Soft tissue rheumatism.

ABSTRACT

Soft tissue rheumatism includes disorders of tendons and their sheaths, ligaments, bursae, joint capsules, muscles, fasciae and others. Inflammatory signs or systemic manifestations may be lacking in these disorders. Fibrositis, bursitis, tenosynovitis, myositis are some of the common types of soft tissue rheumatism. The disorders can be classified broadly into two groups ie, diffuse and local. Proper history taking and performing detailed examination are very important in arriving at diagnosis. Management includes pain relief by suitable measures. In fibromyalgia diffuse musculoskeletal pain is observed having at least 11 or 18 tender points involving upper and lower body bilaterally.