Rheumatic diseases include common disorders such as osteoarthritis
or rarer conditions such as systemic lupus erythematosus
or scleroderma. These conditions can be life-threatening
or minor illnesses. The problems caused by the rheumatic diseases
include not only the obvious limitations in mobility and activities
of daily living but also the subtler systemic effects that can
lead to organ failure and death or result in problems such as pain,
fatigue, altered self-image, and sleep disturbances. The rheumatic
disease may be the patient’s primary health problem or a secondary
diagnosis. Thus, thorough understanding of rheumatic
diseases and their effects on the patient’s function and well-being
is the key to developing an appropriate plan of care.