Common Rheumatological Conditions and useful links

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Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune condition that affects around 1% of the UK population. It causes swelling and pain, often initially involving the hands and wrists, though can affect many different joints . 

 https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/conditions/rheumatoid-arthritis/ 

Osteoarthritis is a common rheumatological condition causing joint pain. It is caused by the smooth layer of cartilage that covers the bone at the joints becoming thin. This leads to greater friction and loss of the cushion layer between the bones. Treatment is aimed at improving pain levels and steroid/cortisone injections may form part of the treatment strategy.

 https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/conditions/osteoarthritis/ 

Gout is caused by excess uric acid in the body. It starts with a sudden and severe attack of pain and joint swelling. This maybe in the big toe, but can start in other joints and occasionally can affect many joints at the same time.

 https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/conditions/gout/ 

Lupus is an autoimmune condition. It is more common in females, and can affect many different parts of the body causing symptoms such as rashes, joint pain, fever, fatigue and muscle ache. In some patients organs such as the lungs, kidney and heart are affected. 

 https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/conditions/lupus-sle/ 

These are a group of conditions that cause inflammation and weakness of the muscles in the arms and the legs. Other organs can be affected such as the skin, heart and lungs.

 https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/conditions/myositis/ 

Psoriatic Arthritis is an autoimmune condition that causes pain and swelling in the joints. It usually occurs in people who have Psoriasis of the skin. 

 https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/conditions/psoriatic-arthritis/ 

Polymyalgia Rheumatica causes severe muscle pain and stiffness, affecting the shoulders, neck, hip and thighs. It occurs in patients over the age of 50.

 https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/conditions/polymyalgia-rheumatica-pmr/ 

GCA causes inflammation of the blood vessels mainly around the head and neck.  This can result in headache, tenderness of the scalp to touch and visual symptoms.

 https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/conditions/giant-cell-arteritis-gca/ 

 Fibromyalgia affects many people in the UK and causes widespread pain and severe fatigue. This often has a significant effect on basic activities of daily life.

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/conditions/fibromyalgia/ 

Vasculitis is due to inflammation of the blood vessels. It can affect different organs in the body such as the lungs, skin, eyes and kidneys.

 https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/conditions/vasculitis/ 

Ankylosing Spondylitis is a condition that primarily causes inflammation in the back. This cause back pain and stiffness. It is associated with other conditions such as Psoriatic Arthritis, Reactive Arthritis or Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Crohn's Disease or Ulcerative Colitis) related arthritis due to their overlapping symptoms.

 https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/conditions/ankylosing-spondylitis/ 

 There are many different conditions that cause shoulder pain. In some patients there is difficulty with movements such as lifting the arm, and in others there is continuous pain and swelling.  Depending on the type of condition, treatments such as steroid injection can be helpful to relieve significant pain and facilitate recovery in range of shoulder movement.

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/conditions/shoulder-pain/