Introduction: Bone pain is usually deep, dull, or aching and often persists at rest or night, potentially indicating fractures, infections, or conditions like osteoporosis. In contrast, muscle pain tends to be sore, cramping, or throbbing, often worsening with movement and improving with rest or stretching. Muscle pain is commonly due to strain, overuse, or inflammation,…
Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: What is It? Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (sJIA) is a rare but severe form of juvenile arthritis that affects children. Unlike other types, it involves joint inflammation and systemic symptoms such as high fevers, rash, and inflammation of internal organs. Flare-ups of arthritis, fever, and rash in children characterize systemic juvenile…
Psoriatic Arthritis: What Is It? Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) is a chronic inflammatory condition that combines joint inflammation (arthritis) with skin lesions of psoriasis. It is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues, leading to joint pain, stiffness, and swelling, often in the fingers, toes, and spine. One frequent condition that affects…
Reactive Arthritis (Reiter’s syndrome): What is it? Reactive Arthritis is an inflammatory joint condition that develops in response to an infection, usually in the urinary tract, intestines, or genitals. It commonly affects the knees, ankles, and feet, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness. Other symptoms may include eye inflammation (conjunctivitis), urinary problems, and skin issues. The…
Introduction Post-traumatic elbow stiffness is a condition characterized by reduced range of motion in the elbow joint following an injury, such as fractures, dislocations, or soft tissue damage. It results from scar tissue formation, joint contractures, or heterotopic ossification. Management typically involves physical therapy, stretching, and, in severe cases, surgical intervention to restore mobility and…
Introduction A finger dislocation occurs when the bones of a finger are forced out of their normal position, often due to a sudden impact, fall, or sports injury. It typically causes pain, swelling, deformity, and difficulty moving the finger. Prompt medical attention is crucial to realign the joint and prevent complications. A common hand injury…
Thumb Arthritis: What is it? Thumb arthritis develops when the cartilage that cushions your thumb joints begins to degrade and wear out. Osteoarthritis is the term for this kind of arthritis. The basal joint at the base of your thumb is where osteoarthritis most frequently appears. The thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) joint is another name for…
Cervical Degenerative Disc Disease: What is it? Cervical Degenerative Disc Disease (CDDD) is a condition where the intervertebral discs in the neck (cervical spine) gradually deteriorate due to aging, wear and tear, or injury. This degeneration can lead to reduced disc height, loss of cushioning between vertebrae, and sometimes the formation of bone spurs. Common…
Introduction Bouchard’s nodes, which are bony nodules, also called osteophytes, that form on the middle joint of the fingers and are commonly caused by osteoarthritis, may be the source of pain and stiffness in the finger. Bouchard’s nodes are fluid cysts or hard, bony protuberances on the proximal interphalangeal joints, which are the middle joints…
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disorder that primarily affects the joints, causing pain, inflammation, and potential joint damage over time. Early detection is crucial for managing symptoms and slowing disease progression. Recognizing the early warning signs of RA, such as joint pain, stiffness, and fatigue, can help ensure timely intervention and improved quality…
