Autoimmune diseases are defined as when the body’s immune system attacks your body’s healthy cells by mistake. Basically, they are a group of problems caused by the dysregulation of the immune system. There are more than 80 types of autoimmune diseases that target different areas of the body, or the body as a whole. Joint pain is a common symptom among some autoimmune diseases.
AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES THAT ATTACK THE JOINTS
Autoimmune diseases that can target the joints are :
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Psoriatic arthritis.
- Fibromyalgia
- Lupus
- Multiple sclerosis
- Systemic scleroderma
- Polymyalgia rheumatica
- Sjogrens Syndrome
Rheumatoid arthritis typically begins with pain, inflammation, and swelling in the smaller joints of the body like the fingers and toes before progressing to larger joints. While systemic sclerosis produces a build-up of collage throughout the body which leads to joint pain, swelling, and stiffness in various joints. Gout classically causes pain in the big toe.
Autoimmune conditions affecting the joints may be attacking the bones, cartilage, skin, and other tissues.
WHAT CAN BE DONE?
Joint pain is a symptom of a large variety of diseases and conditions so its cause may be hard to pinpoint unless you are looking at the big picture – the body as a whole. When autoimmune diseases cause joint pain, there are typically other symptoms that occur at the same time. Some common symptoms that appear with autoimmune joint pain include fatigue, fever, skin problems, digestive issues, and swollen glands. Often, due to the underlying inflammation there are sleep and mood disorders as well.
Wake Nonsurgical DOES NOT treat the underlying disorder, and we do not prescribe medications.
We use targeted injections such as steroids, prolotherapy, PRP , and HA to help calm down areas of pain.
Many Rheumatologists do perform steroid injections, but there is some growing evidence that some alternative injections might also help with chronic autoimmune pain.
At Wake Nonsurgical Ortho & Sports Medicine, our board-certified orthopedic specialist, Dr. Matthew Kanaan specializes in offering nonsurgical orthopedic treatments to patients in Raleigh, Durham and Cary, NC. We treat a wide variety of conditions related to joints, tendons and muscles. Please note that we DO NOT see chronic back & spine pain / spinal injections (epidurals and facet injections). We also do not see workers comp injuries or post MVA (car accident) pain issues. If you are suffering from the following conditions and are seeking minimally invasive services or nonsurgical methods of treatment, please contact our office at (919) 719-2270 today!
Schedule an Appointment
At Wake Nonsurgical Ortho & Sports Medicine we focus entirely on nonsurgical and minimally invasive treatments to relieve knee pain, promote healing, rehabilitate, and prevent future injuries. We also strongly feel that the key to a long and healthy lifestyle is to stay active, and our staff will make every attempt to return patients to the recreational and competitive activities that they enjoy. If you are currently looking for a non-surgical treatment to your orthopedic conditions, look no further. Contact our office at (919) 719-2270 and schedule an appointment today!
*NOTE TO PATIENTS: If you are interested in PRP, Stem Cells, or Lubricant Injections you will need to schedule a “NEW PATIENT visit” to discuss your medical history with Dr. Kanaan first. This is usually covered under your insurance plan. We will sometimes make exceptions for patients traveling over 3 hours to our clinic.