Home

Site Map

Links

News


Advanced Search

HomeAboutIncidence and risk factorsSymptomsAnatomy Initial symptoms Diagnosis Progression Conditions with similar symptoms Causes and effectsDiagnosis and evaluation Management and treatmentConclusion

Print Complete Article
View article with questions

Home « Clinical Services « Arthritis

Bursitis, Tendinitis, and Other Soft Tissue Rheumatic Syndromes.

Last updated Thursday, February 10, 2005

*We are working to keep you fit for life. Click here to find out more*

<< Previous Page

Next Page >>

Symptoms

Anatomy

Soft tissue rheumatic syndromes may affect the areas around the joints of the shoulders, chest elbows, wrists fingers, hips, back, knees, ankles, and feet.

Initial symptoms

Pain is the main symptom of soft tissue rheumatic syndromes. Because the structures affected are located near the joint, moving the joint can be extremely painful and may be extremely difficult. Some conditions may cause redness, warmth, or swelling in the affected area. If fever, chills, persistent redness, or swelling occur in a person with soft tissue rheumatic syndrome, the person should see a doctor immediately to rule out infection. Specific symptoms and causes depend on which areas are affected.

Diagnosis

A doctor can make a diagnosis of a soft tissue rheumatic syndrome based on a physical exam and a medical history. A doctor will want to know when the pain was first felt, how intense the pain was, where it was located, and if any new physical activities had been started recently.

Progression

Most of these conditions occur suddenly, may last for days, weeks, or longer, and then go away. They can occur again in the same place or in other parts of the body. Many of the syndromes go away on their own time.

Conditions with similar symptoms

Because the structures affected by soft tissue rheumatic syndromes are near joints, pain in these areas may be mistaken for arthritis. The difference is that arthritis means inflammation in the joint itself, not in the structures around the joint.

<< Previous Page

Next Page >>

How useful was this page or article?

This article is rated out of 5 stars (1151 ratings).