JOINT DISEASES

Osteoarthritis – the most common type of joint disease, often referred to as the “wear-and-tear” form that increases with age. Cartilage that normally cushions the joints breaks down and causes stiffness, pain and decreased flexibility. Most commonly occurs in in hands, knees, hips and spine.
Rhematoid Arthritis – autoimmune condition affecting the lining of the joints. Inflammation is caused by the presence of cells of the immune system that don’t belong with local joint cells. This causes destruction of cartilage and bone.
Lupus – autoimmune condition affecting the skin, internal organs, blood, brain, bones and joints. Inflammation can spur arthritis in the hands, elbows, shoulders, knees and feet.
Gout – normally affecting the joint connecting the big toe to the rest of the foot. Excess uric acid, a waste product in the blood, forms crystals in the joints causing extreme pain that occurs most often in the middle of the night. Women are more vulnerable after menopause; mostly occurs in men.
Bursitis – inflammation of the small, fluid-filled sacs called bursae that cushion the joints and surrounding tendons, muscles and bone. Bacterial infections, overuse or sudden injury can lead to flare-ups.

Osteoarthritis – though this disease cannot be reversed, medications and therapy are available to help relieve symptoms and pain. These include acetaminophen, NSAID’s, Duloxetine, and physical and occupational therapy. Sometimes cortisone or lubricate injections provide relief, yet other times joint replacement is necessary.
Rhematoid Arthritis – while there is no cure, medications known as disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) can be helpful, along with physical or occupational therapy. Surgery may help restore ability to use joint and includes synovectomy, tendon, repair, joint fusion or total joint replacement.
Lupus – treatment often requires daily oral prednisone to reduce immune system function.
Gout – medications are prescribed to treat acute attacks and prevent future flare ups. Medications include NSAIDs, colchicine, or corticosteroids. Other uric acid blockers or medications that improve uric acid removal may also be prescribed.
Bursitis – fortunately, bursitis generally gets better on its own. If conservative measures of rest, ice and pain relievers do not help, antibiotics, corticosteroid drug injections, physical therapy or possible surgical removal of the affected area may be required.

BONE DISEASES

Osteoporosis – occurs when the bones become brittle and fragile from loss of tissue, typically as a result of hormonal changes or deficiency of calcium or vitamin D.
Other Metabolic Bone Diseases – disorder usually cased by abnormalities of minerals, vitamin D, bone mass or bone structures.

Osteoporosis – treatment can include medications like Alendronate, Risedronate, Ibandronate, or Zoledronic acid IV infusion; as well as healthy diet, and weight-bearing exercise to help prevent bone loss or strengthen already weak bones.

Rheumatoid Arthritis – occurs when the joint is attached by immune system antibody cells, causing inflammation, swelling and pain.
Psoriasis – immune system blood cells called T-cells collect in the skin and stimulate rapid skin cell reproduction, resulting in inflamed red patches commonly showing silver-white scaly plaques on the skin surface.
Scleroderma – chronic connective tissue disease that causes hardening and tightening of the skin.
Ankylosing Spondylitis and Vasculitis – chronic inflammatory disease involving the spine and the sacroiliac joint. Most common symptoms are chronic low back pain and morning stiffness, characterized by inflammation of small veins.

Rheumatoid Arthritis – treatments can include various oral or injectable medications that reduce immune system overactivity.

Psoriasis – despite that psoriasis is incurable, flare-ups can be treated with topical and systemic treatments like salicylic acid, steroid-based creams, prescription retinoids, calcitriol, coal-tar ointments and shampoos, in addition to possible phototherapy measures like ultraviolet B light.
Scleroderma – some cases skin problems will fade away in 2-5 years; however, internal organs affected by this disease usually worsen over time. Medications designed to help control the overproduction of collagen are used, along with physical or occupational therapy and in the most complicated cases surgery.
Ankylosing Spondylitis and Vasculitis – prescribed NSAIDs medications most commonly used to treat this disease, relieving inflammation and stiffness.