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Arthritis Diseases

Osteoarthritis (OA)
OA affects an approximately 26.9 million of the U.S. adults, and 80% of patients with OA have some degree of movement limitation. Osteoarthritis is characterized by cartilage and bony degeneration of the joints as well as bony overgrowth. The breakdown of these tissues eventually leads to pain and joint stiffness. OA often affects the knees, hips, hands and spine. Treatment for OA focuses on relieving symptoms and improving function, and can include a combination of patient education, physical therapy, weight control, and use of medications

Gout
Gout is caused by deposition of uric acid crystals in tissues and fluids within the body. Acute gout usually manifested itself as red, hot, and swollen joint with excruciating pain. These acute gouty flares respond to treatment with oral anti-inflammatory medicines and may be prevented with medication and diet changes. Recurrent gout flares can lead to degenerative arthritis.

Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a syndrome characterized by a widespread muscular pains and fatigue. Fibromyalgia is treated with patient education, pharmacological and nonpharmacologic therapies. Exercise has been shown to improve outcomes for people with fibromyalgia.

Osteoporosis and Osteopenia
Osteoporosis and osteopenia are diseases of the skeletal system characterized by low bone mass and deterioration of bone tissue. Osteoporosis leads to an increase risk of bone fractures typically in the wrist, hip, and spine. A large decline in bone mass occurs in older adults, increasing the risk of osteoporosis. For women this occurs around the time of menopause. Inadequate calcium consumption and physical activity could result in a failure to achieve peak bone mass in adulthood.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune systemic inflammatory disease that mostly involves the joints of the body. Chronic inflammation of the joints can lead to joint destructions and deformity, which may eventually lead to disability. RA can begin at any age and is associated with fatigue and prolonged stiffness after rest. There is no cure for RA, but new drugs are increasingly available to treat the disease.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system produces antibodies to cells within the body. This process leads to widespread inflammation and tissue damage. The causes of SLE are unknown but are believed to be linked to genetic, environmental, and hormonal factors. SLE can involve various organs and tissues including the joints, skin, brain, lungs, kidneys, and blood vessels. SLE patients often experience fatigue, pain or swelling in joints, skin rashes, and fevers during the flares.

Sjögren's Syndrome
Sjögren's Syndrome is a systemic autoimmune disease involving the glands especially the salivary and/or tear glands that results in dry eyes and dry mouth. Some people with Sjogren's syndrome also experience one or more of the following symptoms such as skin rashes, dry skin, vaginal dryness, persistent dry cough, prolonged fatigue, joint pain, swelling and stiffness. Sjogren's syndrome often accompanies other immune-system disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.

Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS)
AS is a form of arthritis that primarily affects the spine and the hallmark feature of AS is the involvement of the sacroiliac joints during the progression of the disease. The inflammation of the spinal joints can lead to severe, chronic pain and discomfort. In the most advanced cases, chronic inflammation can lead to new bone formation on the spine, causing the spine to fuse in a fixed, immobile position. Shoulders, hips, ribs, heels and small joints of the hands and feet can also be involved. Sometimes the eyes, lungs and heart can be involved. Recent studies show that the new biologic medications can potentially slow or halt the disease progression in some people.

Psoriatic Arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis is an arthritis that is often associated with psoriasis of the skin. The arthritis may be mild and involve only a few joints, particularly those at the end of the fingers or toes. In some people the disease may be severe and affect many joints, including the spine. When the spine is affected, the symptoms are stiffness, burning, and pain, most often in the lower spine and sacrum. People who also have arthritis usually have the skin and nail changes of psoriasis. Often, the skin gets worse at the same time as the arthritis.

Systemic Vasculitis
The systemic vasculitides are characterized by inflammation of blood vessel walls. Vessels of any type, in any organ can be affected, resulting in a broad spectrum of signs and symptoms. The diagnosis relies on the recognition of a compatible clinical presentation supported by specific laboratory or imaging tests and confirmatory histology. Treatment is based on clinical presentation and the pattern of organ involvement. Glucocorticoids are the primary treatment for many forms of vasculitis. Additional immunosuppressive agents are occasionally required. Newer approaches, such as the use of anti-tumor necrosis factor or B cell therapies, are being tried in resistant cases

 

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