Non-articular Rheumatism includes which of the following?

• A. Only diffuse pain
• B. Diffuse and regional pain syndromes
• C. Inflammatory joint disease
• D. Joint deformities

Answer: (B)

Non-articular rheumatism refers to pain and rheumatic problems that come from soft tissues around the joints—tendons, ligaments, fascia, bursae, and muscles—rather than from the joint itself. Because the pain can be widespread or localized to a region, it encompasses both diffuse and regional pain syndromes. Inflammatory joint disease and joint deformities involve the joint structures themselves (the synovium, cartilage, and overall joint architecture), so they are considered articular, not non-articular. That’s why the description of non-articular rheumatism as including diffuse and regional pain syndromes is the best match. Examples include fibromyalgia (diffuse pain) and regional tendinopathies or bursitis (regional pain).