What is Sjogren’s Syndrome? Sjögren’s syndrome is a chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by inflammation that primarily affects the salivary and lacrimal glands, leading to symptoms of dry mouth and dry eyes. Named after the Swedish ophthalmologist Henrik Sjögren, who first described it in 1933, this syndrome can also involve multiple other organs and systems, including…
What is a Supraspinatus Tendonitis? Supraspinatus tendonitis, also known as rotator cuff tendonitis, is a common cause of shoulder pain and dysfunction. It involves inflammation of the supraspinatus tendon, which is one of the four tendons that comprise the rotator cuff. A common shoulder problem is supraspinatus tendonitis, which has been also referred to as…
What is a Scleroderma? Scleroderma is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and fibrosis (thickening) of the skin and other body tissues. When the immune system misunderstands tissues as wounded, inflammation occurs, and the body produces too much collagen, resulting in scleroderma. Too much collagen in your skin and other tissues leads to tight, rigid…
What is an Ankylosing Spondylitis? Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory condition primarily affecting the spine, characterized by inflammation of the spinal joints, leading to pain, stiffness, and potentially spinal fusion. It falls under the category of spondyloarthritis, a group of rheumatic diseases that share common clinical features. AS typically begins in the sacroiliac…
What is a Rheumatoid Arthritis? Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by inflammation of the synovial joints, leading to pain, stiffness, and swelling. Unlike osteoarthritis, which primarily affects cartilage, rheumatoid arthritis targets the lining of the joints, known as the synovium, causing damage and eventually resulting in joint deformity and disability. Early…
Introduction Gout is an inflammatory disease that causes joint pain and swelling, usually in flares that last a week or two before resolving. Gout flares typically start in your big toe or lower leg. Gout develops when excessive amounts of urate accumulate in your body over time, resulting in needle-shaped crystals in and around the joint….
What is Osteoarthritis? Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. Healthcare providers may refer to it as degenerative joint disease or OA. It occurs when the cartilage that lines your joints wears down over time, causing your bones to rub against each other as you use the affected joints. Osteoarthritis is a relatively common…
