The mission of the NIAMS is to support research into the causes, treatment, and prevention of arthritis and musculoskeletal and skin diseases; the training of basic and clinical scientists to carry out this research; and the dissemination of information o| www.niams.nih.gov
What is osteoarthritis? It damages the slippery tissue that covers the ends of bones, causing bones to rub together, producing pain, swelling, and loss of motion.| National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
What is ankylosing spondylitis? It is arthritis that affects the spine, usually producing redness, heat, swelling, and pain in the spine where it joins the pelvis.| National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
Sports injuries are injuries that happen when playing sports or exercising. There are two kinds of sports injuries: acute and chronic.| National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
Lupus is a disease where the body's defense system attacks healthy cells and tissues, causing damage to many parts of the body. Learn more about this disease.| National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
Back pain is one of the most common medical problems in the United States. It can range from a dull, constant ache to sudden, sharp pain that makes it hard to move.| National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
What is osteoporosis? It is a disease in which your bones become weak and are more likely to break. There are no symptoms until a bone breaks.| National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
What is Sjögren’s disease? It is a disease that affects the glands that make moisture. It most often causes dryness in the mouth and eyes.| National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
The foods we eat contain a variety of vitamins, minerals, and other important nutrients that help keep our bodies healthy. We need to get enough of two nutrients in particular, calcium and vitamin D, to help keep our bones strong.| National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
What is rheumatoid arthritis? It is a disease that affects multiple joints, resulting in pain, swelling, and stiffness. Tiredness and fever may also be present.| National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
Doctors don't yet know the exact causes of fibromyalgia. Find out more about this muscle-pain and fatigue causing chronic disorder.| National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases