Questions and Answers on Arthritis and Gout

Arthritis is a group of conditions involving damage to the joints of the body.  There are different types of arthritis, each having a different cause. The most common form is osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease that is a result of trauma to the joint, infection of the joint or age.  Another type of arthritis is where the body attacks itself (autoimmune diseases).  Examples of this kind are rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis.  Septic arthritis is caused by an infection of the joint.  Gouty arthritis is caused by deposition of uric acid crystals in the joint, which causes inflammation. There is also an uncommon form of gout called pseudogout that is caused by the formation of rhomboid crystals of calcium pyrophosphate.

10/14/2009 - Questions and Answers

Piriformis syndrome

Piriformis syndrome is a condition in which the piriformis (a small muscle located deep within the hip and buttocks region) becomes tight or spasms, and irritates the sciatic nerve. This causes pain and may even result in referred pain in the lower back and thigh. The main difference between Sciatica and Piriformis Syndrome is the cause. Sciatica is due to pressure on the sciatic nerve from a bulging or herniated lumbar disc. With Piriformis Syndrome, the irritation of the sciatic nerve is due to spasms or tightening of the piriformis muscle, resulting in pain.   Read more

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