Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
RA is an autoimmune arthritis that causes inflammation, pain and swelling in the joints. Fatigue is common. RA can affect other parts of the body (systemic inflammation). It can affect anyone of any age but is more common in women, especially between the ages of 40-60. It is a very treatable condition with excellent medications and non-pharmacological techniques to help restore quality of life.
Modern treatments have revolutionised life for people with RA, preventing joint damage and other complications. One of the most important aspects to treatment is to start early: studies have shown that there is a “window of opportunity” when symptoms occur where we can radically improve outcomes for people living with RA.
Osteoarthritis (OA)
OA is the most common type of arthritis worldwide. It usually (but not always) affects older adults, over the age of 45 years. Scientists continue to explore the causes OA but the current belief is that OA occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones wears down over time. Joints are in a constant balance of “wear and repair”: laying down new cartilage and removing damaged cartilage. In OA, this balance is disrupted so that cartilage is lost. OA most commonly affects joints in the hands, knees, hips and spine. OA of the hands can cause hard bony nodules to form on the distal finger joints, known as nodal OA.
Movement, exercise and physical therapy are the key treatments for OA. Orthoses and walking devices can help to maintain mobility.
Psoriatic arthritis (PsA)
PsA is an arthritis that causes inflammation, pain and swelling in and around the joints and tendons. Fatigue is common. PsA affects about 1 in 4 people who live with psoriasis (an itchy skin rash). PsA and psoriasis are both autoimmune conditions, caused by the body mistakenly attacking itself. PsA is a type of spondyloarthritis, a group of conditions causing inflammatory arthritis of the spine.
Spondyloarthropathy / Spondyloarthritis (SpA)
SpA is an umbrella term used to describe a family of disorders that usually cause inflammation of the spine (axial SpA), distal joints (peripheral SpA) or tendon insertions (enthesitis). People living with SpA frequently may also have psoriasis, bowel inflammation or eye inflammation. They are also more likely to carry a gene called HLAB27. Modern treatments, including DMARDs and biological therapy, help people with SpA to lead active lives.
Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS)
Ankylosing Spondylitis (axial spondyloarthopathy, axial SpA), is an inflammatory arthritis of the spine. It typically causes back pain in people under the age of 45 years and is often associated with arthritis of the hips, Achilles inflammation and eye inflammation (uveitis). Modern treatments have revolutionised life for people with AS, preventing disability and allowing freedom of movement.
Sjogren's Disease (SJD)
Sjogren’s Disease is a common-but-often-underdiagnosed chronic autoimmune multisystem disorder, that is more common in females. SJD is characterised by inflammation of the salivary and lacrimal (tear duct) glands. Common symptoms include severe dryness of the mouth and eyes, fatigue, muscle and joint pains. SJD does not always cause dryness symptoms. It may affect other organs in the body. SJD may exist on its own or it can co-exist with another rheumatic disease. Treatments can help to reduce dryness, troublesome symptoms and prevent systemic complications.
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE / Lupus)
SLE is a chronic autoimmune disease that primarily affects females aged 20-40, especially those of Māori, Pacific or Asian ethnicity. It can be seen in children (juvenile SLE) as well as older folk and males. It is a varied disease that usually causes skin and joint symptoms but can affect other organs, including kidneys, lungs and brain. It is important to diagnose and treat SLE early, to prevent complications and organ damage. Treatment includes steroids, hydroxychloroquine and mycophenolate. Hydroxychloroquine is a key medication.
Scleroderma / Systemic Sclerosis
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Giant Cell Arthritis (GCA or Temporal arteritis)
GCA is a type of autoimmune vasculitis, where the body mistakenly attacks the blood vessels, causing chronic inflammation in the arteries. It develops in people over the age of 50 years. Common symptoms include headache, jaw pain when eating and blurred vision. It is a medical emergency and requires urgent diagnosis and treatment with steroids to prevent serious complications.
Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR)
Polymyalgia rheumatica is an autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic condition that affects the over 50’s. It is characterised by aching and morning stiffness in the shoulders, hip girdle, and neck. It can be associated with giant cell arteritis (GCA). Treatment with steroids is highly effective.
Fibromyalgia
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