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Rheumatology is a sub-specialty in internal medicine devoted to the diagnosis and therapy of rheumatic diseases; which includes arthritic and bone disorders. Clinicians who specialize in rheumatology are called rheumatologists
Arthritis refers to inflammation of the joints. The inflammation can affect any of the important structures inside a joing, including the joint lining (synovium), bones, cartilage, or supporting tissues. Common symptoms of arthritis include pain, stiffness, and swelling of the joint. The condition may affect only one or several joints throughout the body.
There are many possible causes of arthritis, although some are much more common than others. Some types of arthritis respond well to treatment and resolve without any lingering effects, whereas other types of arthritis are more difficult to control and can be disabling.
This topic provides an overview of arthritis; more detailed information about the various types of arthritis is also available.
The most common symptoms of arthritis include joint pain and stiffness. There may also be joint tenderness, swelling, and limited movement of one or more joints. The skin over the joint is sometimes red.
There are two main types of arthritis: inflammatory arthritis, which is caused by rheumatic conditions, and non-inflammatory arthritis, which is caused by injury, aging, or other causes. The location, timing, and pattern of joint pain and swelling can help to distinguish between inflammatory and non-inflammatory arthritis.
The process of diagnosing arthritis involves several steps. A medical history and physical examination usually provide the most helpful information; laboratory tests, X-rays, and other tests are sometimes needed.
Laboratory tests are sometimes, but not always, needed to determine the cause of arthritis. Blood tests may be recommended if the arthritis does not improve with watchful waiting and conservative treatment.
Testing of the fluid inside a joint, called the synovial fluid, is often helpful in determining the cause of arthritis. The fluid is removed by inserting a needle inside the joint and withdrawing a sample of fluid. This procedure is called a "joint tap"; pain or stiffness that is caused by an accumulation of fluid in the joint is often relieved after fluid is removed.
X-rays provide detailed pictures of bones. Other imaging tests, such as ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and computer-aided tomography (CT scan) provide images of the tissues inside and surrounding the joints. One or more of these imaging tests may be recommmended to diagnose fractures, calcium deposits, or changes in the shape of a joint.
X-rays are often not usually helpful early in the course of arthritis. For many types of arthritis, changes in the joint are not visible on X-rays for months or even years. However, X-rays are often useful for monitoring over time.
Some signs and symptoms of arthritis require urgent medical care. If you have one or more swollen joints and any of the following, you should seek medical care as soon as possible.
The treatment of arthritis depends upon the specific cause.
Osteoporosis is a common problem that causes bones to become abnormally thin (osteopenic), weakened, and easily broken (fractured). Women are at a higher risk for osteoporosis after menopause due to lower levels of estrogen, a female hormone that helps to maintain bone mass.
Fortunately, preventive treatments are available that can help to maintain or increase bone density. For those already affected by osteoporosis, prompt diagnosis of bone loss and fracture risk are essential because therapies are available that can slow further loss of bone or increase bone density.