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Rheumatic Conditions and Causes

The National Institute for Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases reports that there are more than 100 rheumatic diseases.These include connective tissue diseases and autoimmune diseases. The first type affects the connective tissues, such as joint linings that support the framework of the body skeleton and internal organs. The autoimmune type causes the immune system to harm the body's healthy tissues.

  1. Fibromyalgia

    • Fibromyalgia ­causes pain in the tissues. It specifically affects the tissues that support joints and bones. Localized tenderness and pain in the muscles and tendons characterize the illness. The neck, shoulder, hips and spine are painful. Sleep disorders are occasionally associated with fibromyalgia.

    Rheumatoid Arthritis

    • This inflammatory disease is one of the best known. It affects the lining of the joints. Pain, stiffness and swelling result. Eventually, the joints are damaged and the patient loses mobility. The joints affected are most often in the hands and feet. It occurs on both sides of the body equally, a distinctive feature among arthritic conditions.

    Scleroderma

    • Systemic sclerosis not only affects the skin. It also affects blood vessels and joints. It sometimes affects the lungs and kidneys. Skin hardening is the symptom of the illness. It's caused by an excessive production of collagen in the affected areas.

    Gout

    • Considered a form of arthritis, gout is caused by small sharp crystals or uric acid settling in the joints. They cause inflammation from time to time. The joints become swollen and it is painful. Gout is often found in the larger toes.

    Tendinitis

    • When tendons become inflamed, there is pain and restriction of movement in the joints near the tendons. This sometimes is caused by rheumatism. However, the symptoms may also be due to injury of the tendon or overuse.

    Bursitis

    • Bursitis is caused by an inflammation that may stem from an arthritic condition. The bursae, small sacs of fluid with the task of reducing friction between bones and within the joints become inflamed. Another potential cause is infection in the bursae. Sufferers may have pain and tenderness. In addition, nearby joints may not be flexible.

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