Osteoarthritis
The breakdown of the cartilage that coats the ends of bones and joints. Normally, damaged cartilage repairs itself as older cartilage is degraded. When this degradation outpaces repair, cartilage breakdown occurs and damage to bone results.
Symptoms: Pain, tenderness, stiffness, decreased flexibility, a grating sensation during movement, the formation of bone spurs around the affected joint.
Treatment Options: For further information, please select the Treatments tab.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Bracing
- Injections
- Physical therapy
- Surgery
Gout
Gout is a painful form of arthritis caused by extra uric acid in the body, which may form sharp crystals in the big toe or other joints, causing episodes of swelling and pain called gout attacks.
Symptoms: Joint pain, inflammation and redness, limited range of motion.
Treatment Options: For further information, please select the Treatments tab.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Medications (anti-inflammatories, corticosteroids)
Systemic Lupus Erythematous
The most common type of lupus, Systemic Lupus Erythematous is an autoimmune disease that causes widespread inflammation and damage to the different tissue, including that of the joints, skin, brain, lungs, kidneys, and blood vessels.
Symptoms: Various symptoms including joint pain or swelling, fatigue, skin rashes, and fever.
Treatment Options: For further information, please select the Treatments tab.
- Immunosuppressive drugs
- Corticosteroids
Rheumatoid Arthritis
A chronic autoimmune disease that occurs when the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues. Rheumatoid arthritis can cause inflammation and damage to the body’s joints, as well as other systems like the skin, eyes, lungs, heart, and blood vessels.
Symptoms: Tender, warm, swollen, and/or stiff joints, fatigue, fever, and loss of appetite.
Treatment Options: For further information, please select the Treatments tab.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Medications (anti-inflammatories, corticosteroids)v
- Immunosuppressive drugs
- Physical therapy
Psoriatic Arthritis
A form of arthritis linked to psoriasis, a chronic disease that causes red, scaly rashes on the skin. The symptoms of psoriatic arthritis is similar to those of rheumatoid arthritis, but they generally affect fewer joints.
Symptoms: Tender, warm, swollen, and/or stiff joints, fatigue, and fever
Treatment Options: For further information, please select the Treatments tab.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Medications (anti-inflammatories, corticosteroids)
Sjogren’s Syndrome
An immune system disorder causing dry eyes and a dry mouth due to a decrease in the production of tears and saliva. This often accompanies other disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.
Symptoms: Dry eyes, dry mouth, joint pain, swelling, and stiffness, swelling of salivary glands, skin rashes or dry skin, dry cough, and fatigue
Treatment Options: For further information, please select the Treatments tab.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Medications (anti-inflammatories, corticosteroids)
Ankylosing Spondylitis
An inflammatory arthritis that can cause vertebrae in the spine to fuse over time, decreasing the spine’s flexibility and creating a hunched posture. Symptoms typically appear in early adulthood.
Symptoms: Pain and stiffness in back and other joints, fatigue, inflammation of the eyes, blurred vision, and sensitivity to light.
Treatment Options: For further information, please select the Treatments tab.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Medications (anti-inflammatories, corticosteroids)
- Physical therapy
Scleroderma
A chronic autoimmune disease that results in the hardening and tightening of the skin and connective tissues. The disease is caused by the body’s overproduction of a protein called collagen.
Symptoms: Tightening of the skin, joint pain, exaggerated response to cold temperatures, heartburn, and fatigue.
Treatment Options: For further information, please select the Treatments tab.
- Medications (anti-inflammatories, corticosteroids)
- Physical therapy
Polymyalgia Rheumatica
An inflammatory condition that causes muscle pain and stiffness around the shoulders, hips, and other joints. Polymyalgia Rheumatica most commonly occurs after age 50.
Symptoms: Aching and stiffness of the shoulders, neck, or hips, reduced range of motion, mild fever, and fatigue.
Treatment Options: For further information, please select the Treatments tab.
- Medications (corticosteroids)
Giant Cell Arteritis
Often occurring in conjunction with polymyalgia rheumatica, giant cell arteritis is an inflammation of the lining of the arteries, usually those in the head.
Symptoms: Headaches, jaw pain, vision loss, fever, and fatigue.
Treatment Options: For further information, please select the Treatments tab.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
