Musculoskeletal Conditions Specialist

What are musculoskeletal conditions?

Musculoskeletal conditions are chronic disorders that affect the bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, or nerves. Some take several years to develop, while others come on suddenly. Many musculoskeletal conditions can interfere with your day-to-day activities, including your ability to work without pain.

What are the different kinds of musculoskeletal conditions?

The Rheumatology Associates team treats several musculoskeletal conditions, including:

Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia causes chronic pain throughout the muscles and joints. If you have fibromyalgia, your areas of pain can feel tender. You can also experience chronic fatigue, forgetfulness, numbness, and/or depression.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. It causes the soft cartilage on the outside of your joints to deteriorate.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that pushes the immune system to attack the joint linings, inflaming them.

Carpal tunnel syndrome

The carpal tunnel is a thin channel that stretches through the wrist and hand that the median nerve runs through. Compression of this nerve often causes pain, numbness, and tingling in the wrist and/or hand.

Fractures

Fractures (bone breaks) can happen at any age. But they’re most common in older adults whose bones have become porous due to osteoporosis.

Tendinitis

Tendons connect muscle to bone and can become inflamed and painful from overuse or injury. Rheumatoid arthritis is another common cause of tendinitis.

Bursitis

The bursae are fluid-filled sacs that cushion your joints. When they become inflamed, your joints can feel stiff and painful.

How are musculoskeletal conditions diagnosed?

The Rheumatology Associates team performs a wide range of testing to diagnose musculoskeletal conditions. In addition to a head-to-toe physical exam, the team can order blood work and imaging scans, like X-rays, an MRI, an ultrasound, and a CT scan.

How are musculoskeletal conditions treated?

The best treatment for your musculoskeletal condition depends on how severe it is and what’s causing it. Treatments that the Rheumatology Associates team can recommend include:

• Medication
• Physical therapy
• Exercise
• Joint injections
• Infusion therapy

Lifestyle changes, like weight loss, following a healthy diet, and quitting smoking, can also help improve the symptoms of many musculoskeletal conditions.

Call Rheumatology Associates or schedule an appointment online today to learn more about diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal conditions.