Other Rheumatic ConditionsOver 100 different disorders can be classified as arthritis. Some can affect 1 or more joints, whereas others have their most significant effects on other parts of the body. More detailed information on these disorders is available at the Arthritis Foundation Web site. Listed here are some of the other most common arthritic conditions:
If you think that you or someone you care for may have a rheumatic condition, see a doctor.
Ankylosing spondylitis
This condition primarily affects the spine, but it may also cause arthritis in the hips, shoulders, and knees. The tendons and ligaments around the bones and joints in the spine become inflamed. Symptoms include pain and stiffness, especially in the lower back. Ankylosing spondylitis tends to develop during late adolescence or early adulthood. The Spondylitis Association of America is a good source for more information on this condition.
Bursitis
Bursitis involves inflammation of the bursae, which are small, fluid-filled sacs that help reduce friction between bones and other moving structures in joints. The inflammation may result from arthritis in the joint, or from injury or infection of the bursae. Symptoms include pain, tenderness, and limited movement of the involved joint.
Fibromyalgia
This chronic syndrome is associated with pain and stiffness throughout the tissues that support and move the bones and joints. Pain and localized tender points occur in the muscles and tendons, particularly those of the neck, spine, shoulders, and hips. Other common symptoms include widespread pain, fatigue, and sleep disturbances. Learn more about fibromyalgia from the Fibromyalgia Network.
Gout
Gout results from deposits of needle-like crystals of uric acid in the connective tissue near joints and/or in the joint space. Symptoms include inflammation, swelling, and pain in the affected joint, often the big toe.
Infectious arthritis
In some cases, arthritis can develop as part of a bacterial or viral infection. If a bacterial infection is involved, early diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics may relieve the arthritis symptoms and cure the disease.
Psoriatic arthritis
This condition occurs in some patients with psoriasis, a common scaling skin disorder. Psoriatic arthritis often affects the joints at the ends of the fingers and causes changes in the fingernails and toenails.
Reactive arthritis
Reactive arthritis can develop after an infection of the lower urinary tract, intestines, or other organs. It is commonly associated with eye problems, skin rashes, and mouth sores.
Scleroderma
Also known as systemic sclerosis, scleroderma means hard skin. Scleroderma is an autoimmune disease that almost always affects the skin, blood vessels, and joints. A more serious form also affects internal organs such as the lungs and kidneys. In scleroderma patients, there is an excessive production of collagen (a fiber-like protein) in the involved areas of skin or internal organs. For more information, visit the Scleroderma Foundation Web site.
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
Also known as lupus, SLE is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system harms the body's cells and tissues. This can result in inflammation and damage to the joints, skin, kidneys, heart, lungs, blood vessels, or brain. Visit the Lupus Foundation of America Web site to learn more.
Tendonitis (tendinitis)
This condition refers to inflammation of tendons (tough cords of tissue that connect muscle to bone) caused by overuse, injury, or arthritis-producing conditions. Symptoms include pain, tenderness, and restricted movement of nearby joints.
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