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Arthritis

Arthritis causes inflammation, pain, stiffness, and damage to the joints. It takes many forms, including osteoarthritis (the most common type of arthritis), rheumatoid arthritis (an autoimmune form), reactive arthritis, gout, and psoriatic arthritis (related to the skin disease called psoriasis). There are a variety of treatment options, including NSAIDs, methotrexate and newer "biologics".

Biologics for Arthritis

Biologics are a class of medications used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis. These new biologic agents block specific parts of the immune system that cause excessive inflammation, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and cytokines (IL-12, IL-23). Because of their expense, biologic medications are often reserved for people with moderate to severe forms of arthritis who have not responded to an adequate trial of other standard treatments, such as methotrexate.

Chronic Pain

Chronic pain can be devastating. Pain signals keep firing in the nervous system for months or even years that disrupt life. There are a variety of medical conditions that can lead to chronic pain, including fibromyalgia, back pain, peripheral neuropathy, on injury. The recommended treatment options depend on the underlying cause, severity, location and other factors.

Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a common and chronic disorder that causes widespread muscle pain, fatigue, and multiple tender points. Fibromyalgia can interfere significantly with a person's ability to carry on daily activities. Treatment options includes getting sufficient sleep and exercise, as well as fibromyalgia medications that may be help to control pain.

Lupus (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus)

Lupus (SLE) is one of many disorders of the immune system known as autoimmune diseases. Lupus can affect many parts of the body, including the joints, skin, kidneys, heart, lungs, blood vessels, and brain. Although people with the disease may have many different symptoms, the most common ones include extreme fatigue, painful or swollen joints (arthritis), unexplained fever, skin rashes, and kidney problems. These symptoms can come and go in periods of flares and remissions. At present, there is no cure for lupus, but there are medications that help most people with lupus to lead active, healthy lives.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a bone disease that increases the risk of developing fractures (broken bones). It is defined as a decrease in bone mineral density (BMD) and bone strength. Osteoporosis is the major underlying cause of fractures in postmenopausal women and the elderly. A bone mineral density (BMD) test may be used to diagnose osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is largely preventable and people who already have osteoporosis can slow its progression and reduce their risk of developing fractures.

What is a Rheumatologist?

Additional Rheumatology Topics

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