Rheumatologic conditions and their general treatments:

• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA):

  An autoimmune disorder affecting joints, causing inflammation, pain, and potential joint damage.

  • Treatment:

    Medications like disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), biologic agents, pain relievers, and anti-inflammatories. Physical therapy and lifestyle modifications are also crucial.

• Osteoarthritis (OA):

  A degenerative joint disease resulting from wear and tear of joint cartilage.

  • Treatment:

    Pain management with over-the-counter or prescription medications, physical therapy, lifestyle changes, and in some cases, joint replacement surgery for severe cases.

• Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE):

  An autoimmune disease affecting multiple organs, causing a range of symptoms including joint pain, skin rashes, fatigue, and more.

  • Treatment:

    Medications like corticosteroids, antimalarials, immunosuppressants, and lifestyle adjustments to manage symptoms and prevent flares.

• Gout:

  A type of arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, leading to sudden and severe pain and swelling.

  • Treatment:

    Medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), colchicine, corticosteroids, and lifestyle changes to manage uric acid levels through diet and medication.

• Ankylosing Spondylitis:

  A chronic inflammatory disease primarily affecting the spine and sacroiliac joints.

  • Treatment:

    Exercise, physical therapy, NSAIDs, biologic medications, and in some cases, TNF-alpha inhibitors to reduce inflammation.