Soft Tissue Rheumatism

Question 1

what is it

Answer 1

general term to describe pain that is caused by inflammation / damage to ligaments, tendon, muscles or nerve near a joint rather than either bone or cartilage

Question 2

is pain general or confined to specific site

Answer 2

confined to specific site

if more generalised soft tissue pain then think fibromyalgia

Question 3

what is symptoms

Answer 3

this depends on the site

Question 4

what can be causing it in neck

Answer 4

muscular pain
usually self limiting
(consider OA of cervical spine, occipital migraine etc)

Question 5

what can be causing it in shoulder (this is most common site)

Answer 5

adhesive capsulitis 
rotator cuff tendonitis 
calcific tendonitis 
impingement
partial or full rotator cuff tears

Question 6

what can be causing it in elbow

Answer 6

medial (cubital tunnel) and lateral epicondylitis

Question 7

what can be causing it in wrist

Answer 7

De-quervains tenosynovitis

carpal tunnel syndrome

Question 8

what can be causing it in pelvis

Answer 8

trochanteric, iliopsoas or ischiogluteal bursitis

stress

Question 9

what can be causing it in foot

Answer 9

plantar fasciitis

Question 10

how is it diagnosed

Answer 10

tests usually unnecessary
X ray for calcific tendonitis
MRI if fails to settle
identify precipitating factors

Question 11

how is it treated

Answer 11

pain control 
rest and ice compressions 
physiotherapy 
steroid infections 
surgery