MSK

Question 1

What is a common cause of multiple joint pain?

Answer 1

• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
• Osteoarthritis (OA)
• Connective tissue disorders (e.g., Systemic lupus erythematosus)
• Psoriatic arthritis
• Viral polyarthritis (e.g., rubella and hepatitis)

Osteoarthritis is more common in the elderly, while rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease causing inflammation.

Question 2

What is Reiter’s syndrome also known as?

Answer 2

Reactive arthritis

It is suspected in young males with inflammatory oligoarthritis of the lower limbs.

Question 3

True or false: Weil’s disease is more common in farm workers and vets.

Answer 3

TRUE

Weil’s disease (leptospirosis) is spread in the urine of infected animals such as rats.

Question 4

What activities could lead to contracting Weil’s disease?

Answer 4

• Kayaking
• Canoeing
• Outdoor swimming

Infection can occur if infected urine gets in the eyes, mouth, or cuts.

Question 5

Fill in the blank: Systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks its own tissues, causing widespread _______.

Answer 5

inflammation

This condition is one of the connective tissue disorders that can cause multiple joint pain.

Question 6

What is the commonest cause of acute single joint pain?

Answer 6

Trauma

Acute exacerbation of osteoarthritis, gout, and pseudo gout are also common causes.

Question 7

Name three common causes of acute single joint pain.

Answer 7

• Acute exacerbation of osteoarthritis
• Gout
• Pseudo gout

These conditions may also affect several joints.

Question 8

What should be considered if a joint is intensely painful, red, hot, with limited movement and systemic illness?

Answer 8

Septic arthritis

Prompt treatment is needed, and it can be hard to spot in those with Rheumatoid Arthritis during a flare-up.

Question 9

True or false: Septic arthritis is easy to spot in patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Answer 9

FALSE

It can be hard to identify septic arthritis during a flare-up of Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Question 10

A young male adult with arthritis of one knee (not caused by trauma) may indicate _______.

Answer 10

Reiter’s syndrome

This condition is a potential differential diagnosis in this demographic.

Question 11

What type of resources often have individual sections for different joints in the context of differential diagnoses?

Answer 11

Books on differential diagnoses

For example, acute knee pain will have a list of differential diagnoses.

Question 12

What is the common cause of isolated myalgia?

Answer 12

• Overuse or soft tissue injury
• Acute viral illness
• Polymalgia rheumatica (PMR)
• Depression
• Referred joint pain

It is important to determine whether the patient is experiencing muscular pain, joint pain, cramping, or muscle weakness.

Question 13

Name a key cause of painful muscles that should be considered in clinical practice.

Answer 13

• Fibromyalgia
• Connective Tissue Disease (Systemic lupus erythematosus, Rheumatoid arthritis, Polyarteritis nodosa, scleroderma)
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
• Intermittent Claudication
• Certain Medications
• Neuropathic causes (alcoholism, diabetes)
• Hypothyroidism

These causes require further research and consultation with differential diagnosis textbooks.

Question 14

What are the red flags associated with myalgia?

Answer 14

• Temporal arthritis (giant cell arthritis)
• Muscle pain with progressive weakness

Temporal arthritis can lead to blindness or stroke if left untreated. Symptoms include tenderness over the temples, visual problems, severe headaches, and jaw pain while eating or talking.

Question 15

True or false: Temporal arthritis can lead to blindness or stroke if left untreated.

Answer 15

TRUE

It is characterized by inflammation of the arteries at the side of the head and presents with specific symptoms.

Question 16

Fill in the blank: Intermittent Claudication is characterized by calf pain on exercising that ______ on rest.

Answer 16

relieves

This condition is important to consider in the differential diagnosis of muscle pain.