07th Jul 2008
Home FEATURES What's New? Current Feature The Doctor's In Spotlight AFM Calendar of Events Be a Member About Us Contact Us RESOURCE Useful Links Archives Rheumatology Services Exercise your arthritis pains away! Be a member of the Arthritis Foundation. Click here for an application form. Tell a friend about...	SOFT TISSUE RHEUMATISM " Soft tissue Rheumatism" refers to aches or pains which arise from structures surrounding the joint such as tendons, muscles, bursae and ligaments, ( see diagram ). Soft tissue Rheumatism may result from mechanical factors such as overuse or misuse of these structures or as a feature of an arthritis illness. Arthritis refers to inflammation within the joint which results in pain, swelling, and warmth around the joint and is often accompanied by difficulty in using the joint. Arthritis may lead to damage within the joint. Soft Tissue Rheumatism This may be localized when pain is felt in one region or generalized when pain is felt either all over or in many parts of the body. Common areas of localized soft tissue Rheumatism Trigger finger: pain is felt along finger affected which sometimes has a feeling of snapping when extended - brought on by prolonged use of the hands. D'Quervains tenosynovitis : pain is felt along the outside of the thumb and along the wrist - often seen in mothers with young babies. Tennis elbow: pain is felt along the outside of the elbow brought on by strenuous activities involving the outstretched arm. Tendonitis around the shoulder: pain is brought on at certain points of movements particularly while lifting up the arm or reaching for the back. Trochanteric Bursitis: pain is felt on the outside of the hip joint and along the thigh due to inflammation of a bursa outside the hip. Bursitis around the knee: There are several bursae around the knee joint which can get inflamed due to pressure i.e. with prolonged kneeling or in association with Arthritis. Heel pain: can result from inflammation of the Achilles tendon or the tissue under the heel. Both result in pain and stiffness upon initiating walking and pain upon prolonged standing or climbing Forefoot: Bunions may give rise to pain on the sides of the forefoot. Footwear should be adjusted so it is roomy, comfortable and cushion. Causes of soft tissue Rheumatism Overuse or misuse the joint and the soft tissue. Normal wear and tear Inflammation in association with Arthritis. Danger signs in soft tissue Rheumatism If the pain is persistent despite stopping the precipitating activity or if any of the following are present arrange to see your doctor. The joint is red, hot, swollen, painful and difficult to move. Muscles get smaller. Bone appear crooked. Rashes appear Lymph nodes enlarge. Fever and chills develop. There is loss of weight. Treatment Programme If the precipitating activity is known this should be stopped i.e. knitting, needlepoint, gardening etc and the painful area rested. Inflammation in the area may be reduced with physiotherapy using ice or a form of heat. Injection with potent steroids is useful, ( if these measure do not work, ) but must be done carefully by a trained doctor. Prevention of soft tissue Rheumatism Interrupt repetitive tasks such as washing windows, vacuuming or any activity requiring arms to be in an overhead position. Keep the elbow close to the body while doing repetitive tasks. Sleep with arms below the level of the chest. Learn correct grips for racquet games and correct strokes for swimming. At the elbow Avoid pressure and impact to the elbow - do not lean on hard surfaces. Avoid repetitive hand clenching, gripping or twisting. Take periodic breaks and alternate manual tasks. Learn correct use and grip of sporting equipment. At the Hand and Wrist Interrupt repetitive tasks. Rest hands flat and open rather than tight fisted. Enlarge handles of work tools to allow a larger grip - approx. 2 ¼ inch diameter. Use palm and forearm for lifting and build up strength and fitness gradually. Use a wrist rest while typing. Avoid clenching your hands. At the Hips and Foot Avoid pressure around the pelvis by a wallet, tight belt or constricting jeans. Strengthen thigh muscles ( Quadriceps ) to protect the knee. Avoid kneeling but if unavoidable use knee pads. At the Ankle and Foot Choose footwear with comfort, support and utility in mind. Avoid standing or walking barefooted even within the home. Shock absorbing soles decrease impact throughout the lower limb. Avoid running or standing for prolonged periods on concrete surfaces. Generalised soft tissue Rheumatism This is known as Fibromyalgia This condition is characterized by aches and pain all over the body. Besides this there may be poor and unrefreshing sleep. There may be symptoms like headaches, abdominal pains, urinary problems etc. Examination by the doctor reveals typical tender points in various parts of the body. There is no arthritis and no abnormalities such as nerve lesions, hormone disorders etc. Blood tests and X-rays tend to be normal. It is important to understand that though this condition is painful, there is no inflammation and it is not serious. It does not cause crippling. The cause of this condition is unclear and research is underway to find out more about it. An abnormal sleep pattern has been found and treatment to correct this sometimes helps. There also appears to be poor muscular fitness and a disciplined progressive exercise programme also improves the condition. Multiple pain relieving drugs are not recommended, indeed treatment which does not involve medication is more effective. This includes relaxation, management of anxiety, depression and stress, and an exercise program to get the patient fitter. Motivated patients willing to help themselves do better than those not so inclined.	Arthritis Info Series: Ankylosing Spondylitis Arthritis Needs Exercise Back Pain Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Gout Living With Arthritis Medications for Rheumatoid Arthritis Osteoarthritis Psoriatic Arthritis Rheumatoid Arthritis Soft Tissue Rheumatism Scleroderma MAILING LIST Subscribe Unsubscribe DID YOU KNOW... ...that this decade has been designated as the "Decade of the Bone and Joint"? So we can expect many new developments and a better understanding in these fields worldwide.
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