Joint disease describes a condition that affects any of the joints---where two bones come together in the body. Joint diseases may occur as a result of injury, wear and tear over time, or damage from being attacked by immune cells or foreign agents such as bacteria. Doctors can determine the presence of a joint disease through a physical examination and diagnostic testing such as blood tests. To distinguish between the types of diseases, doctors may utilize magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, which provides a detailed image of both the bones and the soft tissues contained in the joints.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, occurs when the cartilage in the joint breaks down over time. Because the cartilage cushions the ends of the bones, as it breaks down, the bones rub against each other, causing joint pain and stiffness. Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease, affects approximately 27 million people in the United States, according to the Arthritis Foundation. Osteoarthritis commonly affects the joints found in the knee, hip, neck, fingers and lower back, causing symptoms such as joint stiffness---especially in the morning, weak muscles, joint pain and a loss of coordination. When the bones rub together due to the breakdown of cartilage, the bones thicken, causing bone spurs, also known as osteophytes. Bits of bone may also break away and float in the joint space. Although doctors can take X-rays to diagnose osteoarthritis early, an MRI provides a more detailed picture of the joint without the risks of radiation.
Temporomandibular Joint Disease
Temporomandibular joint disease, known as TMJ, affects the small joint located in front of the ear where the skull meets the lower jaw, as described by the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. The temporomandibular joint allows the jaw to move, and those with TMJ may suffer from displacement that causes a clicking or popping sound in the jaw. TMJ causes earaches and headaches and may interfere with the ability to chew or talk comfortably. Doctors can detect the displacement and inflammation of the jaw using an MRI, therefore allowing them to determine whether to treat the condition with nonsurgical methods or surgical procedures.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Doctors classify rheumatoid arthritis, a condition that affects approximately 1.3 million Americans, as an autoimmune disease, according to the Arthritis Foundation. RA occurs when the immune cells of the body mistakenly attack the cells lining the joints, known as the synovial cells. Damage to the synovial cells causes inflammation and triggers the release of enzymes that digest bone and cartilage. RA affects the joints symmetrically, meaning that if it affects a joint in the left hand, the same joint in the right hand is also affected. Patients with RA experience flare-ups when the symptoms, which include fatigue, joint stiffness, weakness, muscle pain, joint pain and flu-like symptoms, become worse. Over time, the damage to the cartilage, tendons, ligaments and bones may lead to deformity and joint instability. Performing an MRI can help doctors detect inflammation early, aiding in determining a course of treatment.
References
- Arthritis Foundation: Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Arthritis Foundation: Osteoarthritis
- The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library: Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Disorders
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Rheumatoid Arthritis
- American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons: Temporomandibular Joint Disease
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