughout the body must be made along with a search for physical faults possibly creating muscular strain. Education regarding dampness and coldness is also necessary as a preventive measure. The physician’s attention to these many details often effectively alleviates or prevents the difficulties of rheumatism so common to those past the age of fifty years.

1. Difficulties in lower extremities
2. Examining the lower extremities
3. Disease in lower extremities – Gout
4. Problems in the lower extremities – Varicose Veins
5. Problems in lower extremities – Corns, Calluses, and Bunions