Rheumatologic Conditions
Osteoarthritis Overview
Osteoarthritis is a joint disease that mostly affects cartilage. Cartilage is the slippery tissue that covers the ends of bones in a joint. Healthy cartilage allows bones to glide over each other. It also helps absorb shock of movement. In osteoarthritis, the top layer of cartilage breaks down and wears away. This allows bones... »
Steroids and Methotrexate to Treat Systemic Vasculitis
This study will evaluate the safety and effectiveness of prednisone and methotrexate in treating severe Wegener’s granulomatosis and other systemic vasculitides. These diseases involve inflammation of blood vessels (vasculitis) that may affect the brain, nerves, eyes, sinuses, lungs, kidneys, intestinal tract, skin, joints, heart and other sites. Current treatment with prednisone and the anti-cancer... »
Fast Facts About Gout
Gout is one of the most painful forms of arthritis. It occurs when too much uric acid builds up in the body. The buildup of uric acid can lead to: Sharp uric acid crystal deposits in joints, often in the big toe Deposits of uric acid (called tophi) that look like lumps under the... »
What is Goodpasture’s Syndrome?
Goodpasture’s syndrome is a rare disease that can affect the lungs and kidneys. Also called anti-glomerular basement antibody disease, it is an autoimmune disease—a condition in which the body’s own defense system reacts against some part of the body itself. When the immune system is working normally, it creates antibodies to fight off germs.... »
What Is Arthritis?
Many people start to feel pain and stiffness in their bodies over time. Sometimes their hands or knees or shoulders get sore and are hard to move and may become swollen. These people may have arthritis (ar-THRY-tis). Arthritis may be caused by inflammation (in-flah-MAY-shun), of the tissue lining the joints. Some signs of inflammation... »
Ankylosing Spondylitis Genes Found
Work supported by the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Skin Diseases has led to the discovery of two genes responsible for ankylosing spondylitis (AS), an inflammatory and potentially disabling disease of the spine. The discovery of the two genes – ARTS1 and IL23R – brings the scientific community closer to fully understanding AS,... »
NIAMS-Supported Scientists Identify Predictors of Ankylosing Spondylitis Severitys
Scientists at the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), working with researchers at sites across the country, have employed a new statistical method to identify predictors of spine damage severity in people with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). These predictors include a number of genetic markers, as well as being older at... »
What is Undifferentiated Connective Tissue Disease?
Connective tissue is the material inside your body that supports many of its parts. It is the “cellular glue” that gives your tissues their shape and helps keep them strong. It also helps some of your tissues do their work. Cartilage and fat are examples of connective tissue. There are over 200 disorders that... »
Handout on Health: Scleroderma
This booklet is for people who have scleroderma, as well as for their family members, friends, and others who want to find out more about the disease. This booklet describes the different forms of scleroderma and provides information on their symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment, including what patients can do to help manage their disease... »
What is Temporal Arteritis?
Temporal arteritis, also known as Giant cell arteritis and cranial arteritis, is a disorder that results in inflammation of arteries of the scalp (most apparent in the temporal arteries, which are located on the temples on each side of the head), neck, and arms. This inflammation causes the arteries to narrow, impeding adequate blood flow.... »