Diseases that affect the bone and joints in the body can lead to a loss of mobility due to the deterioration or damage they cause. According to Mayoclinic.com, two common diseases that affect the joints are rheumatoid arthritis and bursitis. Diseases that affect the bone include osteoporosis and Paget's disease of the bone.
Rheumatoind Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis typically occurs when the body's immune system attacks its own tissue, usually at the joints. This happens because the body mistakenly believes that its own joint tissue is a foreign invader, according to Mayoclinic.com. Common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include painful or swollen joints, redness near the joints and tenderness. Other signs can include weight loss, fatigue and fever. Treatment for rheumatoid arthritis is centered on relieving symptoms and preventing further joint damage.
Bursitis
Bursitis is a condition that affects the joints and occurs when the fluid-filled cushions among the muscles and tendons---called bursae---become inflamed, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. This can cause swelling and discomfort on and around the affected area of the joints. Common symptoms include tender joints, redness and stiffness. Bursitis is typically cause by repetitive movements often required by a particular sport or occupation. Usually when the activity that caused bursitis is stopped, symptoms improve. A doctor may recommend exercise to strengthen the surrounding muscles or a corticosteroid shot to reduce inflammation. Rest and icing the affect area is the most common remedy for bursitis.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a disease that affects the bones. According to Mayoclinic.com, osteoporosis occurs when the production of new bone cannot keep up with the loss of old bone. When this happens, bone becomes brittle and porous, leaving it more susceptible to fractures and other injuries. Symptoms of osteoporosis include a loss of height over time, stooped posture and back pain. The risk of developing osteoporosis may be higher due to a low intake of calcium, tobacco use or the presence of eating disorders--usually in women---such as bulimia or anorexia nervosa. People who drink two or more alcoholic drinks, the elderly and those who have a family history of the disease also have a higher risk of developing osteoporosis. Treatment for osteoporosis includes medications, hormone therapy and exercise.
Paget's Disease of the Bone
Paget's disease of the bone is a condition that involves atypical bone destruction and regrowth, which eventually results in bone deformity, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. The cause of this disease may be due to a viral infection or a specific gene, but is still widely unknown. Symptoms include bone pain, joint stiffness, headaches and hearing loss. Certain complications of Paget's disease include heart failure, paraplegia and in rare cases a form of bone cancer called osteosarcoma. Common treatment for Paget's disease is drug therapy that helps prevent further breakdown of bone.
