Rheumatic diseases include any disease state that affects the joints of the body. Typically caused by an autoimmune disorder, rheumatic disorders range from mildly aggravating to severely disabling. Rheumatic disorders, which can affect one joint or the body as a whole, include rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, osteoarthritis and gout.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and destruction of the joints, tissues and organs of the body. It affects the joints symmetrically and targets mainly the joints of the hands, wrists, knees and ankles.
The synovial membrane surrounds the joints of the body. Within the synovial cavity, or joint space is synovial fluid, a lubricant that supplies nutrients and oxygen to the joint. Also within the joint space is cartilage, protecting the bones from the forces of gravity and friction. RA produces molecules that inflame the synovial membrane and destroy the cartilage, exposing the bone to injury and deformity. The harmful molecules also target the organs hindering proper function, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks the normal, healthy tissues and organs of the body. Incidence rates of the disease, which can range from mild to severe to life threatening, are higher in the African-American and Asian populations. Joint pain and arthritis are the most common conditions caused by lupus, in addition to inflammation of the heart, arrhythmias, or irregular heartbeats. Symptoms include fatigue; muscle aches; nausea; fluid in the lungs; seizures; skin rash in a butterfly pattern over the cheeks and down the bridge of the nose; swollen glands; abdominal pain; hair loss; mouth sores; fingers that change to a bluish color in the cold; nose bleeds; and numbness or tingling. Treatment is aimed at controlling the symptoms. If the condition worsens, steroids and medications are used to decrease the immune response, according to UMMC.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis, or OA, is a disease in which the cartilage within a joint breaks down. Cartilage covers the ends of bones at the point where a bone meets another bone to form a joint. The cartilage protects the bones from wear and tear and acts as a shock absorber. Typically, cartilage is replenished as it is worn away. In OA, cartilage production is inhibited, which exposes the bone and causes pain, creaking joints and swelling, according to the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York.
Gout
Gout is a sudden onset disorder that causes severe pain, swelling and redness of joints. Usually affecting the big toe joint, gout can last a week or more. Excessive uric acid crystals in the blood cause gout. Uric acid is a byproduct of the breakdown of purines, a constituent of RNA and DNA, the genetic material found within the cell. Purines are found mostly in meat products. Factors that predispose a person to gout include being overweight, increased alcohol consumption, high blood pressure, family history and gender. Men experience gout more than women, according to Cedars Sinai.
