Conditions A TO Z – Page 3 – Lambeth Health Press

Joint Pain

Joint pain, medically referred to as arthralgia, is a common complaint that can result from a wide variety of underlying conditions. It may affect a single joint (monoarthritis) or multiple joints (polyarthritis) and can occur suddenly or develop gradually over time. Joint pain can significantly impair mobility and quality of life and may be a sign of both short-term inflammation or chronic disease. Causes Joint pain can be caused by: Inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout, psoriatic arthritis, or lupus. Degenerative conditions such as osteoarthritis. Infectious arthritis from bacteria or viruses. Trauma or injury including ligament tears or fractures. Overuse or repetitive strain. Autoimmune disorders where the immune system

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Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain is one of the most common reasons people consult healthcare professionals and a leading cause of disability worldwide. It can affect individuals of any age and may be acute (lasting less than 6 weeks), subacute (6–12 weeks), or chronic (more than 12 weeks). Though often self-limiting, it can significantly impact quality of life and work productivity. Causes Most cases are non-specific, meaning no serious underlying cause is identified. Common causes include: Muscle strain or ligament sprain from poor posture, lifting, or overuse Degenerative disc disease or facet joint osteoarthritis Herniated discs pressing on spinal nerves Spinal stenosis (narrowing of spinal canal) Sacroiliac joint dysfunction Less commonly, it

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Peripheral Arterial Disease

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a common condition where the arteries that supply blood to the legs and feet become narrowed due to a build-up of fattyCommentHighlight deposits, known as atherosclerosis. It reduces blood flow, which can lead to symptoms like pain when walking (claudication) and in severe cases, critical limb ischaemia. PAD is an important marker for systemic atherosclerosis and indicates a higher risk of heart attack and stroke Causes Atherosclerosis (primary cause) Diabetes mellitus Smoking High blood pressure (hypertension) High cholesterol (hyperlipidaemia) Obesity Inflammatory conditions such as vasculitis Blood vessel injury or trauma Radiation exposure damaging blood vessels Pathophysiology PAD develops mainly due to atherosclerosis. In this process,

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Peripheral Vascular Disease

Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) refers to a circulation disorder that affects blood vessels outside the heart and brain, most commonly arteries supplying the legs. It occurs when arteries become narrowed or blocked, usually due to atherosclerosis, leading to reduced blood flow. PVD can significantly impair quality of life and is associated with increased risk of heart attack and stroke. Causes Atherosclerosis (most common cause) Diabetes mellitus Smoking Hypertension High cholesterol levels Inflammatory conditions (e.g., vasculitis) Blood clots (thrombosis) Arterial trauma or injury Radiation exposure affecting blood vessels Pathophysiology PVD primarily results from atherosclerosis, where fatty deposits (plaques) build up inside arterial walls. This causes narrowing and hardening of the arteries,

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Red Inflamed Eye

A red inflamed eye is a common presentation in both primary care and emergency settings. It can result from a wide range of causes, from minor conditions like conjunctivitis to serious diseases such as acute glaucoma. A careful history and examination are crucial to identify potentially sight-threatening conditions. Following NICE and Royal College of Ophthalmologists guidelines ensures safe and effective care. Causes There are multiple causes of red inflamed eye, including: Infective conjunctivitis: Viral or bacterial infection of the conjunctiva Allergic conjunctivitis: Eye inflammation due to allergens like pollen Dry eye syndrome: Due to reduced tear production or poor-quality tears Blepharitis: Inflammation of the eyelid margins Keratitis: Inflammation or infection

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Thyroid Gland Disorders

The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped organ located in the front of the neck, responsible for producing hormones that regulate metabolism, growth, and development. Disorders of the thyroid gland can lead to either excessive hormone production (hyperthyroidism), reduced hormone production (hypothyroidism), or structural abnormalities like goitre and nodules. These conditions can have widespread effects on physical and mental health. Causes Thyroid disorders may be caused by various factors: Autoimmune diseases (e.g., Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Graves’ disease) Iodine deficiency or excess Thyroid surgery or radioiodine therapy Congenital defects or genetic predisposition Thyroid nodules or tumours Certain medications such as lithium or amiodarone Infections (e.g., subacute thyroiditis) Pathophysiology In hypothyroidism, there is

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