A good history and detailed clinical examination of patient are extremely important for proper diagnosis of over 100 types of arthritis. Recognition of patterns of joint involvement (topography) as well as those of disease presentation and progression is essential for correct clinical diagnosis.
Pain is a universal phenomenon. It is an unpleasant sensation felt by more than half of the world's population. Pain is a perception which is real and leads to considerable deterioration of quality of life in patients with arthritis and other rheumatological conditions.
Fatigue is a common problem in patients with rheumatic diseases. It is a complex phenomenon resulting from various physical, psychological and environmental factors.
Anxiety and depression are common psychological problems in rheumatic diseases. Depression is estimated to be prevalent in more than 20% cases of rheumatoid arthritis.
Both obesity and arthritis, alone or in combination, increase disability among older people. Association between these two conditions is well recognized.
Atherosclerosis (hardening of arterial wall) is a chronic inflammatory response in the walls of arteries leading to their narrowing, occlusion or occasional rupture.
Many rheumatologic diseases affect young women of childbearing age. Pregnancy alters immune status and is always a cause of concern in this age group. Effective use of better drugs and rigorous monitoring can now lead to remission of disease activity in many cases.
Human body is continuously exposed to various micro-organisms which can cause disease. Ability of human body to defend against diseases caused by micro-organisms and other agents is known as immunity and the system of this defense is known as immune system.