Diseases of the musculoskeletal system is a group of diseases affecting bones, joints, muscles, connective tissue. I can be inflammatory, pathological, tumor and other nature. Most often there are independent diseases, but sometimes they may be symptoms of other diseases.

The main symptoms that occur in diseases of the musculoskeletal system are pains in the joints, muscles, spine, which can be aggravated by movements or “for the weather”.

Consider in detail the 20 most common ailments of the musculoskeletal system.

Arthritis

A group of inflammatory diseases affecting the joints. Depending on the prevalence of the disease, monoarthritis is different (one joint is affected) and polyarthritis (several joints). The disease may occur suddenly (acute form) or develop gradually (chronic form).

Depending on the causes of the disease, arthritis is:

• reactive;
• rheumatoid;
• infectious;
• gouty;
• psoriatic;
• osteoarthritis;
• traumatic.

Each type of disease is characterized by its symptoms. Let's look at common, for all types of arthritis, symptoms:

• pain;
• puffiness;
• redness;
• crunch (osteoarthritis);
• fever (reactive and infectious arthritis).

Arthrosis

Arthrosis is understood to mean age-related deformity of the joints, which is most often seen in older people. The disease develops due to the deterioration of cartilage and their gradual destruction. According to statistics, arthrosis is the most common joint disease, which affects more than 70% of the world's population.

Symptoms of arthrosis:

• joint pain when moving;
• crunching joints;
• poor mobility of the affected limb;
• change the shape of the joint.

Another name is ankylosing spondylitis. Ankylosing spondylitis is a rare disease, in which intervertebral joints become inflamed, shrinking in size, which is why the movement of the spine is very difficult or limited.

Symptoms:

• pain in the spine, sometimes radiating to the buttocks or legs;
• stiffness of movements;
• increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate.

Joint hygroma

Hygroma - tumor formation in the area of ​​the joint. Most often appears between the wrist and the radius, has the appearance of a bump.

In most cases, patients do not show any symptoms before the lump grows. Education is located under the skin, it is mobile, but attached to the bottom of the joint. Gradually the lump increases, appears blunt pain  due to the mechanical pressure of the formation on the tissue and nerves.

One of the main distinguishing features of the hygroma from other tumor-like formations is its absolute safety, the hygroma never turns into cancer.

Hip dysplasia

Is a congenital pathology of the structure of the hip joint, in which it is incorrectly oriented in space relative to the pelvic cavity. When this disease is impaired, the musculoskeletal function of the limb.

Symptoms appear even in infancy. What should pay attention to my mother:

1. On the length of the legs. With dysplasia, they will not be the same length.
2. On the symmetry of the gluteal folds.
3. On the extra folds on the thigh.
4. On the symmetry of divorced legs.
5. On extraneous sounds (click, crunch) during movement of the limbs.

If you notice these symptoms, you should consult an orthopedist as early as possible.

Coccygodynia

Cocygodia is pain felt in the coccyx area. The disease is more susceptible to women than men, due to the peculiarities of the structure of the female body and child-bearing function.

The main symptom is persistent or periodic pain in the coccyx. Most often coccygodynia appears after injuries (falling back on the buttocks, tailbone injuries from the back). Pain sensations  may appear both immediately and within six months after the injury.

In addition, pain in the coccyx can be caused by other factors:

• pregnancy;
• diseases of the periphery muscles and nerves;
• constant use of soft or very hard stools;
• spinal diseases.

Osteoporosis bone

A disease affecting the human skeleton, violating the structure and strength of bone tissue. Translated from the Greek, “osteo” means bone, and “poros” means “it’s time,” if you combine these two words, you will get the porosity of the bones. According to statistics, women suffer from osteoporosis much more often than men.

Symptoms at the initial stage:

• discomfort between the shoulder blades;
• muscle weakness;
• lower back pain and limbs.

In later stages:

• reduced height of a person, visible to the naked eye;
• curvature of posture (slouch, scoliosis);
• frequent fractures.

Osteocondritis of the spine

Osteochondrosis is a violation of the structure of intervertebral bones, which reduces the flexibility and mobility of the spine. The disease develops gradually. At first, microtraumas of cartilages appear, which can be caused by heavy physical exertion or injuries, then intervertebral discs  begin to lose their elasticity and "flatten".

Symptoms:

1. Pain, the location of which depends on the localization of damage. Can hurt hands, neck, chest cells, etc.
2. Muscle numbness.

When squeezing the blood vessels, appear:

• headache;
• dizziness;
• noise in ears;
• nausea and vomiting;
• fainting.

Flat feet

A change in the shape of the foot, at which the arch is dropped, is called flatfoot. Most often develops due to insufficient or excessive load on the foot, various diseases.

Flatfoot is well defined visually. Find out what a flat foot looks like, you can not see the photo below.

Other symptoms:

• pain during prolonged walking;
• pain when standing in place (in the later stages);
• foot deformity;
• the appearance of "painful" bones on the thumb;

The arch of the foot plays a very important role in the human musculoskeletal system. It performs a cushioning function when walking. When the vault is omitted, this function is disturbed, and the spine takes over cushioning. Due to the additional load, intervertebral discs wear out faster, symptoms may appear in the form of pain, pinching of the nerves.

Gout

Metabolic disorders, in which the deposition of salts in the joints. According to statistics, men after 40 are more likely to suffer from gout, less often women after menopause. Gout can affect absolutely all the joints of the body, but most often the disease affects thumb legs.

Symptoms:

• joint inflammation;
• skin redness;
• temperature increase in the damaged area;
• growths on the joint;
• bouts of gouty arthritis, appearing in the morning or at night;

Rickets

Rickets - a childhood disease in which the process of bone formation is disrupted due to a lack of vitamin D.

Symptoms at the initial stage:

• restless sleep;
• tearfulness and irritability;
• excessive sweating;
• damage or loss of hair in the occipital region;

In later stages:

• delay in the opening of the fontanel and the growth of the teeth;
• muscle weakness;
• leg deformity with rickets, they become X-shaped or O-shaped;
• deformity of the pelvic bones in girls;
• appearance of parietal and frontal bumps;
• chest deformity (indentation or protrusion).

When affected internal organs  appears:

• frequent vomiting;
• disruption of the bowels;
• enlarged liver;
• blanching of the skin.

Sacroiliitis

It is an inflammation of the sacroiliac joint, which can affect both the joint itself and the tissue around it. Depending on the form of the disease (rheumatic or infectious), the symptoms of the disease also differ.

Rheumatic form:

• pain in the buttocks, giving to the thigh;
• severe pain at rest and waning with movements;
• stiffness in the lower back after sleep.

Infectious form:

• sharp pain in the sacrum;
• pain in the buttocks and limbs;
• pain gets worse when you move your legs or press on the affected area;
• redness of the skin.

Sinovit

Synovitis - inflammation of the synovial membrane of the joint, in which fluid accumulates in its cavity. In most cases, synovitis affects the knee joint, but others can sometimes be affected. Cases of more than one joint are very rare.

Symptoms:

• an increase in the size of the joint (acute form);
• feeling of pressure from the inside;
• pain;
• weakness (rarely)
• increase in the general and local temperature;
• limited movement of the joint;
• sore feeling when pressed.

In acute purulent synovitis:

• high temperature;
• chills and malaise;
• delirium (very rarely);
• strong pain;
• joint swelling;
• swollen lymph nodes (rare).

In chronic synovitis, almost all of the above symptoms may be present, but they will be mild.

Scoliosis

It is a curvature of the spine to the side, accompanied by asymmetry of the body and a protruding rib or scapula.

Symptoms that are determined visually:

• shoulders not at the same height;
• one of the shoulder blades bulges;
• waist not symmetrical;
• folds on the body are not the same;

In addition, scoliosis can be accompanied by pain, fatigue of the back, difficulty breathing.

Spondylolisthesis

It is a disease of the spine, in which one of the vertebrae is displaced forward or backward relative to the entire spinal column.

Symptoms:

• pain in the lower back, aggravated after exercise;
• difficulty of movement lower division  spine;
• tingling, numbness in the limbs;
• loss of control over urination and defecation (while squeezing a nerve).

Spinal stenosis

By stenosis of the spinal canal is meant the narrowing of the diameter of the spine. The disease is most common in older people, but sometimes it is also found in young people. The main reason for the development of the disease are considered congenital problems with the spine.

The main symptom of stenosis of the spinal canal is pain in the spine, which can give up in the leg.

Other manifestations:

• leg cramps;
• pain in the buttock, going down the back of the thigh;
• difficulty in maintaining balance;
• intestinal and / or bladder dysfunction.

Tendovaginitis

Tendovaginitis - inflammation of the tendon sheaths. Most often, the disease affects the hands, feet, forearms.

Symptoms:

• pain in the affected area;
• redness and swelling of the skin;
• edema;

When infectious tendovaginitis to the above symptoms, fever, chills, and general weakness are added.

Bone Tuberculosis

Bone Tuberculosis - Chronic inflammatory disease  musculoskeletal system. After pulmonary tuberculosis is the most common type of disease. Most often localized in the spine.

At the initial stage of the disease, the symptoms are mild or they may not exist at all. Typically, an increase in body temperature to 37 ° C. The patient has:

• lethargy and weakness;
• decrease in working capacity;
• muscle aches;
• drowsiness.

At the next stage of the disease, all the symptoms become pronounced, pain in the affected part of the bones, which occur most often during movements, is added to them. Violated gait and posture. If the spinal cord is damaged, the muscles along it become inflamed and swell.

For the last stage is characteristic:

• the spread of tuberculosis to other bones;
• heat;
• severe pain;
• if the spine is affected, its movements are greatly obstructed or become impossible.

Heel spur

The medical name is plantar fasciitis. The disease is an inflammation of the connective membrane of the foot, most often caused by injuries.

Symptoms:

• pain with heel load;
• sharp heel pains at the first steps in the morning;
• feeling of tension in the Achilles tendon.

Elbow epicondylitis

It is an inflammation in the elbow area. More often, the disease develops due to a uniform load on the arm, causing constant flexion-extension of the elbow.

The main symptom of the disease is pain in the forearm, which can be given to the shoulder and aggravated during exercise (for example, during a handshake).

Diseases of the musculoskeletal system (diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue) - very briefly.

Reactive arthritis

Infectious arthropathies (reactive arthritis) begin with or after infections (usually Yersinia enterocolitis, dysentery, gonorrhea, chlamydial urinary tract infections). Observed inflammation of the joints of the lower extremities with swelling, pain, extra-articular manifestations - rash, ulcerative stomatitis, conjunctivitis, myocarditis. Continues inflammatory process  usually 1-3 weeks and passes on their own. Treatment - taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids.

Rheumatoid arthritis

Chronic progressive inflammation of the joints of the limbs associated with autoimmune processes. It is characterized by persistent symmetric arthritis, and more often affects the small joints of the hands and feet. The onset of the disease is gradual, with the appearance of morning stiffness, swelling of the joints. In advanced stages, there is a gross deformity of the hands and feet, myocarditis, pleurisy, lymphadenitis may develop. The diagnosis is clarified by X-ray, laboratory tests (signs of inflammation, the appearance of rheumatoid factor). Treatment - the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroid hormones, basic therapy, physiotherapy treatment.

Gout

A disease of the musculoskeletal system, in which there is an increased disintegration of purine bases, decreases the excretion of uric acid by the kidneys, as a result of which urates are deposited in the joints and other tissues. Mainly middle-aged men are ill. More often affects the joints of the feet, ankle and knee joints. Attacks of arthritis often develop at night: there is intense pain in the joint, redness and swelling, the impossibility of active movements. Provoked exacerbation by taking meat food, alcohol, injuries. In the blood increases the level of uric acid. Treatment - taking anti-inflammatory drugs for exacerbations and regular use of allopurinol and its analogues, diet.

Arthritis

Diseases in which the development of degenerative changes in articular cartilage. There is damage to the joints of the first toes, knees and hip, shoulder and elbows, as well as the interphalangeal joints of the hands with the development of pain, swelling, thickening, the appearance of deformity and a decrease in range of motion. The treatment of these diseases of the musculoskeletal system is aimed at correcting orthopedic defects, taking anti-inflammatory drugs. Important proper nutrition, regular exercises, physiotherapy treatment,. Persistent dysfunction of the joint - an indication for surgical intervention.

Nodular periarteritis

The disease is characterized by systemic inflammatory damage to the arteries of medium and small caliber due to autoimmune disorders. It occurs mainly in middle-aged men. Manifested by fever, weight loss, pain in the joints, muscles, abdomen, skin rash, signs of damage to the cardiovascular system, kidneys with the development of angina, glomerulonephritis. There are pathological changes in the nervous system (meningoencephalitis), vision deteriorates. The diagnosis is clarified by histological examination of muscle tissue. Treatment - glucocorticoids, cytostatics, exercise therapy, massage.

Systemic lupus erythematosus

It refers to chronic diseases of the connective tissue and blood vessels and arises against the background of genetically determined imperfection of the regulation mechanisms immune system. The autoimmune process often begins after a viral infection, allergic reactionspregnancy The disease occurs mainly in girls and young women. Manifesting systemic lupus erythematosus fever, inflammation of the joints, reddish rashes on the skin of the face ("butterfly") and chest. Often complicated by pericarditis, pleurisy, peritonitis, glomerulonephritis. Treatment - glucocorticoid hormones, immunosuppressants, symptomatic agents.

Dermatomyositis

Systemic disease of the musculoskeletal system with skin lesions, as well as muscle tissue due to immune disorders. Occurs after viral infections, allergic reactions, pregnancy, prolonged cooling, often observed in various tumor processes in the body. Manifested by the appearance of general weakness, pain in muscles and joints, fever, skin lesions with its redness, pigmentation, and swelling. Due to the defeat of the skeletal muscles, active movements are disturbed - not only walking, but even turns in the bed, swallowing and breathing become a problem. Myocarditis, Raynaud's syndrome, intestinal obstruction may occur. The diagnosis is clarified in the study of muscle tissue and laboratory tests. Treatment - large doses of glucocorticoids, the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, anabolic steroids, if necessary - surgery  (tumor removal).

Kyphosis and lordosis

Kyphosis - a curvature of the spine, in which the bulge is turned back. May be physiological (thoracic and sacral section) and pathological, when there is a characteristic violation of posture (stoop, humpback) with a rounded back, shoulders forward.

In lordosis, the curvature of the spine protrudes forward, and the appearance becomes appropriate (flat rib cage, bulging belly, head thrown forward).

Treatment of these spinal deformities is aimed at the cause of the disease and may include exercise therapy, massage, manual therapy and the use of special corsets and bandages.

Scoliosis

Spinal deformity with its lateral curvature and rotation (reversal) of the vertebral bodies around its axis as a result of rickets, prolonged uneven loads on the back muscles, tuberculosis and other causes. The onset and progression of the disease is noted in childhood and adolescence. There are three stages of scoliosis: at the first one, the deformation after rest passes, at the second curvature becomes constant, at the third stage the position of the internal organs changes. The diagnosis is clarified by X-ray examination. Treatment - exercise therapy, massage, corset, surgery.

Juvenile osteochondrosis of the spine

The disease occurs mainly in children and young men and is manifested by a slight lateral curvature of the spine, as well as kyphosis in the upper thoracic region with wedge-shaped deformation of the vertebral bodies. Manifestation of juvenile osteochondrosis (Scheeermann-Mau disease) unpleasant sensations  and pains in the affected spine, aggravated after physical exertion. The diagnosis is specified during spinal radiography, treatment - exercise therapy, massage, sometimes resort to surgical intervention.

Spinal osteochondrosis in adults

Disease of the musculoskeletal system, in which there is a lesion of the cartilage of the intervertebral disk, as well as the vertebral bodies themselves, with the development of degenerative changes in them. Often complicated by radicular syndrome, disc herniation, causing pronounced pain syndrome, restriction of movement in the affected spine. It provokes aggravation of awkward movements, muscle overstrain, hypothermia, weight lifting, as well as the persistence of a long uncomfortable posture. Clinical symptoms are most pronounced with the development of osteochondrosis in the lumbar and cervical regions. The diagnosis is clarified by X-ray examination. Treatment in the period of exacerbation - bed rest, painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs, massage, physiotherapy. Physical therapy is very important and any moderate physical activity.

Torticollis

Deformation of the neck with an oblique position of the head and turning it to the side. Causes - diseases of soft tissues, musculoskeletal system, peripheral nervous system in the neck. Cranial ripples can be congenital (due to a defect in the development of the cervical spine or shortening of the sternocleidomastoid muscle) and acquired, caused by various diseases of the spine, muscles, long vicious position of the head. The diagnosis is clarified by radiography of the cervical spine. Surgical treatment (plastic neck muscles).

Spondylopathy

Diseases of the spine with the development of degenerative-dystrophic changes in it (proliferation of connective tissue with the appearance of spikes-ossifiers, displacement of the adjacent vertebrae), as a result of which pain syndrome and restriction of movements in the affected part are observed. Spondylopathy can be traumatic, genetic, exchangeable, professional, age. The diagnosis is clarified by radiography, MRI of the spine. Treatment - analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs, exercise therapy, massage, corporal and.

Sciatica

Disease with damage to the trunk of the sciatic nerve due to cooling, infection, trauma, osteochondrosis of the spine. Manifested by pain in the buttock, extending to the back of the thigh, lower leg and foot. There is an increase in pain during movements, often in the heat and at night. Treatment of sciatica should be directed to the cause of the disease. Symptomatic treatment includes analgesics, anti-inflammatory drugs, physiotherapy, massage, manual therapy.

Myositis

A disease in which, as a result of inflammatory, traumatic or toxic effects, affects the muscles of various parts of the body (more often, the back, neck, shoulder girdle, buttocks). Characterized by the development pain syndrome, muscle weakness and even atrophy. The pain increases with movement and palpation, limited mobility in the joint. Treatment - dry heat, analgesics, massage, physiotherapy.

Bursitis

A disease in which the inflammatory process develops in the periarticular mucous bags. Causes - microbial factor, chronic injuries. There is an accumulation in the bag of serous or purulent exudate, which is manifested by pain, swelling in the area of ​​the affected joint. Often the disease becomes chronic. Treatment - immobilization of the diseased limb, physiotherapy, antibiotics. Sometimes it is necessary to resort to the puncture of the joint for the suction of exudate and the introduction of antibiotics into the cavity.

Synovites and tenosynovites

Synovitis is a disease with the development of inflammation of the synovial membrane of the joint and the formation of effusion in it. Causes - arthritis, allergies, hemophilia, joint injury. Defeat more often knee joint. The process can be acute or chronic. The diagnosis is clarified by radiography and examination of punctate.

Tenosinovitis is an inflammatory disease of the synovial vagina of the tendons with the development of pain, swelling, and the appearance of a clear creaking sound.

Treatment of synovitis and tenosynovitis - rest, immobilization of the limb, anti-inflammatory drugs, local administration of corticosteroids, physiotherapy.

Osteoporosis

Disease of the musculoskeletal system, characterized by loss of bone volume, decrease in bone strength with a tendency to fractures. Causes - a violation of calcium metabolism in menopause due to a decrease in the content of estrogen, a decrease in calcium absorption in the intestine and the formation of vitamin D in the skin in old age. Osteoporosis also often occurs with an increase in the production of hormones by the adrenal glands or with prolonged use of their synthetic analogues for the treatment of various diseases. The diagnosis is established by X-ray and densitometry. Treatment - diet, taking calcium, phosphorus, fluoride, vitamin D metabolites.

Osteochondropathy

Diseases of the musculoskeletal system, characterized by dystrophic lesions of bone tissue with impaired blood circulation and the appearance of foci of necrosis. There is a disease in children and adolescents, changes appear in the epiphyses (areas of bone growth) and apophyses (bone protrusions near the growth zones - usually the end parts of the long tubular bones of the lower extremities). Lower limbs that are under greater stress are affected more often. There are osteochondropathy of the femoral head (Perthes disease), foot bones (Keller disease), tibial tuberosity (Osgood-Schlatter disease).

Treatment of osteochondropathy is conservative (rest, limitation of physical exertion, massage, physiotherapy) or operative.