subject: Reiter's Syndrome, Gout, And Polymyositis-Other Arthritic Conditions [print this page] Reiter's Syndrome, Gout, And Polymyositis-Other Arthritic Conditions
By: Irene Fowler-SharpeReiter's Syndrome is a chronic, intermittent, inflammatory condition that affects not only the joints but other parts of the body as well. It usually starts in the knees, feet, or ankles. This syndrome is most common in men aged twenty to forty, who develop it after becoming infected with a sexually transmitted disease. It can alsooccur in people with a genetic susceptibility.Reiter's Syndrome is called a reactive arthritis because the joint inflammation appears to be a reaction to an infection originating in an area other than the joints.Causes and SymptomsReiter's Syndrome is caused by the body's abnormal response to infections. These can be either sexually transmitted diseases or infections of the gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms include inflammation of the urethra, conjunctivitisand joint pain and inflammation-usually of the knees, toes, and other areas where tendons are attached to the bones,such as the heels.Usually a combination of joint, genital, urinary, skin and eye symptoms would lead a Doctor to suspect Reiter's syndrome. It could take several months to be diagnosed as the symptoms may not appear simultaneously. Although the patient most often recovers, the arthritic symptoms may continue on and off for several years.Gout: A Disease of KingsGout attacks can occur when the levels of uric acid in the blood form needle-like crystals that typically settle in one of the joints. Most often it is the big toe that is affected; but the knees and the knuckles are also vunerable.These abrasive particles in the joints can cause excruitiating pain and inflammation.It's not certain what brings on a gout attack, but there are certain factors that could put you at risk. Twenty-five percent of those who suffer from gout have a family history of the illness and three-quarters have high triglyceride levels. Men who gain a lot of weight between the ages of twenty and forty are more vunerable.Excessive alcohol intake, exposure to lead, high blood pressure and certain medications may also play a role indetermining your chances of getting gout.Gout is diagnosed by identifying uric acid crystals in synovial fluid, usually by removing fluid from the joint with a needle. X-rays may reveal uric acid deposits and bone damage if you have suffered from repeated inflammations.PolymyositisPolymyositis is a chronic connective tissue disease characterized by painful inflammation and degeneration of the muscles. This condition occurs in children from age five to fifteen years of age; and in adults from the age of forty to sixty years. Research has indicated that women are twice as likely as men to develop the condition.Causes and SymptomsAlthough the cause of Polymyositis is unknown, viruses or autoimmune reactions may play a role. Cancer may alsotrigger the disease. Symptoms may include muscle weakness particularly in the upper arms, hips and thighs; muscle and joint pain, a rash, fever, fatigue or weight loss.Polymyositis is diagnosed by measuring muscle weakness at the shoulders or the hips, or detecting a rash or increased blood levels of certain muscle enzymes.Restricting activities when the inflammation is most intense often helps.For more information on arthritis and to get a copy of my Free Report, visit:http://www.removingjointpain.com http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/reiters-syndrome-gout-and-polymyositis-other-arthritic-conditions-4476673.html
