Arthritis Health Center

Leg arthritis affects the joints of the hips, knees, ankles or feet. The early signs and symptoms of arthritis in the legs include pain, swelling, stiffness, decreased range of motion, trouble walking, fever, bump-like swelling, and other symptoms.

Amyloidosis is a group of diseases resulting from abnormal deposition of certain proteins (amyloids) in various bodily areas. The amyloid proteins may either be deposited in one particular area of the body (localized amyloidosis) or they may be deposited throughout the body (systemic amyloidosis). There are three types of systemic amyloidosis: primary (AL), secondary (AA), and familial (ATTR).

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a form of chronic inflammation of the spine and the sacroiliac joints. The tendency to develop ankylosing spondylitis is genetically inherited. Treatment incorporates medications, physical therapy, and exercise.

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a disorder of the immune system that is characterized by excessive clotting of blood and/or certain complications of pregnancy.

Arthritis is inflammation of one or more joints. When joints are inflamed they can develop stiffness, warmth, swelling, redness and pain. There are over 100 types of arthritis, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, and gout.

Aseptic necrosis, also known as osteonecrosis or avascular necrosis, develops when blood supply diminishes to an area of bone and causes bone death. Medical information on aseptic necrosis of the hip, aseptic necrosis of the bone, and aseptic necrosis of the femoral head.

A Baker's cyst, also called a popliteal cyst, is swelling caused by knee joint fluid protruding to the back of the knee (popliteal area of the knee). Not uncommon, Baker's cysts can be caused by virtually any type of joint swelling (arthritis).

Find out about Behcet's disease syndrome, characterized by three symptoms: genital ulcers, recurring mouth ulcers, and inflammation around the pupil of the eye.

Bone spurs are pointy outgrowths of bone that develop in areas of inflammation or injury. Bone spurs commonly occur on the heel and spine. Symptoms include pain, numbness, and tenderness. Treatment focuses on decreasing inflammation and avoiding re-injury.

Bursitis is inflammation of a bursa. A bursa is a fluid-filled sac found in the joints that cushions them. Bursitis is an inflammation of the bursa, most commonly caused by repetitive motion. Bursitis can be caused by a bacterial infection and should be treated with antibiotics, ice, and rest.

Calcific bursitis is the calcification of the bursa caused by chronic inflammation of the bursa. Calcific bursitis most commonly occurs in the shoulder. Calcific bursitis treatment includes medication for inflammation, ice, immobilization, cortisone injections, and occasionally surgical removal of the inflamed bursa.

People with fibromyalgia can live a normal and active life if they have the support of a physician.

Rheumatoid meningitis is a rare complication of RA that can affect the way the brain functions, leading to further symptoms such as brain fog. Check out the center below for more medical references on rheumatoid arthritis, including multimedia (slideshows, images, and quizzes), related disease conditions, treatment and diagnosis, medications, and prevention or wellness.

Rheumatoid arthritis can impair your walking ability and result in the following nine types of functional limitations.

People with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have a 70 percent higher chance of developing gastrointestinal issues. Check out the center below for more medical references on rheumatoid arthritis, including multimedia (slideshows, images, and quizzes), related disease conditions, treatment and diagnosis, medications, and prevention or wellness.

Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is a painful condition that affects tendons in part of your elbow. Untreated tennis elbow with symptoms can lead to further damage and possible tearing.

Scoliosis may worsen with age in some patients. The curve may increase with or without increasing the pain. Many patients fear that the only treatment for getting relief from the pain will be a spine surgery. However, many patients do not need surgery. With the right workout or exercise regime, you can maintain the curve, help relieve the pain, and halt the progression of your scoliosis.

It is entirely possible to have both myositis and rheumatoid arthritis at the same time. Check out the center below for more medical references on rheumatoid arthritis, including multimedia (slideshows, images, and quizzes), related disease conditions, treatment and diagnosis, medications, and prevention or wellness.

You may be concerned that your condition will affect your projected lifespan. Most people can expect to live a long life with an autoimmune disease, though.

Connective tissue diseases are when the body's connective tissues come under attack, possibly becoming injured by inflammation. Inherited connective tissue diseases include Marfan syndrome and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, polymositis, and dermatomyositis are examples of connective tissue diseases that have no known cause.

Costochondritis is a common form of inflammation of the cartilage where ribs attach to the breastbone. The inflammation can involve multiple cartilage areas on both sides of the sternum but usually is on one side only. Tietze syndrome is an inflammation of the costochondral cartilages of the upper front of the chest that involves swelling of the joint.

De Quervain's tenosynovitis is inflammation of the tendon on the side of the wrist at the base of the thumb. De Quervain's tenosynovitis can be caused by a simple strain injury to the extensor pollicus longus tendon. Typical causes include stresses such as lifting heavy grocery bags by the loops, and lifting up gardening pots. Treatment for de Quervain's tenosynovitis includes any combination of rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medication, and/or cortisone injections.

Degenerative disc disease occurs when the rubbery discs (between bones) in the spine wear down. Degenerative disc disease makes the disc more susceptible to herniation (rupture) which can lead to localized or radiating pain. The pain from degenerative disc or joint disease of the spine is usually treated conservatively to relieve pain, muscle spasm, and inflammation.

Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH or Forestier's disease) is a form of degenerative arthritis. It is characterized by calcification along the sides of the vertebrae of the spine. Symptoms include stiffness and pain in the upper and lower back. Anti-inflammatory medications are treatment.

Because your hands are engaged in multiple functions every day, hand strength is a powerful predictor of your overall capacity to function and how severe your arthritis is.

Dupuytren's contracture is a localized formation of scar tissue beneath the skin of the palm of the hand. The scarring accumulates in a tissue that normally covers the tendons that pull the fingers to grip. Dupuytren's contracture occur more frequently in patients with diabetes, epilepsy, and alcoholism. Treatment options may include reassurance and stretching exercises with heat application, ultrasound, and cortisone injections for local inflammation.

Rheumatoid vasculitis (RV) often results in a serious rash that causes painful ulcers, bruises, and sores. Check out the center below for more medical references on rheumatoid arthritis, including multimedia (slideshows, images, and quizzes), related disease conditions, treatment and diagnosis, medications, and prevention or wellness.

The area where ligament or tendon inserts to bone is called the enthesis. Inflammation of the enthesis is called enthesitis. An abnormality of the entheses is referred to as enthesopathy. Swelling, stiffness, pain, and warmth are symptoms of enthesitis and enthesopathy. Treatment involves anti-inflammatory drugs, rest, and applying cold packs.

Eosinophilic fasciitis (EF) is a rare disease that leads to inflammation and thickening of the skin and fascia underneath. In patients with eosinophilic fasciitis, the involved fascia is inflamed with the eosinophil type of white blood cells. This leads to symptoms of progressive thickening and often redness, warmth, and hardness of the skin surface.

Essential mixed cryoglobulinemia is a condition caused by abnormal blood proteins called cryoglobulins. Cryoglobulins may or may not cause disease. Cryoglobulins can accompany another condition (such as dermatomyositis, multiple myeloma, viral infections, or lymphoma) or be an isolated condition themselves, called cryoglobulinemia.

Felty's syndrome is a complication of long-term rheumatoid arthritis. Felty's syndrome is defined by the presence of three conditions: rheumatoid arthritis, an enlarged spleen, and an abnormally low white blood count. Treatment of Felty's syndrome is not always required; however, treatment for patients with infections is available.

Fungal arthritis is inflammation of a joint by a fungus that has invaded the body and is growing in the normally sterile joint. Fungal arthritis symptoms and signs include pain, redness, loss of range of motion, and swelling. Fungal arthritis treatment includes antibiotics, adequate drainage of the joint, and sometimes surgery.

A ganglion is a fluid-filled cyst that forms from the joint or tendon lining. Ganglia are most frequently found in the ankles and wrists and are usually painless. A ganglion often resolves on its own. Aspiration of the ganglion fluid or surgery may be necessary.

Giant cell arteritis, or temporal arteritis, describes inflammation in the walls of arteries. Most often the inflammation occurs in the cranial branches of the carotid artery that supply the head. Symptoms of giant cell arteritis include headaches, jaw pain when chewing, and low-grade fever.

Gout is a type of arthritis that causes sudden joint inflammation, usually in a single joint. Symptoms include joint swelling (particularly the big toe), pain, redness, and heat. Read about gout diet, foods to avoid, medication, treatment, diagnosis, and remedies.

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), Wegener granulomatosis, is an inflammation of the arteries supplying blood to the sinuses, lungs, and kidneys. Symptoms of granulomatosis with polyangiitis include bloody sputum, fatigue, weight loss, joint pain, sinusitis, shortness of breath, and fever.

Heel spurs—pointed, bony outgrowths of the heel—cause localized soft-tissue inflammation and can be located at the back of the heel or under the heel, or beneath the sole of the foot. Heel spurs are treated with ice application and anti-inflammatory medications. Orthotics may also provide some relief.

Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP or anaphylactoid purpura), a type of blood vessel inflammation, results in rash, arthritis, and occasional abdominal cramping. Henoch-Schonlein purpura often resolves on its own.

Bursitis of the hip results when the fluid-filled sac (bursa) near the hip becomes inflamed due to localized soft tissue trauma or strain. Symptoms include stiffness and pain around the hip joint. If the hip bursa is not infected, hip bursitis can be treated with ice compresses, rest, and anti-inflammatory and pain medications.

Arthritis in the back can be extremely painful and in some cases debilitating. However, effective ways to manage and live with the condition.

Carpal tunnel syndrome and arthritis have different etiologies; thus, they manifest differently in the hand. Your doctor may subject you to physical examination, radiological tests, and neurological evaluation to diagnose.

A healthy, anti-inflammatory diet and lifestyle can be a powerful weapon against all signs of inflammation.

If you are struggling with lupus fatigue, there are things you can do to boost your energy levels, such as making dietary changes and exercising regularly.

Learn what medical treatments can help ease your gout symptoms and speed up your recovery.

To diagnose NPSLE, it must be identified if neuropsychiatric symptoms are caused by SLE, a distinct comorbid disorder, or an unfavorable outcome of disease therapy.

Degenerative bone and joint disease, also called osteoarthritis, can be disabling in some cases and lead to serious injuries. Learn about symptoms and treatment.

Hydroxyapatite crystal deposition disease is an inflammation caused by hydroxyapatite crystals. These tiny crystals of hydroxyapatite deposit by mistake in or around joints and may cause inflammation of the joints and nearby tissues such as the tendons and ligaments (particularly causing rotator cuff problems in the shoulder).

Facet arthropathy can be painful and affect quality of life, making it serious enough to require treatment. Over time, spine degeneration can worsen over time.

Despite lupus being a lifelong disease, most people live a long and healthy life after diagnosis.

Systemic lupus erythematosus in an inflammatory disease. Symptoms and signs include joint pain, fever, and rash. Though lupus is incurable, early medical intervention can help to reduce inflammation and protect the affected individual's organs.

Joint hypermobility syndrome is a condition in which the joints easily move beyond the normal range expected for a particular joint. It's typically referred to as being double-jointed. The condition tends to run in families. Symptoms of hypermobility syndrome include joint pain. People with hypermobility syndrome are more susceptible to injury, including dislocations and sprains.

Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) affects one child in every thousand annually. There are six types of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis depends upon the type the child has and should focus on treating the symptoms.

Bursitis of the knee results when any of the three fluid-filled sacs (bursae) become inflamed due to injury or strain. Symptoms and signs include pain, swelling, warmth, tenderness, and redness. Treatment of knee bursitis depends on whether infection is involved. If the knee bursa is not infected, knee bursitis may be treated with ice compresses, rest, and anti-inflammatory and pain medications.

Kyphosis is an outward curvature of the thoracic spine (upper back). Kyphosis results in the appearance of a roundback, which is accompanied by back pain, stiffness, and muscle fatigue in the back. There are three types of abnormal kyphosis: postural, Scheuermann's, and congenital kyphosis.

Lordosis, 'swayback,' lower back curvature, in children, adults, and women who are pregnant is an abnormal posture with a low back curve. Symptoms of lordosis include lower back pain and discomfort, difficulty in moving certain directions due to back pain, and a large gap or arch between the lower back and a flat surface when you lay down.

Lumbar spinal stenosis can be caused by degenerative arthritis, tumor, infection, or metabolic disorders. Symptoms include low back pain, weakness, pain, numbness, and loss of sensation in the legs. Other conditions may cause similar symptoms of lumbar stenosis, including diabetic neuropathy, claudication, and peripheral vascular disease.

Lupus is a condition characterized by chronic inflammation of body tissues caused by autoimmune disease. Lupus can cause disease of the skin, heart, lungs, kidneys, joints, and nervous system. When internal organs are involved, the condition is called systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). When only the skin is involved, the condition is called discoid lupus.

Lyme disease is transmitted by the bite of a tick infected with Borrelia burgdorferi. After a bite, an expanding bulls-eye rash develops. Facts on chronic Lyme disease tests, symptoms, treatment, diagnosis, stages, and prevention.

Mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD), as first described in 1972, is classically considered an overlap of three diseases: systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, and polymyositis. Patients with this pattern of illness have features of each of these three diseases.

Non-radiographic spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA) is inflammatory arthritis that mainly affects the joints of the spine. Morning stiffness and back pain are the usual symptoms of non-radiographic spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA).

Osteoarthritis, or degenerative arthritis, is a type of arthritis caused by inflammation, breakdown, and eventual loss of cartilage in the joints. Osteoarthritis can be caused by aging, heredity, and injury from trauma or disease.

Arthritis is defined as painful inflammation and joint stiffness. Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis and the most common cause of chronic joint pain, affecting over 25 million Americans. Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis that involves the entire joint. Osteoporosis is not a type of arthritis. It is a disease that mainly is caused by a loss of bone tissue that is not limited to the joint areas. It is possible for one person to have both osteoarthritis and osteoporosis. The differences in the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis and osteoporosis include; pain, stiffness, and joint swelling, joint deformity, crackle sounds when the joint is moving, and walking with a limp. Osteoporosis is called the "silent disease" because it can progress for years without signs and symptoms before it is diagnosed, severe back pain, bone fractures, height loss, and difficulty or inability to walk. The differences in the causes of osteoarthritis and osteoporosis are that osteoarthritis usually is caused by wear and tear on the joints. Osteoporosis usually is caused by one or more underlying problems, for example, calcium and vitamin D deficiencies. Treatment for osteoarthritis and osteoporosis are not the same. There is no cure for osteoarthritis or osteoporosis.

Osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are chronic joint disorders. RA is also an autoimmune disease. OA and RA symptoms and signs include joint pain, warmth, and tenderness. Over-the-counter pain relievers treat both diseases. There are several prescription medications that treat RA.

With osteochondritis dissecans, bone and its adjacent cartilage loses its blood supply. Elbows and knees are most commonly affected. Though there is no known cure, arthroscopic surgery is frequently performed to remove the damaged cartilage and bone tissue from the joint.

Osteopenia is a bone condition characterized by bone loss that is not as severe as osteoporosis. Bone fracture is the typical symptom of osteopenia, though the condition may be present without symptoms.

Osteoporosis is a condition characterized by the loss of bone density, which leads to an increased risk of bone fracture. Unless one experiences a fracture, a person may have osteoporosis for decades without knowing it. Treatment for osteoporosis may involve medications that stop bone loss and increase bone strength and bone formation, as well as quitting smoking, regular exercise, cutting back on alcohol intake, and eating a calcium- and vitamin D-rich balanced diet.

Paget's disease of bone is a chronic bone disorder due to irregular breakdown and formation of bone tissue. Paget's disease symptoms include bone pain, headaches and hearing loss, pressure on nerves, increased head size, hip pain, and damage to cartilage of joints.

Patellofemoral syndrome (runner's knee) results from misalignment of the kneecap as it slides over the lower end of the thigh bone. Symptoms include tightness or fullness in the knee area, swelling, and mild discomfort. Treatment includes the use of anti-inflammatory medications, in addition to stretching, strengthening and icing the knee.

Plant thorn synovitis (plant thorn arthritis) is joint inflammation caused by a thorn puncturing the joint and leaving residual plant matter in the joint. Symptoms and signs include swelling, reddish discoloration, loss of range of motion, pain, tenderness, and stiffness. Treatment involves a surgical procedure called a synovectomy.

Polyarteritis nodosa is a rare autoimmune disease characterized by spontaneous inflammation of the arteries of the body. The most common areas of involvement include the muscles, joints, intestines, nerves, kidneys, and skin. Polyarteritis nodosa is most common in middle age persons.

Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is a disorder of the muscles and joints that causes pain and stiffness in the arms, neck, shoulders, and buttocks. Treatment for polymyalgia rheumatica aims to reduce inflammation with aspirin, ibuprofen, and low doses of cortisone medications.

Polymyositis is a disease of the muscle featuring inflammation of the muscle fibers. It results in weakness of the muscles which can be severe and when associated with skin rash, is referred to as dermatomyositis. Treatment of polymyositis and dermatomyositis includes high doses of cortisone-related medications, immune suppression, and physical therapy.

Pseudogout, a form of arthritis, results when deposits of crystals collect in and around the joints. Pseudogout has many similarities to true gout, which also can cause arthritis.

Pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE) is a genetic disorder. Symptoms include small yellow-white raised areas in the skin folds on the neck, armpits, and other areas that bend a great deal. These signs usually appear in your 20s and 30s. The heart can also be affected by arthrosclerosis and mitrovalve prolapse. There is no cure for pseudoxanthoma elasticum.

Psoriatic arthritis is a disease that causes skin and joint inflammation. Symptoms of psoriatic arthritis include painful, stiff, and swollen joints, tendinitis, and organ inflammation. Treatment involves anti-inflammatory medications and exercise.

Arthritis patients are sometimes vulnerable to quackery (the business of promoting unproven remedies). These "quick fix" treatments are promoted as cure-alls, but they really have no right to such claims. Consumers should be wary of products that have marketing claims like "will cure," "ancient remedy," "has no side effects," and "revolutionary new scientific breakthrough." Read about arthritis remedies and tests that have no scientific proof of benefits.

Raynaud's phenomenon (disease) occurs due to spasms of blood vessels. Raynaud's phenomenon is a type of vascular disease characterized by color changes of the skin, most commonly after exposure to cold. The cause of Raynaud's phenomenon is unknown, although abnormal nerve control of blood-vessel diameter and nerve sensitivity to cold is suspected of being involved.

Reactive arthritis is a chronic, systemic rheumatic disease characterized by three conditions, including conjunctivitis, joint inflammation, and genital, urinary, or gastrointestinal system inflammation. Inflammation leads to pain, swelling, warmth, redness, and stiffness of the affected joints. Non-joint areas may experience irritation and pain. Treatment for reactive arthritis depends on which area of the body is affected. Joint inflammation is treated with anti-inflammatory medications.

Reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome (RSD) is a condition that features atypical symptoms including pain, tenderness, and swelling of an extremity associated with varying degrees of sweating, warmth and/or coolness, flushing, discoloration, and shiny skin.

Relapsing polychondritis is an uncommon, chronic disorder of the cartilage that is characterized by recurrent episodes of inflammation of the cartilage of various tissues of the body. Tissues containing cartilage that can become inflamed include the ears, nose, joints, spine, and windpipe (trachea). Tissues that have a biochemical makeup similar to that of cartilage such as the eyes, heart, and blood vessels, can also be affected.

Repetitive motion disorders are muscular conditions that result from repeated motions. Carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger, bursitis, and tendonitis are types of repetitive motion disorders. Symptoms include pain, swelling, numbness, tingling, and loss of strength and flexibility. Treatment involves stopping the activity that's causing symptoms, adopting stretching and relaxation exercises, icing the affected area, and using pain relievers.

Rheumatic fever is a disease that sometimes occurs after strep throat infection. Symptoms include carditis, polyarthritis, Aschoff bodies, rash, Sydenham's chorea, and fever. Treatment for rheumatic fever involves eliminating the bacteria with antibiotics.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation of the joints, the tissue around the joints, as well as other organs in the body.

Learn the differences between rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis below.

Arthritis is a general term used to describe joint disease. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a type of arthritis in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the joints, causing chronic inflammation.

Though rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and fibromyalgia have similar symptoms, RA is an autoimmune disease and fibromyalgia is a chronic pain syndrome. RA symptoms include joint redness, swelling, and pain that lasts more than 6 weeks. Fibromyalgia symptoms include widespread pain, tingling feet or hands, depression, and bowel irritability. Home remedies for both include stress reduction, exercise, and getting enough sleep.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and lupus are two varieties of autoimmune diseases that cause flare-ups. While RA attacks the immune system on the joints, lupus involves many other parts of the body besides the joints. Common RA symptoms involve warm, swollen, and painful joints; morning stiffness in the joints or stiffness after inactivity, joint deformity, fever, fatigue, etc. Lupus symptoms include Malar rash (butterfly-shaped rash involving the cheeks and bridge of the nose), fever, joint pain in the absence of joint deformity, etc.

Polymyalgia rheumatica and rheumatoid arthritis are two diseases that manifest in a similar manner.

<a href="https://www.medicinenet.com/rheumatoid_arthritis_pictures_slideshow/article.htm" rel="slide" onclick="wmdTrack('embd-lnk');">Rheumatology</a> is the study of rheumatic diseases and conditions. Rheumatologists are internal medicine physicians who treat these illnesses, in particular <a href="https://www.medicinenet.com/arthritis/article.htm" rel="dt" onclick="wmdTrack('embd-lnk');">arthritis</a>.

Sacroiliac (SI) joint pain is a general term to reflect pain in the SI joints. Causes of SI joint pain include osteoarthritis, abnormal walking pattern, and disorders that can cause SI joint inflammation including gout, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and ankylosing spondylitis. Treatment includes oral medications, cortisone injections, and surgery.

SAPHO syndrome is a chronic disorder that involves the skin, bone, and joints. SAPHO syndrome is an eponym for the combination of synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis, and osteitis. SAPHO syndrome is related to arthritic conditions such as ankylosing spondylitis and reactive arthritis. Treatment is directed toward the individual symptoms that are present.

Scleroderma is an autoimmune disease of the connective tissue. It is characterized by the formation of scar tissue (fibrosis) in the skin and organs of the body, leading to thickness and firmness of involved areas. Scleroderma is also referred to as systemic sclerosis, and the cause is unknown.

Septic arthritis, or infectious arthritis, is infection of one or more joints by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Symptoms and signs of septic arthritis include fever, joint pain, chills, swelling, redness, warmth, and stiffness. Treatment involves antibiotics and the drainage of the infected joint.

Sever's condition is an inflammation of the growth plate of the bone at the back of the heel where the Achilles tendon attaches. Sever's condition can be very painful and is commonly referred to as 'growing pains.' The condition often disappears with age.

Shoulder bursitis is inflammation of the shoulder bursa. Bursitis may be caused by injury, infection, or a rheumatic condition. Symptoms include pain, swelling, tenderness, and pain with movement of the shoulder joint. Treatment may involve ice compresses, rest, and anti-inflammatory medications and depends on whether there is an infection.

What is the difference between spondylitis vs. spondylosis?

Still's disease is a disorder characterized by inflammation with high fever spikes, fatigue, salmon-colored rash, and/or arthritis.

Takayasu disease, Takayasu's arteritis, is a chronic inflammation of the aorta and its branch arteries. Takayasu disease is most common in women of Asian descent and usually begins between 10 to 30 years of age. Symptoms include painful extremities, dizziness, headaches, chest and abdominal pain, and a low-grade fever.

Trigger finger (stenosing tenosynovitis) is a condition in which a finger tries to snap closed while gripping. A trigger finger can cause any digits of the hand to lock when opening or closing. Instead of a smooth, continual closure, the digit hesitates, then snaps closed (causing a 'trigger' effect), and is associated with a stiffness sensation of the digit.

Vasculitis (arteritis, angiitis) is a general term for a group of uncommon diseases which feature inflammation of the blood vessels. Each form of vasculitis has its own characteristic pattern of symptoms. The diagnosis of vasculitis is definitively established after a biopsy of involved tissue demonstrates the pattern of blood vessel inflammation. Treatment is directed toward decreasing the inflammation of the arteries and improving the function of affected organs.