Arthritis

Joint, tendon, and muscle pain
The musculoskeletal system includes bones, muscles, joints, ligaments, tendons, and bursae (fluid-filled sacs). Any of these components can be injured by trauma or affected by a number of diseases causing joint, tendon, and muscle problems.

Fibromyalgia - from Natural Standard
Fibromyalgia is a complex, disabling, and chronic (long-term) condition characterized by widespread long-term pain, fatigue, and stiffness in the muscles, ligaments, and tendons, as well as multiple tender points (places on the body where slight pressure causes pain). In addition to muscular pain and fatigue, fibromyalgia may also be associated with sleep problems, depression, and an inability to think clearly.

Scleroderma
Scleroderma is a group of disorders that cause the skin and the fibers that provide support and framework for the body (called connective tissues) to harden and tighten. It typically starts with a few dry patches of skin on the face and hands. Over time, these patches of skin become thicker and harder, and more and more skin becomes affected. In some cases, the condition may also involve the internal organs and blood vessels.

Reiter's syndrome
Reiter's syndrome is characterized by arthritis (swollen and painful joints), eye inflammation and irritation, and urinary tract problems. It is generally a temporary condition, but symptoms may come back repeatedly for a few patients.

Selective COX-2 inhibitors
Selective COX-2 inhibitors are a type of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that are used to reduce inflammation (swelling) and pain (analgesic). The term "nonsteroidal" is used to distinguish the drugs from steroids, which have similar eicosanoid-depressing and anti-inflammatory properties. NSAIDs are non-narcotic and are therefore non-addictive.

Arthritis - from Natural Standard
The term arthritis literally means joint inflammation or swelling. More than 100 different diseases fall under the general category of arthritis. Arthritis conditions affect the joints, the tissues surrounding the affected joints, and other connective tissues.

Gout - from Natural Standard
Gout is an intensely painful form of arthritis that causes the joints to become red, swollen, and stiff. Symptoms are most likely to develop in the big toe. Other commonly affected joints include the ankles, heels, knees, wrists, fingers, and elbows. Individuals typically experience acute attacks of gout. In other words, symptoms develop suddenly and go away after a couple weeks.

Sjogren's syndrome
Sjogren's syndrome is an autoimmune disorder that is characterized by dry eyes and a dry mouth. Autoimmune disorders occur when the immune system, which normally fights against diseases and infections, attacks healthy tissues by mistake. In Sjogren's syndrome, the immune system destroys the glands that secrete tears and saliva first. Sjogren's syndrome is a progressive disorder. If not properly managed, the disorder may eventually damage other tissues in the body, including the nervous system, kidneys, lungs, and skin.

Rheumatic diseases - from Natural Standard
Rheumatic diseases are illnesses that cause long-term inflammation and loss of function of one or more structures that help support the body. Examples of supportive structures include connective tissues, tendons, ligaments, and the cartilage and bones that make up joints.

Osteoarthritis - from Natural Standard
Osteoarthritis (OA), also called degenerative joint disease (DJD) or osteoarthrosis, occurs when the cartilage in the joints begins to break down. The cartilage serves as a cushion between bones, allowing the joint to move without pain. Therefore, individuals with osteoarthritis experience pain and reduced mobility in their joints where cartilage is degrading. Osteoarthritis may affect any joint in the body.

Carpal tunnel syndrome - from Natural Standard
According to the American Physical Therapy Association, carpal tunnel syndrome affects more than five million Americans, especially those individuals performing repetitive movements for long periods of time. The carpal tunnel is a small passageway approximately the size of the thumb located on the palm side of the wrist. This tunnel protects a main nerve to the hand and nine tendons that bend the fingers. Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by compression of the median nerve (nerve connected to the hand that controls some muscles that move the thumb). When pressure is placed on the median nerve, numbness and pain occur that eventually may lead to hand weakness. A combination of factors may contribute to carpal tunnel syndrome including trauma or injury to the wrist as well as various health conditions. However, with appropriate treatment, individuals may regain normal use of their hands.

Alkaptonuria
Alkaptonuria, also called black urine disease, is a rare inherited metabolic disorder characterized by dark brown or black urine and arthritis in adulthood. Arthritis is a condition in which inflammation and swelling in the joints cause pain.