introduction to arthritis

• what is rheumatology?

  • Covers a wide range of conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system including all types of arthropathies, and soft tissue conditions such as tendonitis and bursitis
  • A subspeciality in internal medicine that deals with joints, soft tissues, autoimmune diseases and heritable connective tissue disorders
  • Physiotherapy of rheumatological conditions is built upon the core skills that are used in all areas of musculoskeletal practice
• What is an example of a rheumatic disease that involves small blood vessels?


  Microscopic polyangiitis
• Which rheumatic disease is characterized by a purpuric rash and often affects children?

  Henoch-Schonlein Purpura
• What is a systemic autoimmune disease that can affect multiple organs?


  Systemic lupus erythematosus
• Which group of diseases includes familial fever syndromes?


  Rheumatic diseases
• What rheumatic disease is characterized by skin thickening and tightening?


  Scleroderma
• Which rheumatic disease involves muscle inflammation and weakness?


  Polymyositis
• What is the name of the rheumatic disease that also involves skin rash and muscle weakness?

  Dermatomyositis
• Which rheumatic disease is a complication of streptococcal infection?


  Acute rheumatic fever
• What is the name of the rheumatic disease caused by a tick-borne infection?

  Lyme disease
• What are the rheumatic consequences of HIV infection?


  Rheumatic consequences of HIV infection
• Which rheumatic disease is characterized by pain and stiffness in the shoulder and hip areas?

  Polymyalgia rheumatica
• What is the name of the rheumatic disease that involves inflammation of large blood vessels?

  Giant cell arteritis
• Which rheumatic disease is characterized by inflammation of medium-sized arteries?


  Polyarteritis nodosa
• What is the name of the rheumatic disease that affects the aorta and its major branches?


  Takayasu arthritis
• Which rheumatic disease is characterized by granulomatous inflammation of blood vessels?


  Granulomatosis with polyangiitis
• What is the name of the autoimmune disease that affects exocrine glands and causes dry mouth and eyes?


  Sjogren syndrome
• Which rheumatic condition is characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain?


  Fibromyalgia
• What is the name of the condition characterized by the deposition of monosodium urate crystals in joints?


  Gout
• Which condition is similar to gout but involves calcium pyrophosphate crystals?


  Pseudogout
• What is the most common form of arthritis that results from wear and tear of cartilage?

  Osteoarthritis
• Which autoimmune disease is characterized by chronic inflammation of the joints?

  Rheumatoid Arthritis
• What is the name of the inflammatory arthritis associated with chronic back pain and stiffness?

  Ankylosing spondylitis
• Which type of arthritis is associated with psoriasis?


  Psoriatic arthritis
• What is the name of the arthritis that occurs after an infection?

  Reactive arthritis
• What is systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)?


  SLE is a chronic autoimmune disease.
• What are the potential effects of SLE on the body?


  It can lead to inflammation and tissue damage in many parts of the body.
• What are the common symptoms of lupus?


  • Arthritis affecting two or more joints
  • Extreme fatigue and weakness
  • Malar (butterfly) rash over the cheeks
  • Oral/nasal ulcers
  • Hair loss
  • Flu-like symptoms and/or night sweats
  • Inflammation of tissues covering internal organs (serositis)
  • Hematological disorders including anaemia
  • Kidney problems, often first seen as proteinuria
  • Seizures, mental illness, or other cerebral problems
  • Headaches, migraine
• What is a common joint-related symptom of lupus?


  Arthritis affecting two or more joints.
• What does the malar rash associated with lupus look like?


  It is a butterfly-shaped rash over the cheeks.
• What symptom of lupus is often photosensitive?


  The malar (butterfly) rash over the cheeks.
• What are some systemic symptoms of lupus?


  Extreme fatigue and weakness, flu-like symptoms, and/or night sweats.
• What type of pain is associated with serositis in lupus?


  Chest and/or abdominal pain.
• What hematological disorder can occur in lupus patients?


  Anaemia.
• What kidney problem is often first seen in lupus?


  Proteinuria.
• What neurological symptoms can lupus cause?


  Seizures, mental illness, or other cerebral problems.
• What type of headaches can be a symptom of lupus?


  Headaches and migraines.
• What is axial spondyloarthritis?


  It is a long-term inflammatory arthritis affecting the spine and other joints, tendons, and ligaments.
• What is a common age range for the onset of low back pain in axial spondyloarthritis?


  Before the age of 35 - 45 years.
• How long must low back pain last to be associated with axial spondyloarthritis?


  At least 3 months.