Rheumatology
Rheumatology is the study and practice of diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal and rheumatic disease. These diseases can affect the joints, muscles, and bones.
Learn more about rheumatology at Mount Sinai Health System
Diseases & Conditions
Adult Still disease
Adult Still disease (ASD) is a rare illness that causes high fevers, rash, and joint pain. It may lead to long-term (chronic) arthritis. Adult Still disease is a severe version of juvenile idiopathic arthritis...
Diseases & Conditions
Ankylosing spondylitis
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic form of arthritis. It mostly affects the bones and joints at the base of the spine where it connects with the pelvis. These joints can become swollen and inflamed...
Diseases & Conditions
Antiphospholipid syndrome - APS
Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune disorder that involves frequent blood clots (thromboses). When you have this condition, your body's immune system makes abnormal proteins that attack the...
Diseases & Conditions
Arthritis
Arthritis is inflammation or degeneration of one or more joints. A joint is the area where 2 bones meet. There are more than 100 different types of arthritis.
Diseases & Conditions
Autoimmune disorders
An autoimmune disorder occurs when the body's immune system attacks and destroys healthy body tissue by mistake. There are more than 80 autoimmune disorders. the body's immune system
Diseases & Conditions
Bursitis
Bursitis is the swelling and irritation of a bursa. A bursa is a fluid-filled sac that acts as a cushion between muscles, tendons, and bones.
Diseases & Conditions
Calcium pyrophosphate arthritis
Calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD) arthritis is a joint disease that can cause attacks of arthritis. Like gout, crystals form in the joints. But in this arthritis, the crystals are not formed from uric...
Diseases & Conditions
Collagen vascular disease
In a class of diseases known as autoimmune disorders, the body's immune system attacks its own tissues. Some of these diseases are similar to each other. They may involve arthritis and inflammation of arteries...
Diseases & Conditions
Compression fractures of the back
Compression fractures of the back are broken vertebrae. Vertebrae are the bones of the spine.
Diseases & Conditions
Cryoglobulinemia
Cryoglobulinemia is the presence of abnormal proteins in the blood. These proteins thicken in cold temperatures. proteins
Diseases & Conditions
Dermatomyositis
Dermatomyositis is a disease that involves muscle inflammation and a skin rash. Polymyositis is a similar inflammatory condition that also involves muscle weakness, swelling, tenderness, and tissue damage...
Diseases & Conditions
Dermatoses - systemic
Dermatoses is a general term used to describe any skin defect or lesion on the skin. Systemic means it affects the whole body, rather than just one part. Systemic dermatoses may be linked to problems in...
Diseases & Conditions
Drug-induced lupus erythematosus
Drug-induced lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disorder that is triggered by a reaction to a medicine. autoimmune disorder
Diseases & Conditions
Eosinophilic fasciitis
Eosinophilic fasciitis (EF) is a syndrome in which tissue under the skin and over the muscle, called fascia, becomes swollen, inflamed and thick. The skin on the arms, legs, neck, abdomen or feet can swell...
Diseases & Conditions
Felty syndrome
Felty syndrome is a disorder that includes rheumatoid arthritis, a swollen spleen, decreased white blood cell count, and repeated infections. It is rare. rheumatoid arthritis white blood cell count
Diseases & Conditions
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a condition in which a person has long-term pain that is spread throughout their body. The pain is most often accompanied by fatigue, sleep problems, difficulty concentrating, headaches...
Diseases & Conditions
Giant cell arteritis
Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is inflammation and damage to the blood vessels that supply blood to the head, neck, upper body and arms. It is also called temporal arteritis.
Diseases & Conditions
Gout
Gout is a type of arthritis. It occurs when uric acid builds up in the blood and causes inflammation in the joints. uric acid Acute gout is a painful condition that often affects only one joint. Chronic...
Diseases & Conditions
Granulomatosis with polyangiitis
Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is a rare disorder in which blood vessels become inflamed. This leads to damage in major organs of the body. It was formerly known as Wegener's granulomatosis.
Diseases & Conditions
Histiocytosis
Histiocytosis is a general name for a group of disorders or "syndromes" that involve an abnormal increase in the number of specialized white blood cells that are called histiocytes. histiocytes Recently...
Diseases & Conditions
Hypercalcemia
Hypercalcemia means you have too much calcium in your blood.
Diseases & Conditions
Hyperparathyroidism
Hyperparathyroidism is a disorder in which 1 or more of the parathyroid glands in your neck produce too much parathyroid hormone (PTH).
Diseases & Conditions
Hypersensitivity vasculitis
Hypersensitivity vasculitis is an extreme reaction to a drug, infection, or foreign substance. It leads to inflammation and damage to blood vessels, mainly in the skin. The term is not used much currently...
Diseases & Conditions
Hypervitaminosis D
Hypervitaminosis D is a condition that occurs after taking very high doses of vitamin D. vitamin D
Diseases & Conditions
Hypoparathyroidism
Hypoparathyroidism is a disorder in which the parathyroid glands in the neck do not produce enough parathyroid hormone (PTH).
Diseases & Conditions
IgA vasculitis - Henoch-Schonlein purpura
IgA vasculitis is a disease that involves purple spots on the skin, joint pain, gastrointestinal problems, and glomerulonephritis (a type of kidney disorder). It is also known as Henoch-Schönlein purpura...
Diseases & Conditions
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a term used to describe a group of disorders in children that includes arthritis. They are long-term (chronic) diseases that cause joint pain and swelling. The names...
Diseases & Conditions
Kawasaki disease
Kawasaki disease is a rare condition that involves inflammation of the blood vessels. It occurs in children.
Diseases & Conditions
Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS)
Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a long-term illness that affects many body systems. People with this illness are not able to do their usual activities. Sometimes, they may be...
Diseases & Conditions
Myositis
Myositis is an inflammation or swelling of the muscles. It is most often caused by injury, infection, medicines, or an autoimmune disorder. autoimmune disorder Dermatomyositis and polymyositis are related...
Diseases & Conditions
Necrotizing vasculitis
Necrotizing vasculitis is a group of disorders that involve inflammation of the blood vessel walls. The size of the affected blood vessels helps to determine the names of these conditions and how the disorder...
Diseases & Conditions
Osteitis fibrosa
Osteitis fibrosa is a complication of hyperparathyroidism, a condition in which overactive parathyroid glands cause certain bones to become abnormally weak and deformed. hyperparathyroidism
Diseases & Conditions
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common joint disorder. It is due to aging and wear and tear on a joint.
Diseases & Conditions
Osteomalacia
Osteomalacia is softening of the bones. It most often occurs because of a problem with vitamin D, which helps your body absorb calcium. Your body needs calcium to maintain the strength and hardness of your...
Diseases & Conditions
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a disease in which bones become fragile and more likely to break (fracture).
Diseases & Conditions
Paget disease of the bone
Paget disease is a disorder that involves abnormal bone destruction and regrowth. This results in deformity of the affected bones.
Diseases & Conditions
Parathyroid adenoma
A parathyroid adenoma is a noncancerous (benign) tumor of the parathyroid glands. The parathyroid glands are located in the neck, near or attached to the back side of the thyroid gland.
Diseases & Conditions
Paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria (PCH)
Paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria (PCH) is a rare blood disorder in which the body's immune system produces antibodies that destroy red blood cells. It occurs when the person is exposed to cold temperatures...
Diseases & Conditions
Polyarteritis nodosa
Polyarteritis nodosa is a serious inflammatory blood vessel disease. The small and medium-sized arteries become swollen and damaged.
Diseases & Conditions
Polymyalgia rheumatica
Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is an inflammatory disorder. It involves pain and stiffness in the shoulders and often the hips.
Diseases & Conditions
Polymyositis - adult
Polymyositis and dermatomyositis are rare inflammatory diseases. (The condition is called dermatomyositis when it involves the skin. ) These diseases lead to muscle weakness, swelling, tenderness, and tissue...
Diseases & Conditions
Pseudohypoparathyroidism
Pseudohypoparathyroidism (PHP) is a genetic disorder in which the body fails to respond to parathyroid hormone. parathyroid hormone A related condition is hypoparathyroidism, in which the body does not...
Diseases & Conditions
Psoriatic arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis is a joint problem (arthritis) that often occurs with a skin condition called psoriasis. arthritis psoriasis
Diseases & Conditions
Raynaud phenomenon
Raynaud phenomenon is a condition in which cold temperatures or strong emotions cause blood vessel spasms. This blocks blood flow to the affected regions and causes discoloration
Diseases & Conditions
Reactive arthritis
Reactive arthritis is a type of arthritis that follows an infection. It may also cause inflammation of the eyes, skin and urinary and genital systems.
Diseases & Conditions
Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a disease that leads to inflammation of the joints and surrounding tissues. It is a long-term disease. It can also affect other organs.
Diseases & Conditions
Scleroderma
Scleroderma is a disease that involves the buildup of fibrous tissue in the skin and elsewhere in the body. It also damages the cells that line the walls of small arteries. This leads to tissue injury due...
Diseases & Conditions
Scleroma
A scleroma is a hardened patch of tissue in the skin or mucous membranes. It most often forms in the head and neck. The nose is the most common location for scleromas, but they can also form in the throat...
Diseases & Conditions
Secondary systemic amyloidosis
Secondary systemic amyloidosis is a disorder in which abnormal proteins build up in tissues and organs. Clumps of the abnormal proteins are called amyloid deposits. Secondary means it occurs because of...
Diseases & Conditions
Septic arthritis
Septic arthritis is inflammation of a joint due to a bacterial or fungal infection. Septic arthritis that is due to the bacteria that cause gonorrhea, has different symptoms and is called gonococcal arthritis...
Diseases & Conditions
Sjogren syndrome
Sjögren syndrome is an autoimmune disorder in which the glands that produce tears and saliva are destroyed. This causes dry mouth and dry eyes. The condition may affect other parts of the body, including...
Diseases & Conditions
Systemic lupus erythematosus
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease. In this disease, the immune system of the body mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. It can affect the skin, joints, kidneys, brain, and other organs...
Diseases & Conditions
Takayasu arteritis
Takayasu arteritis is an inflammation of large arteries such as the aorta and its major branches. The aorta is the artery that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body. its major branches
Diseases & Conditions
Thromboangiitis obliterans
Thromboangiitis obliterans is a rare disease in which blood vessels of the hands and feet become blocked.
Diseases & Conditions
Toxic synovitis
Toxic synovitis is a condition affecting children that causes hip pain and limping. hip pain
Diseases & Conditions
Viral arthritis
Viral arthritis is swelling and irritation (inflammation) of a joint caused by a viral infection.
Diseases & Conditions
Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia
Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM) is a cancer of the B lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell). WM is associated with the overproduction of proteins called IgM antibodies. antibodies
Special Topics
Arthritis - resources
Special Topics
Calcium and bones
Special Topics
Calcium supplements
WHO SHOULD TAKE CALCIUM SUPPLEMENTS? Calcium is an important mineral for the human body. It helps build and protect your teeth and bones. Getting enough calcium over your lifetime can help prevent osteoporosis...
Special Topics
Chronic fatigue syndrome - resources
Special Topics
Chronic pain - resources
Special Topics
Lupus - resources
Special Topics
Scleroderma - resources
Special Topics
What causes bone loss?
Osteoporosis - causes; Low bone density - causes
Surgery
Reverse total shoulder replacement
Reverse total shoulder replacement is surgery to replace the damaged parts of the shoulder joint with artificial parts. This type of surgery may be used for people who cannot have regular shoulder replacement...
Tests
25-hydroxy vitamin D test
The 25-hydroxy vitamin D test is the most accurate way to measure how much vitamin D is in your body. Vitamin D helps control calcium and phosphate levels in the body.
Tests
Aldolase blood test
Aldolase is a protein (called an enzyme) that helps break down certain sugars to produce energy. It is found in high amount in muscle and liver tissue. A test can be done to measure the amount of aldolase...
Tests
Anti-DNase B blood test
Anti-DNase B is a blood test to look for antibodies to a substance (protein) produced by group A streptococcus. This is the bacteria that cause strep throat. . strep throat When used together with the ASO...
Tests
Anti-smooth muscle antibody
Anti-smooth muscle antibody is a blood test that detects the presence of antibodies against smooth muscle. The antibody is useful in making a diagnosis of autoimmune hepatitis. antibodies
Tests
Antimitochondrial antibody
Antimitochondrial antibodies (AMA) are substances (antibodies) that form against mitochondria. The mitochondria are an important part of cells. They are the energy source inside the cells. These help the...
Tests
Antinuclear antibody panel
The antinuclear antibody panel is a blood test that looks at antinuclear antibodies (ANA). antibodies ANA are antibodies produced by the immune system that bind to the body's own tissues.The antinuclear...
Tests
C-reactive protein
C-reactive protein (CRP) is produced by the liver. The level of CRP rises when there is inflammation in the body. It is one of a group of proteins, called acute phase reactants that go up in response to...
Tests
C1 esterase inhibitor
C1 esterase inhibitor (C1-INH) is a protein found in the fluid part of your blood. It controls a protein called C1, which is part of the complement system. The complement system is a group of nearly 60...
Tests
Complement
Complement is a blood test that measures the activity of certain proteins in the liquid portion of your blood. The complement system is a group of nearly 60 proteins that are in blood plasma or on the surface...
Tests
Complement component 3 (C3)
Complement C3 is a blood test that measures the activity of a certain protein. This protein is part of the complement system. The complement system is a group of nearly 60 proteins that are in blood plasma...
Tests
Complement component 4
Complement component 4 is a blood test that measures the activity of a certain protein. This protein is part of the complement system. The complement system is a group of nearly 60 proteins that are found...
Tests
Cryoglobulins
Cryoglobulins are antibodies that become solid or gel-like at low temperatures in the laboratory. This article describes the blood test used to check for them. In the laboratory, cryoglobulins come out...
Tests
ESR
ESR stands for erythrocyte sedimentation rate. It is commonly called a "sed rate." It is a test that indirectly measures the level of certain proteins in the blood. This measurement correlates with the...
Tests
Eosinophil count - absolute
An absolute eosinophil count is a blood test that measures the number of one type of white blood cells called eosinophils. Eosinophils become active when you have certain allergic diseases, infections,...
Tests
Febrile/cold agglutinins
Agglutinins are antibodies that cause the red blood cells to clump together. antibodies Cold agglutinins are active at cold temperatures. Febrile (warm) agglutinins are active at normal body temperatures...
Tests
HLA-B27 antigen
HLA-B27 is a blood test to look for a protein that is found on the surface of white blood cells. The protein is called human leukocyte antigen B27 (HLA-B27). Human leukocyte antigens (HLAs) are proteins...
Tests
Histocompatibility antigen test
A histocompatibility antigen blood test looks at proteins called human leukocyte antigens (HLAs). These are found on the surface of almost all cells in the human body. HLAs are found in large amounts on...
Tests
Immunofixation - urine
Urine immunofixation is a test to look for abnormal proteins in urine.
Tests
Rheumatoid factor (RF)
Rheumatoid factor (RF) is a blood test that measures the amount of the RF antibody in the blood. antibody
Tests
Uric acid - blood
Uric acid is a chemical created when the body breaks down substances called purines. Purines are normally produced in the body and are also found in some foods and drinks. Foods with high content of purines...
Tests
25-hydroxy vitamin D test
The 25-hydroxy vitamin D test is the most accurate way to measure how much vitamin D is in your body. Vitamin D helps control calcium and phosphate levels in the body.
Diseases & Conditions
Adult Still disease
Adult Still disease (ASD) is a rare illness that causes high fevers, rash, and joint pain. It may lead to long-term (chronic) arthritis. Adult Still disease is a severe version of juvenile idiopathic arthritis...
Tests
Aldolase blood test
Aldolase is a protein (called an enzyme) that helps break down certain sugars to produce energy. It is found in high amount in muscle and liver tissue. A test can be done to measure the amount of aldolase...
Diseases & Conditions
Ankylosing spondylitis
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic form of arthritis. It mostly affects the bones and joints at the base of the spine where it connects with the pelvis. These joints can become swollen and inflamed...
Tests
Anti-DNase B blood test
Anti-DNase B is a blood test to look for antibodies to a substance (protein) produced by group A streptococcus. This is the bacteria that cause strep throat. . strep throat When used together with the ASO...
Tests
Anti-smooth muscle antibody
Anti-smooth muscle antibody is a blood test that detects the presence of antibodies against smooth muscle. The antibody is useful in making a diagnosis of autoimmune hepatitis. antibodies
Tests
Antimitochondrial antibody
Antimitochondrial antibodies (AMA) are substances (antibodies) that form against mitochondria. The mitochondria are an important part of cells. They are the energy source inside the cells. These help the...
Tests
Antinuclear antibody panel
The antinuclear antibody panel is a blood test that looks at antinuclear antibodies (ANA). antibodies ANA are antibodies produced by the immune system that bind to the body's own tissues.The antinuclear...
Diseases & Conditions
Antiphospholipid syndrome - APS
Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune disorder that involves frequent blood clots (thromboses). When you have this condition, your body's immune system makes abnormal proteins that attack the...
Diseases & Conditions
Arthritis
Arthritis is inflammation or degeneration of one or more joints. A joint is the area where 2 bones meet. There are more than 100 different types of arthritis.
Special Topics
Arthritis - resources
Diseases & Conditions
Autoimmune disorders
An autoimmune disorder occurs when the body's immune system attacks and destroys healthy body tissue by mistake. There are more than 80 autoimmune disorders. the body's immune system
Diseases & Conditions
Bursitis
Bursitis is the swelling and irritation of a bursa. A bursa is a fluid-filled sac that acts as a cushion between muscles, tendons, and bones.
Tests
C-reactive protein
C-reactive protein (CRP) is produced by the liver. The level of CRP rises when there is inflammation in the body. It is one of a group of proteins, called acute phase reactants that go up in response to...
Tests
C1 esterase inhibitor
C1 esterase inhibitor (C1-INH) is a protein found in the fluid part of your blood. It controls a protein called C1, which is part of the complement system. The complement system is a group of nearly 60...
Special Topics
Calcium and bones
Diseases & Conditions
Calcium pyrophosphate arthritis
Calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD) arthritis is a joint disease that can cause attacks of arthritis. Like gout, crystals form in the joints. But in this arthritis, the crystals are not formed from uric...
Special Topics
Calcium supplements
WHO SHOULD TAKE CALCIUM SUPPLEMENTS? Calcium is an important mineral for the human body. It helps build and protect your teeth and bones. Getting enough calcium over your lifetime can help prevent osteoporosis...
Self-Care Instructions
Calcium, vitamin D, and your bones
Osteoporosis - calcium; Osteoporosis - low bone density
In-depth Report
Chronic fatigue syndrome - InDepth
An in-depth report on the causes, diagnosis, and treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome.
Special Topics
Chronic fatigue syndrome - resources
Special Topics
Chronic pain - resources
Diseases & Conditions
Collagen vascular disease
In a class of diseases known as autoimmune disorders, the body's immune system attacks its own tissues. Some of these diseases are similar to each other. They may involve arthritis and inflammation of arteries...
Tests
Complement
Complement is a blood test that measures the activity of certain proteins in the liquid portion of your blood. The complement system is a group of nearly 60 proteins that are in blood plasma or on the surface...
Tests
Complement component 3 (C3)
Complement C3 is a blood test that measures the activity of a certain protein. This protein is part of the complement system. The complement system is a group of nearly 60 proteins that are in blood plasma...
Tests
Complement component 4
Complement component 4 is a blood test that measures the activity of a certain protein. This protein is part of the complement system. The complement system is a group of nearly 60 proteins that are found...
Diseases & Conditions
Compression fractures of the back
Compression fractures of the back are broken vertebrae. Vertebrae are the bones of the spine.
Diseases & Conditions
Cryoglobulinemia
Cryoglobulinemia is the presence of abnormal proteins in the blood. These proteins thicken in cold temperatures. proteins
Tests
Cryoglobulins
Cryoglobulins are antibodies that become solid or gel-like at low temperatures in the laboratory. This article describes the blood test used to check for them. In the laboratory, cryoglobulins come out...
Diseases & Conditions
Dermatomyositis
Dermatomyositis is a disease that involves muscle inflammation and a skin rash. Polymyositis is a similar inflammatory condition that also involves muscle weakness, swelling, tenderness, and tissue damage...
Diseases & Conditions
Dermatoses - systemic
Dermatoses is a general term used to describe any skin defect or lesion on the skin. Systemic means it affects the whole body, rather than just one part. Systemic dermatoses may be linked to problems in...
Diseases & Conditions
Drug-induced lupus erythematosus
Drug-induced lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disorder that is triggered by a reaction to a medicine. autoimmune disorder
Tests
ESR
ESR stands for erythrocyte sedimentation rate. It is commonly called a "sed rate." It is a test that indirectly measures the level of certain proteins in the blood. This measurement correlates with the...
Tests
Eosinophil count - absolute
An absolute eosinophil count is a blood test that measures the number of one type of white blood cells called eosinophils. Eosinophils become active when you have certain allergic diseases, infections,...
Diseases & Conditions
Eosinophilic fasciitis
Eosinophilic fasciitis (EF) is a syndrome in which tissue under the skin and over the muscle, called fascia, becomes swollen, inflamed and thick. The skin on the arms, legs, neck, abdomen or feet can swell...
Self-Care Instructions
Exercise, lifestyle, and your bones
Osteoporosis - exercise; Low bone density - exercise; Osteopenia - exercise
Tests
Febrile/cold agglutinins
Agglutinins are antibodies that cause the red blood cells to clump together. antibodies Cold agglutinins are active at cold temperatures. Febrile (warm) agglutinins are active at normal body temperatures...
Diseases & Conditions
Felty syndrome
Felty syndrome is a disorder that includes rheumatoid arthritis, a swollen spleen, decreased white blood cell count, and repeated infections. It is rare. rheumatoid arthritis white blood cell count
Diseases & Conditions
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a condition in which a person has long-term pain that is spread throughout their body. The pain is most often accompanied by fatigue, sleep problems, difficulty concentrating, headaches...
In-depth Report
Fibromyalgia - InDepth
An in-depth report on the causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of fibromyalgia.
Symptoms
Finger pain
Finger pain is pain in one or more fingers. Injuries and many medical conditions can cause finger pain.
Symptoms
Fingers that change color
Fingers or toes may change color when they are exposed to cold temperatures or stress, or when there is a problem with their blood supply.
Diseases & Conditions
Giant cell arteritis
Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is inflammation and damage to the blood vessels that supply blood to the head, neck, upper body and arms. It is also called temporal arteritis.
Diseases & Conditions
Gout
Gout is a type of arthritis. It occurs when uric acid builds up in the blood and causes inflammation in the joints. uric acid Acute gout is a painful condition that often affects only one joint. Chronic...
In-depth Report
Gout - InDepth
An in-depth report on the causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of gout.
Diseases & Conditions
Granulomatosis with polyangiitis
Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is a rare disorder in which blood vessels become inflamed. This leads to damage in major organs of the body. It was formerly known as Wegener's granulomatosis.
Tests
HLA-B27 antigen
HLA-B27 is a blood test to look for a protein that is found on the surface of white blood cells. The protein is called human leukocyte antigen B27 (HLA-B27). Human leukocyte antigens (HLAs) are proteins...
Diseases & Conditions
Histiocytosis
Histiocytosis is a general name for a group of disorders or "syndromes" that involve an abnormal increase in the number of specialized white blood cells that are called histiocytes. histiocytes Recently...
Tests
Histocompatibility antigen test
A histocompatibility antigen blood test looks at proteins called human leukocyte antigens (HLAs). These are found on the surface of almost all cells in the human body. HLAs are found in large amounts on...
Diseases & Conditions
Hypercalcemia
Hypercalcemia means you have too much calcium in your blood.
Diseases & Conditions
Hyperparathyroidism
Hyperparathyroidism is a disorder in which 1 or more of the parathyroid glands in your neck produce too much parathyroid hormone (PTH).
Diseases & Conditions
Hypersensitivity vasculitis
Hypersensitivity vasculitis is an extreme reaction to a drug, infection, or foreign substance. It leads to inflammation and damage to blood vessels, mainly in the skin. The term is not used much currently...
Diseases & Conditions
Hypervitaminosis D
Hypervitaminosis D is a condition that occurs after taking very high doses of vitamin D. vitamin D
Diseases & Conditions
Hypoparathyroidism
Hypoparathyroidism is a disorder in which the parathyroid glands in the neck do not produce enough parathyroid hormone (PTH).
Diseases & Conditions
IgA vasculitis - Henoch-Schonlein purpura
IgA vasculitis is a disease that involves purple spots on the skin, joint pain, gastrointestinal problems, and glomerulonephritis (a type of kidney disorder). It is also known as Henoch-Schönlein purpura...
Tests
Immunofixation - urine
Urine immunofixation is a test to look for abnormal proteins in urine.
Symptoms
Joint pain
Joint pain can affect one or more joints.
Symptoms
Joint swelling
Joint swelling is the buildup of fluid in the soft tissue surrounding the joint or the joint itself.
Diseases & Conditions
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a term used to describe a group of disorders in children that includes arthritis. They are long-term (chronic) diseases that cause joint pain and swelling. The names...
Diseases & Conditions
Kawasaki disease
Kawasaki disease is a rare condition that involves inflammation of the blood vessels. It occurs in children.
Special Topics
Lupus - resources
In-depth Report
Lyme disease and related tick-borne infections - InDepth
An in-depth report on the causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of Lyme disease.
Self-Care Instructions
Making everyday tasks easier when you have arthritis
Self-Care Instructions
Managing your chronic back pain
Chronic back pain - managing; Chronic back pain - self-care; Failed back syndrome - managing; Lumbar stenosis -managing; Spinal stenosis - managing; Sciatica - managing; Chronic lumbar pain - managing
Self-Care Instructions
Medicines for osteoporosis
Alendronate (Fosamax); Ibandronate (Boniva); Risedronate (Actonel); Zoledronic acid (Reclast); Raloxifene (Evista); Teriparatide (Forteo); Denosumab (Prolia); Romosozumab (Evenity); Low bone density - medicines...
Diseases & Conditions
Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS)
Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a long-term illness that affects many body systems. People with this illness are not able to do their usual activities. Sometimes, they may be...
Diseases & Conditions
Myositis
Myositis is an inflammation or swelling of the muscles. It is most often caused by injury, infection, medicines, or an autoimmune disorder. autoimmune disorder Dermatomyositis and polymyositis are related...
Diseases & Conditions
Necrotizing vasculitis
Necrotizing vasculitis is a group of disorders that involve inflammation of the blood vessel walls. The size of the affected blood vessels helps to determine the names of these conditions and how the disorder...
Diseases & Conditions
Osteitis fibrosa
Osteitis fibrosa is a complication of hyperparathyroidism, a condition in which overactive parathyroid glands cause certain bones to become abnormally weak and deformed. hyperparathyroidism
Diseases & Conditions
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common joint disorder. It is due to aging and wear and tear on a joint.
In-depth Report
Osteoarthritis - InDepth
An in-depth report on the causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of the most common form of arthritis.
Diseases & Conditions
Osteomalacia
Osteomalacia is softening of the bones. It most often occurs because of a problem with vitamin D, which helps your body absorb calcium. Your body needs calcium to maintain the strength and hardness of your...
Diseases & Conditions
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a disease in which bones become fragile and more likely to break (fracture).
In-depth Report
Osteoporosis - InDepth
An in-depth report on the causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of osteoporosis.
Diseases & Conditions
Paget disease of the bone
Paget disease is a disorder that involves abnormal bone destruction and regrowth. This results in deformity of the affected bones.
Diseases & Conditions
Parathyroid adenoma
A parathyroid adenoma is a noncancerous (benign) tumor of the parathyroid glands. The parathyroid glands are located in the neck, near or attached to the back side of the thyroid gland.
Diseases & Conditions
Paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria (PCH)
Paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria (PCH) is a rare blood disorder in which the body's immune system produces antibodies that destroy red blood cells. It occurs when the person is exposed to cold temperatures...
Diseases & Conditions
Polyarteritis nodosa
Polyarteritis nodosa is a serious inflammatory blood vessel disease. The small and medium-sized arteries become swollen and damaged.
Diseases & Conditions
Polymyalgia rheumatica
Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is an inflammatory disorder. It involves pain and stiffness in the shoulders and often the hips.
Diseases & Conditions
Polymyositis - adult
Polymyositis and dermatomyositis are rare inflammatory diseases. (The condition is called dermatomyositis when it involves the skin. ) These diseases lead to muscle weakness, swelling, tenderness, and tissue...
Diseases & Conditions
Pseudohypoparathyroidism
Pseudohypoparathyroidism (PHP) is a genetic disorder in which the body fails to respond to parathyroid hormone. parathyroid hormone A related condition is hypoparathyroidism, in which the body does not...
Diseases & Conditions
Psoriatic arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis is a joint problem (arthritis) that often occurs with a skin condition called psoriasis. arthritis psoriasis
Diseases & Conditions
Raynaud phenomenon
Raynaud phenomenon is a condition in which cold temperatures or strong emotions cause blood vessel spasms. This blocks blood flow to the affected regions and causes discoloration
Diseases & Conditions
Reactive arthritis
Reactive arthritis is a type of arthritis that follows an infection. It may also cause inflammation of the eyes, skin and urinary and genital systems.
Surgery
Reverse total shoulder replacement
Reverse total shoulder replacement is surgery to replace the damaged parts of the shoulder joint with artificial parts. This type of surgery may be used for people who cannot have regular shoulder replacement...
Discharge Instructions
Reverse total shoulder replacement - discharge
Diseases & Conditions
Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a disease that leads to inflammation of the joints and surrounding tissues. It is a long-term disease. It can also affect other organs.
In-depth Report
Rheumatoid arthritis - InDepth
An in-depth report on the causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of rheumatoid arthritis.
Tests
Rheumatoid factor (RF)
Rheumatoid factor (RF) is a blood test that measures the amount of the RF antibody in the blood. antibody
Self-Care Instructions
Sacroiliac joint pain - aftercare
SIJ pain - aftercare; SIJ dysfunction - aftercare; SIJ strain - aftercare; SIJ subluxation - aftercare; SIJ syndrome - aftercare; SI joint - aftercare
Diseases & Conditions
Scleroderma
Scleroderma is a disease that involves the buildup of fibrous tissue in the skin and elsewhere in the body. It also damages the cells that line the walls of small arteries. This leads to tissue injury due...
In-depth Report
Scleroderma - InDepth
An in-depth report on the causes, diagnosis, and treatment of scleroderma.
Special Topics
Scleroderma - resources
Diseases & Conditions
Scleroma
A scleroma is a hardened patch of tissue in the skin or mucous membranes. It most often forms in the head and neck. The nose is the most common location for scleromas, but they can also form in the throat...
Diseases & Conditions
Secondary systemic amyloidosis
Secondary systemic amyloidosis is a disorder in which abnormal proteins build up in tissues and organs. Clumps of the abnormal proteins are called amyloid deposits. Secondary means it occurs because of...
Diseases & Conditions
Septic arthritis
Septic arthritis is inflammation of a joint due to a bacterial or fungal infection. Septic arthritis that is due to the bacteria that cause gonorrhea, has different symptoms and is called gonococcal arthritis...
Diseases & Conditions
Sjogren syndrome
Sjögren syndrome is an autoimmune disorder in which the glands that produce tears and saliva are destroyed. This causes dry mouth and dry eyes. The condition may affect other parts of the body, including...
Diseases & Conditions
Systemic lupus erythematosus
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease. In this disease, the immune system of the body mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. It can affect the skin, joints, kidneys, brain, and other organs...
In-depth Report
Systemic lupus erythematosus - InDepth
An in-depth report on the causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of lupus.
Diseases & Conditions
Takayasu arteritis
Takayasu arteritis is an inflammation of large arteries such as the aorta and its major branches. The aorta is the artery that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body. its major branches
Diseases & Conditions
Thromboangiitis obliterans
Thromboangiitis obliterans is a rare disease in which blood vessels of the hands and feet become blocked.
Diseases & Conditions
Toxic synovitis
Toxic synovitis is a condition affecting children that causes hip pain and limping. hip pain
Tests
Uric acid - blood
Uric acid is a chemical created when the body breaks down substances called purines. Purines are normally produced in the body and are also found in some foods and drinks. Foods with high content of purines...
Diseases & Conditions
Viral arthritis
Viral arthritis is swelling and irritation (inflammation) of a joint caused by a viral infection.
Diseases & Conditions
Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia
Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM) is a cancer of the B lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell). WM is associated with the overproduction of proteins called IgM antibodies. antibodies
Special Topics
What causes bone loss?
Osteoporosis - causes; Low bone density - causes