Condition Lookup
Sub-Category:
Other Rheumatologic Disorders
Number of Conditions: 2
Raynaud’s Phenomenon
Specialty: Orthopedics and Rheumatology
Category: Rheumatologic Conditions
Sub-category: Other Rheumatologic Disorders
Symptoms:
discoloration of fingers or toes (white, blue, or red); cold hands and feet; numbness or tingling in affected areas; pain or discomfort in the extremities during episodes
Root Cause:
Raynaud’s phenomenon is a disorder of the blood vessels, where smaller arteries constrict in response to cold or stress, leading to reduced blood flow to extremities.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis is primarily clinical, based on symptoms of color changes in fingers or toes. Blood tests may help identify underlying conditions (e.g., autoimmune disorders). Nailfold capillaroscopy or digital plethysmography can be used for further evaluation.
Treatment:
Avoidance of triggers (cold exposure, stress), calcium channel blockers (e.g., nifedipine) to help dilate blood vessels, and sometimes vasodilators (e.g., nitroglycerin). In severe cases, medications like prostacyclin or endothelin receptor antagonists may be used.
Medications:
Calcium channel blockers (e.g., nifedipine ), vasodilators, prostacyclin analogs, endothelin receptor antagonists — these medications help improve blood flow and prevent episodes.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects 3-5% of the population, with higher prevalence in women (especially in younger individuals) and people with autoimmune diseases.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history, cold climates, stress, smoking, and underlying autoimmune diseases (e.g., scleroderma, lupus).
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
The condition is often manageable, but in severe cases, it can lead to permanent damage to the affected tissues.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Ulcers or sores on affected fingers or toes, digital deformities, and in extreme cases, gangrene.
Sarcoidosis (with musculoskeletal involvement)
Specialty: Orthopedics and Rheumatology
Category: Rheumatologic Conditions
Sub-category: Other Rheumatologic Disorders
Symptoms:
muscle pain; joint pain; swelling of the joints; fatigue; difficulty moving affected limbs; muscle weakness
Root Cause:
Sarcoidosis is a systemic inflammatory disease that results in the formation of granulomas (clusters of immune cells) in various organs, including the muscles and joints.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis is based on clinical evaluation, imaging (e.g., X-rays, MRI), and biopsy of affected tissue showing granulomas. Blood tests for elevated serum angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) may also be helpful.
Treatment:
Treatment typically involves corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone) to reduce inflammation. Immunosuppressive agents may be prescribed in severe cases, and physical therapy is important for maintaining joint function and strength.
Medications:
Corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone ), immunosuppressants (e.g., methotrexate , azathioprine , hydroxychloroquine ) — these are used to suppress inflammation and control granuloma formation.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Sarcoidosis affects approximately 1-40 per 100,000 people in the general population, with a higher prevalence in African American women and in certain geographical regions.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history of sarcoidosis, exposure to environmental factors (e.g., dust, chemicals), age (typically 20-40 years old), ethnicity (higher prevalence in African Americans and Scandinavians).
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Most individuals recover with treatment, but some may experience chronic or recurrent symptoms, leading to long-term disability. In severe cases, organ damage can occur.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Chronic joint damage, pulmonary fibrosis, heart and eye involvement, and nerve damage.