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- Arthritis: Arthritis is a disorder that involves 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. Common forms of arthritis include rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and periarthritis.
- Muscular dystrophy: Muscular dystrophy (MD) is a group of rare inherited autoimmune muscle diseases in which muscle fibers are unusually susceptible to damage. Muscles, including primarily voluntary muscles, become progressively weaker due to muscle damage. In some types of muscular dystrophy, heart muscles, other involuntary muscles, and other organs are affected.
- The most common types of muscular dystrophy have been found to be due to a genetic deficiency of the muscle protein dystrophin. A cure for muscular dystrophy has not been found, but medications and therapy can slow the course of the disease.
- Fibromyalgia: Fibromyalgia, also known as fibromyositis or fibrositis, is a chronic (long-term) condition characterized by widespread, long-term pain in the muscles, ligaments, and tendons, as well as fatigue and multiple tender points (places on the body where slight pressure causes pain). In addition to muscular pain and fatigue, fibromyalgia can also cause sleep problems, depression, and an inability to think clearly.
- Although fibromyalgia affects about four million Americans, the vast majority of them are women in their mid-30s to late-50s. An estimate of the prevalence of fibromyalgia is as high as 3-5% of the population in the United States, or approximately six million people. Fibromyalgia symptoms may never completely resolve, and their intensity can vary. Although the symptoms of fibromyalgia may be hard to live with, the condition is not considered progressive or life-threatening.
- Joint stiffness: Joint stiffness is the feeling that motion of a joint is limited or difficult. Some people with joint stiffness are capable of moving the joint through its full range of motion, but some individuals cannot move the joint due to the pain they are experiencing. Joint stiffness is common with arthritis and usually occurs immediately when rising after lying or sitting still.
- Joint noises: Joint noises, such as creaks and clicks, are common and harmless in many individuals, but they can also occur with specific problems of the joints. For example, the base of the knee cap may creak when it is damaged by osteoarthritis.
- Temporomandibular joint disorder: Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJD, TMJ, or TMD), or TMJ syndrome, is an umbrella term covering acute or chronic inflammation of the temporomandibular joint, which connects the lower jaw to the skull. TMJ can result in significant pain and impairment. TMJ may require surgical repair.
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