Arthritis >> Arthritis Types >> The Mislead – The Diseases that Mimic Arthritis

The Mislead – The Diseases that Mimic Arthritis

Written on August 10, 2008 – 10:01 am | by Tim |

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Since arthritis has become one of the most prominent diseases, we tend to relate whatever symptoms that look like arthritis to this disease. But medical experts say that there are three other prominent diseases that show symptoms similar to arthritis. Most people are mislead by these symptoms and may start worry about arthritis. Let’s have a look at these three culprits and then we know what to worry about.

Clubbing

This is basically observed as deformity of fingers and finger nails. Although this can be directly seen in the fingers, there can be severe impact to patient’s lungs and heart as well. The regular external symptoms include fluctuation and softening of nails, loss of normal 165 degrees angle between nail bed and fold, increased convexity of nail fold, thickening of the whole finger and shiny aspect of the nail and skin. Once a patient is diagnosed for clubbing, the medical history is examined for seeing the cause. Also medical tests such as X-ray may also be performed.

Multiple myeloma

This is a type of a cancer which occurs in bones and shows symptoms similar to arthritis. This generates bone pains usually in spine and ribs and worsens with activity. This may also cause spinal code compression. Due to multiple myeloma, bones are prone to be broken and it may release calcium in to blood cause some other complications as well.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a disease which increases the risk of fracture. Osteoporosis reduces the bone mineral density so the microstructure of bone is disputed. There are number of symptoms similar to arthritis such as sudden back pain, shooting pain due to nerve compression and pains due to spinal cord compression.

Some of the diseases mentioned above may carry a higher threat to life than arthritis and it is clear that immediate medical attention is required if you show any of these symptoms.

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