Arthritis
Rheumatic
diseases are characterized by inflammation (signs are redness and/or
heat, swelling, and pain) and loss of function of one or more connecting
or supporting structures of the body. They especially affect joints,
tendons, ligaments, bones, and muscles. Common symptoms are pain,
swelling, and stiffness. Some rheumatic diseases can also involve
internal organs. There are more than 100 rheumatic diseases. Many
people use the word "arthritis" to refer to all rheumatic
diseases. However, the word literally means joint inflammation. The
many different kinds of arthritis comprise just a portion of the rheumatic
diseases. Some rheumatic diseases are described as connective tissue
diseases because they affect the supporting framework of the body
and its internal organs. Others are known as autoimmune diseases because
they occur when the immune system, which normally protects the body
from infection and disease, harms the body's own healthy tissues.
Throughout this fact sheet the terms "arthritis" and "rheumatic
diseases" are sometimes used interchangeably.
Discount
Medication can be purchased from one of these three online medication
suppliers; USAMedicine,
Freedom Pharmacy
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