Soft Tissue Rheumatism
Often soft tissue rheumatism is confused with arthritics. But in reality, both of them are two distinct diseases which occur in joint area. Problem of arthritis is directly related to joint whereas, Soft tissue rheumatism affects tissues and muscles surrounding the joint. It gets very difficult for a person suffering from soft tissue rheumatism to do day to day work as the intensity of pain is unbearable.
Soft tissue rheumatism – what is it?
Soft tissue rheumatism can be explained as a group of condition which directly affects the tissues, muscles, ligaments and tendons which surrounds the joint. Soft tissue rheumatism causes severe pain, swelling and inflammation in joints area. Now to explain it even further, inflammation caused by Soft tissue rheumatism results in bursiti and tendinitis; which intensify the swelling and pain. Soft tissue rheumatism affects Shoulders, Hips, Ankle, Chest, Knees, Feet, Elbows, Back and Fingers.
Soft tissue rheumatism – what are the causes?
Soft tissue rheumatism can happen due to following;
• Injuries taken while playing or doing some kind of physical exercise which results in muscle pain
• Not maintaining good posture while sitting, doing routine work or gearing up for exercise
• Stress caused to Soft tissue rheumatism because of arthritis
• Infection in joint area which affects the tissues and muscles directly
• At times because of diseases like arthritis, thyroid and gout
Soft tissue rheumatism – who gets it?
The disease is not restricted to any particular age group or gender. Every man is equally prone to this disease as every woman. Mostly, sports person suffer from soft tissue rheumatism.
Soft tissue rheumatism – Forms?
Some of the most common forms of soft tissue rheumatism include the following;
• Tennis elbow – Caused due to strain in elbow region and results in excess of pain due to inflammation.
• Carpal tunnel syndrome – Causes tingling and pain in thumb and fingers. Person suffering faces problem while using phone, driving a car and reading newspaper.
• Frozen Shoulder – Inflammation in shoulder area causes severe pain and it gets difficult for a person to move his shoulder.
• Golfers elbow – Unlike tennis elbow, golfers elbow affects inner region and restricts the movement of elbow.
• Pes anserine bursitis – Occurs in knee region.
• Plantar fasciitis – This problem affects the heel area. It is caused by wearing ill fitting shoes.
Soft tissue rheumatism – Symptoms
Most of the problems related to soft tissue rheumatism come to notice because of pain. Swelling and warmth are other signs. Intensity of pain is such that it gets difficult for a person to move his/her limbs.
Soft tissue rheumatism – Diagnosis
Problem of Soft tissue rheumatism doesn’t surfaces up in blood test and x-ray. It requires physical examination and detailed understanding of medical history of a person. Doctors may prefer to use Ultrasound test or MRI, which may assist in coming to a conclusion.
Soft tissue rheumatism – Treatment
Irrespective of the form of soft tissue rheumatism a person is suffering from, treatment remains the same in most of the cases. Rest is recommendation with subtle doses of painkillers. Recommended physical therapy helps in overcoming stiffness in joints.