Musculoskeletal diseases

Musculoskeletal diseases are conditions affecting muscles, bones, joints, and connective tissues such as tendons and ligaments. They can cause pain, stiffness, weakness, or limited movement.

Connect

Musculoskeletal system: The body system of bones, muscles, joints, and associated connective tissues that supports movement and stability. These diseases affect components of this integrated body system.
Osteoarthritis: A joint disease involving cartilage loss, bone changes, and related tissue remodeling. It is a common degenerative joint disorder within this broad group.
Inflammation: A coordinated biological response to harmful stimuli that can cause redness, heat, swelling, pain, and altered function. Inflammation drives tissue damage in many joint and connective-tissue diseases.
Neurological disorder: A condition affecting the brain, spinal cord, or peripheral nerves. Nerve disorders can resemble muscle or joint disease while arising elsewhere.
Disability: A limitation in functioning or participation arising from interactions between health conditions and environmental factors. Severe or persistent musculoskeletal disease can restrict everyday activities.
Joint: A site where two or more bones meet, permitting movement or providing stability. Joint disorders are among the most common musculoskeletal conditions.
Rheumatoid arthritis: A systemic autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammatory joint disease and can affect other organs. It illustrates how immune-driven inflammation can damage joints.
Autoimmunity: An immune response directed against the body's own cells or tissues. Autoimmunity underlies several chronic inflammatory musculoskeletal disorders.
Vascular disease: A condition affecting blood vessels or blood flow. Vascular causes can produce limb pain or weakness without primary tissue disease.
Chronic pain: Pain that persists or recurs over an extended period, often beyond expected tissue healing. Some musculoskeletal conditions become long-lasting pain disorders.