Arthritis, itself a group of more than 100 different diseases, is one category of rheumatic diseases.

Joints are the areas where two or more bones meet. Most joints are mobile, allowing the bones to move.

Detailed information on ankylosing spondylitis, including symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment

Rheumatic diseases are the leading cause of disability among people ages 65 and older.

A bursa is a fluid-filled sac that cushions a joint. When a bursa becomes inflamed, the condition is known as bursitis.

Women develop carpal tunnel syndrome three times more frequently than men. It usually occurs only in adults.

Detailed information on the most common types of arthritis and other rheumatic diseases, including ankylosing spondylitis, bursitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia, gout, infectious arthritis, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, lyme disease, low back pa

Diagnosing arthritis and other rheumatic diseases is often difficult, as many symptoms are similar among the different diseases.

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Online medical glossary of terms relating to arthritis and other rheumatic diseases written for patients and consumers

Gout is marked by inflamed, painful joints because of the formation of crystal deposits in them.

Detailed information on arthritis and other rheumatic diseases, including types, diagnosis, treatment, and living with the condition

Infectious arthritis is an infection in the joint fluid and tissues. Different bacteria and viruses can infect a joint and usually are associated with a person's age.

Detailed information on juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, including cause, symptom, diagnosis, and treatment

With proper management, a rheumatic disease often does not have to hinder your daily activities.

Low back pain can range from mild, dull, and annoying to persistent, severe, and disabling pain. Pain in the lower back can restrict mobility and interfere with normal functioning.

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List of online resources to find additional information on arthritis and other rheumatic diseases

Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, is a chronic, degenerative, joint disease that affects mostly middle-aged and older adults.

Psoriatic arthritis is a form of arthritis associated with psoriasis, a chronic skin and nail disease.

This disorder affects blood flow to the fingers and less frequently to the ears, toes, nipples, knees, or nose. Exposure to cold and emotional upset are the triggers.

Reactive arthritis, also known as Reiter's syndrome, is a type of arthritis that occurs as a reaction to an infection somewhere in the body.

Scleroderma is a chronic, degenerative disease that can lead to scarring of the skin, joints, and other internal organs.

Most people who have lupus are young women. The effects of the disease can range from mild to severe.

Tendonitis is an inflammation of a tendon—the tough cord of tissue that connects muscles to bones. Tendonitis can affect any tendon, but is most commonly seen in the wrist and fingers.

Detailed information on the most common types of arthritis and other rheumatic diseases, including ankylosing spondylitis, bursitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia, gout, infectious arthritis, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, lyme disease, low back pa

Detailed information on the most common treatments used for arthritis