Search results for: pain

Polymyalgia Rheumatica

April 1, 2008 • By Staff

Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is a relatively common cause of widespread aching and stiffness in older adults. PMR can overlap with another rheumatic disease called giant cell arteritis, and symptoms of the two conditions can occur at the same time or separately. (See p. 12 of the March 2008 issue for more on giant cell arteritis.) The typical symptoms of PMR include aching and stiffness around the upper arms, neck, lower back, buttocks, and thighs. Symptoms tend to develop quickly over a period of several days or weeks, and occasionally even overnight.... [Read More]

Catch Some Zs

April 1, 2008 • By Virginia Hughes

Nonpharmacological strategies to improve sleep... [Read More]

Concrete Relief for Vertebral Fractures

April 1, 2008 • By Kurt Ullman

PVA reduces fracture pain—but is it overused?... [Read More]

Envision Arthritis Pathology

April 1, 2008 • By Philip G. Conaghan, MB BS, PhD

MRI advances in RA and OA... [Read More]

Giant Cell Arteritis

March 1, 2008 • By Staff

Giant cell arteritis (GCA)—a type of vasculitis—is a group of diseases whose typical feature is inflammation of blood vessels. The blood vessels most commonly involved are the arteries of the scalp and head (especially the arteries over the temples), which is why another term for GCA is “temporal arteritis.” GCA can overlap with another rheumatic disease called polymyalgia rheumatica, and symptoms of the two conditions can occur at the same time or separately. The causes of GCA and polymyalgia rheumatica are unknown.... [Read More]

If the Best You Can Do Is Zero

March 1, 2008 • By David S. Pisetsky, MD, PhD

When we focus on loss, do we hurt our chances for gain?... [Read More]

Systemic Vasculitis

March 1, 2008 • By Virginia Hughes

Low incidence makes research and diagnosis a challenge... [Read More]

Osteoarthritis Quo Vadis

March 1, 2008 • By Roland W. Moskowitz, MD

Our knowledge of OA has progressed far—does a cure lie ahead?... [Read More]

Rheumatology’s Divergent Thinkers

February 1, 2008 • By Gretchen Henkel

OMERACT selects outcomes measures with an egalitarian process... [Read More]

Osteonecrosis

February 1, 2008 • By Staff

Osteonecrosis, also called avascular necrosis or aseptic necrosis, is a condition in which the death of bone cells (due to decreased blood flow) can lead to pain and collapse of areas of bone. This collapse of bone, in turn, can lead to degenerative arthritis of nearby joints, most commonly the hips and knees. Less frequently affected are the shoulders, hands, and feet. In rare instances, osteonecrosis can occur in the jaw— resulting in pain and mouth ulceration. Osteonecrosis is not fatal, but can lead to pain, arthritis, problems with physical activity, and even the need for joint replacement. Most of the 10,000 to 20,000 Americans developing osteonecrosis annually are between age 20 and 50. These individuals usually have a history of serious trauma, corticosteroid use, excess alcohol intake, or other conditions including systemic lupus erythematosus, dysbarism (“the bends” that occur with scuba diving), blood disorders, HIV infection, and radiation therapy.... [Read More]