arthritis

How Is Knee Arthrocentesis Performed? Pain Relief

What is knee arthrocentesis? Knee arthrocentesis is a relatively quick procedure but may be performed under local anesthesia to avoid pain. Arthrocentesis (joint aspiration) is a diagnostic procedure in which fluid is drained from a joint (synovial fluid) using a sterile needle and syringe.  Knee arthrocentesis is an important procedure used for diagnosing arthritis and …

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What Is Joint Aspiration (Arthrocentesis)?

What is joint aspiration (arthrocentesis)? Joint aspiration (arthrocentesis) is a diagnostic procedure that involves the extraction and analysis of the synovial fluid in the joints. It is an important procedure used for diagnosing arthritis and differentiating inflammatory arthritis from noninflammatory arthritis.  Joint aspiration is a relatively quick and inexpensive procedure to perform. It can be done in a clinic or …

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What Is Ankle Arthrocentesis?

What is ankle arthrocentesis? Ankle arthrocentesis is the drainage by needle of fluid inside the ankle joint. Arthrocentesis (joint aspiration) is a diagnostic procedure where the body’s synovial joint lubrication fluid is drained using a sterile needle and syringe. Ankle arthrocentesis is an important procedure used for diagnosing arthritis and differential diagnosis of inflammatory and noninflammatory arthritis. Arthrocentesis can also …

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What Are the 4 Types of Lupus? First Signs

What is lupus? The four types of lupus are Lupus dermatitis, SLE, drug-induced lupus, and neonatal lupus. Lupus is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks healthy tissue. It affects the joints, skin, brain, lungs, kidneys, and blood vessels, leading to inflammation and tissue damage in the affected organs.  When internal organs are involved, the condition is called systemic …

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What Are the Four Types of Lupus?

What is lupus? Lupus is an autoimmune disease that affects the joints and causes inflammation in other systems as well. Lupus is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks healthy tissue. It affects joints, skin, brain, lungs, kidneys and blood vessels, leading to inflammation and tissue damage of the affected organs. What are the four types of lupus? …

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What Is Usually the First Sign of Lupus?

What is lupus? Lupus is an autoimmune disease that affects the joints and causes inflammation in other systems as well. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system of the body attacks its healthy tissue. It affects joints, skin, brain, lungs, kidneys and blood vessels, leading to inflammation and tissue damage of the affected organs. …

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What Are the 12 Symptoms of Lupus?

What is lupus? Lupus is an autoimmune disease that affects the joints and causes inflammation in other systems as well. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system of the body attacks healthy tissue. It affects joints, skin, brain, lungs, kidneys and blood vessels, leading to inflammation and tissue damage of the affected organs. More …

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What Are the Stages of Lyme Disease? Symptoms & Signs

What is Lyme disease? Stage 1 early localized disease with a red rash with "bullseye" appearance occurring at or near the site of the tick bite. Lyme disease is a multisystem illness caused by infection with the microorganism, Borrelia burgdorferi, and the body’s immune response to its infection. The illness is transmitted from tick bites when the tick regurgitates the …

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What Is the Main Cause of Osteoarthritis? Signs & Symptoms

What is the main cause of osteoarthritis? Risk factors for developing osteoarthritis include advancing age, obesity, trauma, family history of osteoarthritis, and more. Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic degenerative disease of the joints affecting middle-aged and elderly people. It involves the breakdown of cartilage and associated inflammatory changes in the adjacent bone. It is a leading cause of chronic disability, …

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Dexpak (Dexamethasone): Uses for COVID-19, Side Effects, Interactions

What is dexamethasone, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Dexamethasone is a synthetic (man-made) corticosteroid. Corticosteroids are naturally-occurring chemicals produced by the adrenal glands located above the kidneys. Corticosteroids affect the function of many cells within the body and suppress the immune system. Corticosteroids also block inflammation and are used in a wide variety of inflammatory diseases affecting …

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