Condition Lookup
Category:
Musculoskeletal and Joint Conditions
Number of Conditions: 4
Rheumatoid Arthritis (Early Detection and Referral)
Specialty: Internal Medicine
Category: Musculoskeletal and Joint Conditions
Symptoms:
joint pain and swelling; morning stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes; fatigue; weight loss; low-grade fever
Root Cause:
Autoimmune disorder causing chronic inflammation in joints and systemic effects.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Blood tests (e.g., rheumatoid factor, anti-CCP antibodies, ESR, CRP), X-rays or MRI showing joint erosion.
Treatment:
Referral to a rheumatologist for disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs); NSAIDs and corticosteroids for symptom relief.
Medications:
DMARDs (e.g., methotrexate , leflunomide ), biologics (e.g., adalimumab , etanercept ), corticosteroids.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects about 1% of the population; more common in women.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history, smoking, certain infections, female sex.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Early treatment slows disease progression; untreated cases lead to joint damage and disability.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Joint deformity, osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, lung disease.
Back Pain
Specialty: Internal Medicine
Category: Musculoskeletal and Joint Conditions
Symptoms:
localized or radiating pain in the back; muscle stiffness; reduced mobility; shooting pain down the legs (sciatica)
Root Cause:
Can result from muscle strain, herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, or poor posture.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical evaluation, imaging (e.g., X-rays, MRI, CT) if severe or chronic.
Treatment:
Physical therapy, lifestyle changes, pain management, surgery for structural abnormalities.
Medications:
NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen ), muscle relaxants (e.g., cyclobenzaprine ), corticosteroid injections.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Leading cause of disability worldwide; affects up to 80% of adults at some point.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Sedentary lifestyle, obesity, poor posture, heavy lifting, aging.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Most cases improve with conservative treatment; chronic pain may require ongoing management.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Chronic pain, reduced mobility, depression.
Neck Pain
Specialty: Internal Medicine
Category: Musculoskeletal and Joint Conditions
Symptoms:
pain or stiffness in the neck; radiating pain to shoulders or arms; headaches; limited neck movement
Root Cause:
Often caused by muscle strain, poor posture, degenerative changes, or injury.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical history and physical exam; imaging if neurological symptoms or chronic pain.
Treatment:
Physical therapy, ergonomic adjustments, pain management.
Medications:
NSAIDs (e.g., naproxen ), muscle relaxants (e.g., methocarbamol ), corticosteroid injections for severe cases.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common, especially in individuals with sedentary jobs or poor posture.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Poor ergonomics, trauma (e.g., whiplash), degenerative disc disease.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good; most cases resolve within weeks.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Chronic pain, nerve impingement.
Tendonitis
Specialty: Internal Medicine
Category: Musculoskeletal and Joint Conditions
Symptoms:
pain at the tendon site; swelling; tenderness; reduced mobility
Root Cause:
Inflammation of a tendon due to overuse, repetitive motion, or injury.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical evaluation, ultrasound or MRI if severe or persistent.
Treatment:
Rest, ice, physical therapy, activity modification.
Medications:
NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen ), corticosteroid injections for severe cases.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common in physically active individuals or those with repetitive motions in their job.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Repetitive movements, age, poor technique during physical activity.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Excellent with rest and treatment; recurrence possible if the underlying cause is not addressed.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Tendon rupture, chronic pain.