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  By definition, according to the Oxford Dictionary, rheumatism is "inflammation and pain of joints, muscles, or connective tissue." Arthritis is "painful inflammation and stiffness of the joints". The key difference is that although both affect the joints, rheumatism also affects the muscles and connective tissue (arthritis only affects the joints). People usually don't differentiate between the types of pain or the causes - they call it all "arthritis". Is it important to know the difference? Yes. Both arthritis and rheumatism can affect any joint in the body; but, the usual first places where arthritis is noticed are the joints that are used more often than others, such as the fingers, neck and knees. Rheumatism can affect any muscle and joint, but it is more common in areas where there is frequent overload (arms, upper back, hips, legs). Causes and usual medical care The pain and stiffness of arthritis is usually caused by the narrowing of the space between the joints and then the shrinking of the cartilage that covers the ends of the bones, resulting in bone rubbing against bone. The usual medical treatment is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as Motrin or ibuprofen. When joint degeneration becomes severe, if the joint can be replaced, it is. Rheumatic pain is caused by inflammation of the affected muscle, joint or tissue. This is usually the result of overuse, repetition or using the affected part "in the wrong way". For example, a common area of ​​rheumatic pain in frequent computer users is the trapezius muscle in the upper back of whichever arm the person uses the mouse. Frequent movement of the arm from the mouse to the keyboard and back again. This repetitive motion is exacerbated if the mouse and computer are at different heights - then the incorrect use of the arm is added. Rheumatism can also be triggered by stress or emotional turmoil. Typical treatment for rheumatism is NSAIDs and rest. There is no surgical option because there is nothing to replace - there is no damage to the joint. A homeopathic case Dan, 75, was a healthy farmer who complained of upper back pain. He went to his chiropractor who said it was arthritis and recommended calcium supplements and chiropractic care. When he didn't get better, he sought my care because he didn't want to "go the medical route." Since the chiropractor did not take x-rays, there was no way to tell if Dan had arthritis or rheumatism. An x-ray would show a narrowing of the joint space, confirming arthritis. Based on the case, I concluded that Dan's problem was rheumatism. His pain occurred after lifting feed bags, during intercourse, and during emotional upset (they were trying to sell their farm and house). The pain wasn't constant, it didn't depend on the weather, and there was no stiffness. The pain did not radiate, but was concentrated between the shoulder blades and limited. When he was in emotional turmoil, the pain came and was severe. He had to stop and rest during intercourse or after lifting feed bags to ease the pain. He took baby aspirin, which helped (he was averse to taking medication); but he was bothered by all the bruises he had (a side effect of taking aspirin). There are 3 key homeopathies that help with typical rheumatic pains: Arnica Montaña, Rutha graveolent and Arhus toxic dendron. Arnica montane is great for sprains, strains, back and muscle pain. Rhys toxic dendron is for sore joints, lower back pain and pain between the shoulder blades. Rutha graveolent is one of the best remedies for joints and tendons. Great for repetitive use injuries. I gave Arhus tax based on Dan's symptoms and the findings in his evaluation. I also recommended a glucosamine supplement to help stabilize the upper back joints and to stop taking the calcium supplement. A month after taking Rhys tix, Dan's symptoms improved only . He didn't take glucosamine because of the price. I was doing a study of Cell Salts at the time and decided that Calcarean fluoric was very like Dan's symptoms, which is very like Rohus tux (eg better with heat and after movement). The thing that stuck in my mind, though, was that Calcarean fluoric had a mental symptom that matched .