Facts you should know about diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) DISH is characterized by unique, flowing calcification along the sides of the contiguous vertebrae of the spine. Symptoms of DISH include intermittent pains and stiffness in the areas of the bony changes of the spine and inflamed tendons. DISH is diagnosed when the characteristic flowing...
There are more than 30 joints in the ankle and feet. There are more than 30 joints in the ankle and feet. Arthritis can affect one or multiple joints in the feet. Excess weight, hereditary tendencies, old injuries, and poor footwear are a few predisposing factors of arthritis. There are over a hundred different types of...
What is a sedimentation rate? Readers Comments 16 Share Your Story A sedimentation rate blood test (erythrocyte sedimentation rate, ESR, or sed rate) measures how quickly red blood cells collect at the bottom of a container, revealing information about general inflammation levels in the body. It's non-specific and is part of screening for a variety...
Facts you should know about giant cell arteritis (GCA) Giant cell arteritis is a result of inflammation of arteries. Giant cell arteritis can lead to blindness and/or stroke. Giant cell arteritis is detected by a biopsy of an artery. Giant cell arteritis is treated with high-dose cortisone medications. What is giant cell arteritis? Share Your...
The most common knuckle arthritis is rheumatoid arthritis. Pain, swelling, and tenderness are usually considered as early signs and symptoms of knuckle arthritis. Tiny bumps pop out on the top knuckles of some of the fingers, and fingers become stiff. Other possible signs and symptoms may include: Patients usually complain of deep, aching joint pain...
Arthritis refers to the redness and swelling of the joints. Arthritis refers to the redness and swelling of the joints. It usually develops slowly over 10 to 15 years, interfering with daily life activities. Knowing the early signs of arthritis can help you take appropriate treatment and incorporate modifications in your diet and lifestyle. The...
Facts you should know about a Dupuytren's contracture Dupuytren’s contracture can prevent full extension of the affected finger. A Dupuytren's contracture is a localized scar tissue formation in the palm. The precise cause of a Dupuytren's contracture is not known. A Dupuytren's contracture is sometimes inherited. A Dupuytren's contracture can limit extension of the affected...
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that tends to run in families Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) tends to run in families. Your likelihood of getting RA, however, is not determined by family history of the disease alone. It is also influenced by environmental factors such as age, obesity and smoking. RA is an autoimmune disease...
What are eosinophils? Eosinophils are a particular type of white blood cells, usually representing a small percentage (less than 8% of the total white blood cell population) that are easily stained by eosin and other dyes; they have a characteristic double-lobed nucleus. The number of these cells (eosinophil count) increases in certain illnesses, including allergies,...
A woman suffers hand pain due to rheumatoid arthritis (RA).Source: Getty Images What is rheumatoid arthritis (RA)? Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a type of inflammatory arthritis and autoimmune disease. RA disease is characterized by chronic joint inflammation. Rheumatoid arthritis in the knee, hands, fingers, and feet is common. RA may also be called rheumatoid disease because at...