Musculoskeletal pain is common. In one analysis, 33% of adults reported musculoskeletal pain from overuse as a chief complaint. Morbidity resulting from musculoskeletal pain contributes to 29% of lost workdays because of illness and is second only to cardiovascular disease in terms of economic burden
Early and accurate gout diagnosis and disease management are essential. Making the clinical diagnosis takes into consideration the differential diagnosis supported by the use of clinical, serological, and diagnostic studies.
Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a complex disorder of chronic, widespread pain and tenderness usually accompanied by numerous other symptoms, including fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, nonrestorative sleep, depression, anxiety, and stiffness.
Systemic sclerosis (SSc), or scleroderma, is a chronic connective-tissue disease that has a multitude of clinical manifestations. These authors offer a guide to recognition and pathogenesis, as well as counsel about management.
Chondroitin sulfate significantly decreases pain and improves hand function in patients with hand osteoarthritis (OA), according to new research reported by the American College of Rheumatology (ACR). The agent also improves grip strength and relieves morning stiffness.
A new study has shown that MRI can identify and describe the features of gout.
Physically demanding occupational tasks (eg, lifting heavy loads) and infections that required antibiotics are associated with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in patients with psoriasis.
The medical marijuana debate isn't going away any time soon. See what our experts have to say about the latest information and tell us what you think.
Familiarity with metatarsalgia, an array of disorders that cause pain to the forefoot, enhances the clinician's ability to make the proper diagnosis.
Roughly a third of patients with low back pain also have neck pain. This study assessed correcting cervical disk displacements to reduces lower body pain and numbness.
At least among women in Kentucky (the ones polled in this study), cigarette smoking is strongly associated with chronic pain syndromes.
Fibromyalgia is one of the most common pain syndromes in the United States, affecting an estimated 10 million people.
Recombinant uricases provide an exciting new therapeutic option for gout, but there are limited data for their use in the elderly.
Antares Pharma, Inc. has announced positive results of an auto-injector that delivers a rapid subcutaneous injection of methotrexate.
Multidisciplinary management of fibromyalgia syndrome, including pharmacological and nonpharmacological interventions, is optimal. Exercise may improve patients’ symptoms and quality of life, but an exercise program may be challenging because of pain, stiffness, and fatigue.
Portable, bedside musculoskeletal ultrasonography (MSUS) equipment has placed the potential for advanced imaging in the hands of office-based clinicians. Assessment of synovial tissue is one of the main applications of MSUS in rheumatology.
The risk of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) is greater in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Regular screening for LTBI is recommended.
Researchers hope a device that stimulates the vagus nerve will reduce pain and swelling as well as joint damage in rheumatoid arthritis patients.
Men who smoke are at a decreased risk of receiving total joint replacement (TJR) surgery of the hip or knee compared to men who have never smoked.
A 10-year-old boy injured his left elbow during football practice. He subsequently had pain with normal range of motion of the elbow. He had minimal tenderness over his olecranon but no joint swelling, bruising, or palpable mass
Scaling Mt. Everest is a tremendous achievement even for the fittest of climbers. For those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, it was unheard of-until now.
Regional cancellous bone mineral density (BMD) can be approximated from Hounsfield units (HU) measured on CT examinations using automatic exposure control; this information is reliable and follows a predictable pattern with increasing age.
Accurate diagnosis of elastofibroma dorsi may be achieved with a proper clinical history, knowledge of the characteristic site of the lesion, and typical imaging findings to avoid unnecessary biopsy and surgery.
Quadriceps (rectus femoris) strains are common among athletes, usually after kicking or sprinting. Learn about imaging tests for diagnosis and the exercises that encourage healing and rehabilitation.
Reactivation of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) has emerged as a problem in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Anti–tumor necrosis factor α therapy is strongly associated with reactivation of tuberculosis (TB) in patients with RA.
Joint aspiration may be used for diagnosis or for relieving pressure, and joint injection may be used for treatment. Physicians can easily become proficient in aspiration and injection techniques. Indications for aspiration include both acute and chronic arthritis; there are few absolute contraindications. Intra-articular injections of medication usually are an adjunct to other treatment modalities.
NSAIDs are among the most frequently used and prescribed medications in the management of musculoskeletal pain and injury. Many physicians consider them to be the medication of choice. However, a number of studies have questioned the value of NSAIDs in the healing process of bone, muscle, tendon, and ligament injuries
Misdiagnosis of fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) occurs frequently in the clinic. In our case report, a 27-year-old woman with recurring neck pain and stiffness had received a diagnosis of cervical spondylosis, but later a definitive diagnosis of FMS was made. Misdiagnosis of FMS has occurred with various other diseases.
A 23-year-old woman who reported experiencing direct trauma to her right knee on a hard surface 3 months earlier was admitted to the arthroscopy unit with complaints of decreased range of motion (flexion, 90°; extension, 75°) and intractable pain.
A new treatment for a disabling hand condition-Dupuytren disease, or Dupuytren contracture-can restore a person’s ability to perform everyday tasks, according to Hands: Strategies for Strong, Pain-Free Hands, a new edition of the Special Health Report from Harvard Medical School. The report describes the causes of and treatments for a variety of conditions that can cause hand pain and features information on hand exercises.