In the pages found at this web site, the key concepts are discussed. Arthritis was one of the most reasons for visiting the family doctor in Canada and is the third most common reason for prescription drug use. Inflammation With any chronic pain in the musculoskeletal system, the underlying problem is often inflammation in connective tissues. Inflammation is usually produced by populations of immune cells that occupy the affected tissues. Inflammation may show up diffusely, be localized to tendon or ligament attachments, or occur in and around joints.
Joint involvement is diagnosed as inflammatory arthritis.
There are several distinct patterns. A group of related joint and connective disorders have been called rheumatic diseases. All these diseases are immune-mediated, and all are expressions of inflammation in connective tissues. Inflammation damages joints and surrounding tissues resulting in loss of function and deformities. Variations in the patterns of these diseases reflect the many possibilities for immune damage to disturb and distort structure and function.