It's not uncommon for someone with arthritis to have one or more comorbid conditions. The term "comorbid condition" is a medical term you will run into when reading about medical studies and multiple chronic conditions. It refers to one or more diseases or conditions that occur together with the primary condition.
Using rheumatoid arthritis as an example -- there are comorbid conditions associated with the disease that are non-articular manifestations (conditions that affect soft tissue rather than joints) occurring with higher frequency than would be expected in the normal population. It can be rheumatoid arthritis together with vasculitis or Sjogren's syndrome. But the comorbid condition can be something other than an arthritis-related disease, such as heart disease, diabetes, or cancer. Why are comorbid conditions so important? First and foremost, it may influence your treatment. Multiple medications for multiple conditions can increase your risk for side effects and everything must be considered.
Related Resources:
- What Is a Comorbid Condition?
- I Think I Have Arthritis - Now What?
- Overlapping Symptoms Can Complicate Arthritis Diagnosis
- Rheumatism, Rheumatic Disease, and Arthritis - All the Same?
- Test Your Knowledge - Types of Arthritis and Rheumatic Conditions
Share Your Advice and Experiences in Our Online Forums:
Subscribe Today to Our Free Newsletters:
Photo by Jorge Salcedo (iStockphoto)
