Rheumatic diseases are usually not curable because the causes and pathogenesis are not clear and may be related to a variety of factors such as infection, genetics, physical and chemical factors, sex hormones, environment, diet and exercise. Common rheumatic diseases such as rheumatic fever, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus and ankylosing spondylitis cannot be generalised.
With active and effective treatment, about 70% of patients with acute rheumatic fever can return to normal within 2 to 3 months; rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus and ankylosing spondylitis can be completely remitted in the majority of patients without affecting normal life and work as long as they are treated early and regularly.