Rheumatology deals with the diagnosis and treatment of non-traumatic disorders of the musculoskeletal system. In rheumatology, we distinguish between six different areas: crystal-induced arthritis, osteoarthritis or arthrosis, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, spondyloarthritis, and systemic diseases. Rheumatology also deals with bone metabolism.
All these disorders can cause joint problems. Some rheumatological disorders are also accompanied by other symptoms and affect, for example, the skin or other organs such as the lungs or intestines.

Scleroderma is a rare condition and a form of rheumatism. It is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system also attacks the body's healthy cells. It causes thickening and hardening of the skin, but it can also affect organs such as the heart, kidneys and lungs. Anyone can develop scleroderma, but it mainly affects women between the ages of 30 and 50. Another name for it is systemic sclerosis, which refers to the damage to the internal organs. Joint problems or abnormalities in the blood vessels can also occur. The cause is not yet known.