Muscle and ligament inflammation (enthesopathy)

Description Enthesopathy is an ...

Description

Enthesopathy is an inflammatory condition involving structures that attach to bones. These include inflammation ligaments, tendons and fascia. It may develop as a result of inflammatory diseases such as ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and enteropathic arthritis. It is generally considered a process rather than a condition. Any joint in the body can experience enthesopathy. Males and females are affected equally. Individuals with inflammatory conditions such as reactive arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, arthritis associated with inflammatory bowel disease are at greatest risk for development of enthesopathy.

Symptoms

Symptoms include joint pain, joint swelling, redness or fever.

Tests

Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment

Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Imaging and blood tests may be performed to help confirm the diagnosis and to see if there is an underlying inflammatory disease.

Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), Joint fluid analysis, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Uric acid, X-ray

Other Specific Tests: C-reactive protein, Anti-nuclear antibody, Rheumatoid factor, Human leukocyte antigen B27 (HLA-B27)

Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Orthopedic Surgery, Neurosurgery, Rheumatology, Family Practice, Spine Surgery, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (physiatry)

Treatment

Therapy depends on the extent of the disease and symptoms. Treatment may include: pain medications, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (ibuprofen/Motrin or Advil, naproxen/Naprosyn), acetaminophen (Tylenol), corticosteroid pills (prednisone) or injections, exercise and physical therapy.