The exact cause of RA remains unknown, but several risk factors have been identified. The American College of Rheumatology classifies rheumatoid arthritis into four stages, based on the disease progression and radiologic findings: Stage I (early RA): X-ray does not reveal any critical changes in the bones. Stage II (moderate progression): Radiologic findings reveal minimal...
What are rheumatoid arthritis and lupus? Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and lupus are both autoimmune diseases. RA is mainly limited to the joints, while lupus affects more than just the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and lupus are two varieties of autoimmune diseases. This means they are caused when the body’s immune system attacks its own tissue...
Granulomatosis with polyangiitis definition and facts Readers Comments 4 Share Your Story Granulomatosis with polyangiitis is a rare disease characterized by inflammation of blood vessels. Granulomatosis with polyangiitis is an uncommon disease that involves inflammation of blood vessels (vasculitis). Symptoms of granulomatosis with polyangiitis include: fatigue, weight loss, fevers, shortness of breath, bloody sputum, joint...
What is septic arthritis? Septic arthritis (or infectious arthritis) is the infection of the joints caused by bacteria or viruses. This results in the inflammation of the synovial fluid that surrounds and lubricates the joints. Normally, the synovial fluid is free from microbes, but in septic arthritis, there may be a presence of microbes. Septic...
What are the treatment options for osteoarthritis? There are many treatment options available to curb the complications of arthritis. Painful swelling of the joints due to wear and tear over many years is called osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis may develop in any joint that includes the fingers, hips, and knees. Usually, the joints feel painful during moderate...
What is lupus? The four types of lupus are Lupus dermatitis, SLE, drug-induced lupus, and neonatal lupus. Lupus is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks healthy tissue. It affects the joints, skin, brain, lungs, kidneys, and blood vessels, leading to inflammation and tissue damage in the affected organs. When internal organs are involved,...
Sjögren's syndrome facts Sjögren's syndrome can cause white blood cells to attack the tear and salivary glands. This can dry out the eyes and mouth. Sjögren's syndrome is an autoimmune disease of salivary and tear glands. Sjögren's syndrome involves inflammation of glands and other tissues of the body. Most patients with Sjögren's syndrome are female....
Costochondritis and Tietze syndrome facts Costochondritis is an inflammation of the area where the ribs join the cartilage that is attached to the sternum. Costochondritis causes chest pain, especially upon palpation of the area. Costochondritis is inflammation of the costochondral junctions, where ribs attach to the breast bone. Genetics, viruses, and injury may play roles...
What is lumbar lordosis? Is It painful? Share Your Story A symptom of lumbar lordosis is pronounced buttocks. Lumbar lordosis is the inward curve of the lumbar spine in the lower back. A small degree of lordosis (inward curvature) is normal. The spine in the neck also has lordosis (cervical lordosis). Normal lumbar (lower spine)...
Facts you should know about total hip replacement Picture of a total hip replacement The prostheses for a total hip replacement (total hip arthroplasty) can be inserted into the pelvis and femur with or without cement. The options are customized for each patient by the orthopedic surgeon. Chronic pain and impairment of daily function of...