Fibromyalgia/CFIDS Health Channel

	Feature Article Illustrations for this article Click on an image below to enlarge Skeleton The structure of a joint Joint pain Definition Joint pain can affect one or more joints. See also: Arthritis (inflammation of joints) Bursitis Muscle pain Alternative Names Stiffness in a joint; Pain - joints; Arthralgia Considerations Joint pain can be caused by many types of injuries or conditions. No matter what causes it, joint pain can be very bothersome. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that causes stiffness and pain in the joints. Osteoarthritis involves growth of bone spurs and degeneration of cartilage at a joint. It is very common in adults older than 45 and can cause joint pain. Joint pain may also be caused by bursitis (inflammation of the bursae). The bursae are fluid-filled sacs that cushion and pad bony prominences, allowing muscles and tendons to move freely over the bone. Common Causes Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus Bursitis Chondromalacia patellae Gout (especially found in the big toe) Infectious diseases, including Epstein-Barr viral syndrome Hepatitis Influenza Lyme disease Measles (rubeola) Mumps Parvovirus Rheumatic fever Rubella (German measles) Varicella (chickenpox) Injury, including fracture Osteoarthritis Osteomyelitis Septic arthritis Tendinitis Unusual exertion or overuse, including strains or sprains Home Care Follow prescribed therapy in treating the underlying cause. For nonarthritis joint pain, both rest and exercise are important. Warm baths, massage, and stretching exercises should be used as frequently as possible. Anti-inflammatory medications may help relieve pain and swelling. Consult your health care provider before giving aspirin or NSAIDs such as ibuprofen to children. Call your health care provider if You have fever that is not associated with flu symptoms. You have lose 10 pounds or more without trying (unintended weight loss). Continue reading this article

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Arthritis (9 images) Average Rating: (Doctor-Reviewed information)
Arthritis is inflammation of one or more joints, which results in pain, swelling, stiffness, and limited movement. There are over 100 different types of arthritis. See also: Joint painReviewer: Ariel D. Teitel, MD, MBA, Chief, Division of Rheumatology, St. Vincent's Hospital, New York, NY. Review provided by Verimed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.Date: 01/10/2009

Rheumatoid arthritis (5 images) Average Rating: (Doctor-Reviewed information)
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a long-term disease that leads to inflammation of the joints and surrounding tissues. It can also affect other organs.Reviewer: Ariel D. Teitel, MD, MBA, Chief, Division of Rheumatology, St. Vincent?s Hospital, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.Date: 02/22/2009

Exercise and immunity (4 images) (Doctor-Reviewed information)
Suffering from yet another cold? Feeling fatigued all the time? The answer may be as easy as taking a daily walk or following a simple exercise routine a few times a week. Exercise not only helps your immune system fight off simple bacterial and v...Reviewer: Linda Vorvick, MD, Seattle Site Coordinator, Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.Date: 05/05/2008

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