Myositis
The literal translation of myositis is "muscle inflammation." This inflammation is caused by white blood cells called lymphocytes, which are normally supposed to protect the body's immune system. In inflammatory myopathies such as myositis, however, lymphocytes infiltrate healthy muscle fibers as well as foreign invaders. After a period of inflammation, muscle fibers are destroyed, which affects the functionality of muscle tissue and leads to fatigue and immobility.
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lessInflammatory myopathies take a number of forms, including dermatomyositis, polymyositis, and inclusion-body myositis (IBM).
Treatment of myositis can include anti-inflammatory medications and intravenous administration of gamma globulin, with new and promising medications being introduced on a regular basis. Exercise and physical therapy are also useful tools to ease myositis' physical impact.
Myositis can be a frustrating, mysterious disease, but there are many treatments and social services available to those who live with this oft-misunderstood condition.
Hospital for Special Surgery provides many resources for those who suffer with myositis, including our world-class Rheumatology department (top ranked by U.S.News & World Report) and our Myositis Education and Support Program, which has been an invaluable source to those attending the group in New York City. The myositis Web community at large can also access the summaries of Hospital for Special Surgery Myositis Support Group sessions on HSS.edu, all of which are listed below.Overview
Treatments
Mind-Body Issues
- Myositis Health Team Panel: Four Perspectives on Myositis Care
- Overcoming Our Fears when Living with Myositis: Focus on Falling (Part II: From Fear of Falling to Confidence)
- Overcoming Our Fears when Living with Myositis: Focus on Falling (Part I: Defining Fear and Overcoming It with a Four-Step Approach)
- Maintaining a Positive Outlook When Coping with Myositis
Related Conditions/Issues
- Pulmonary Hypertension: An Overview
- Treating Swallowing Problems in People with Myositis
- How To Get a Good Night's Sleep
- Coping With the Visible and Invisible Symptoms of Myositis
- Medicare Part D: What You Need to Know
- Joint Pain in Patients with Lupus: Is It Really Arthritis?
- Coping with the Emotional Impact of Rheumatic Disease
- Myositis, Osteoporosis, and Bone Health
- Dermatomyositis: Myositis and the Skin
Tips & Calculators
HSS Support Program Summaries
- Nutrition and Myositis
- Who Am I Now?: Living with an Autoimmune Disease
- Nutrition and Supplements to Reduce Medication Side Effects in Myositis
- Myositis Treatment: A Doctor's Perspective
- Inflammatory Muscle Disorders: Their Diagnosis and Treatment
- The HSS Myositis Support Group 10th Anniversary Celebration
- Myositis Health Team Panel: Four Perspectives on Myositis Care
- Overcoming Our Fears when Living with Myositis: Focus on Falling (Part II: From Fear of Falling to Confidence)
- Myositis Health Team Panel: Myositis Perspectives, Questions, and Answers
- Coping With the Visible and Invisible Symptoms of Myositis
- Overcoming Our Fears when Living with Myositis: Focus on Falling (Part I: Defining Fear and Overcoming It with a Four-Step Approach)
- Inflammatory Myopathies: A Neurological Perspective on Myositis
- Myositis Overview: Directions and New Frontiers of Research and Treatment
- Exercise and Physical Therapy Guidelines for People with Myositis
- Medicare Part D: What You Need to Know
- Self-Care Task Modification when Living with Myositis (Part II: Household Activities)
- Self-Care Task Modification when Living with Myositis (Part I: Daily Activities)
- The Impact of Myositis on Vacation Travel
- Coping with Myositis During the Holidays
- Coping with Stress When Living with Myositis
- Impact of Myositis on Relationships
- Overcoming Fears When Living with Myositis
- Self-Advocacy When Coping with Myositis
- Myositis as a Life-Changing Event
- Maintaining a Positive Outlook When Coping with Myositis
- Doctor-Patient Communication: A Myositis Support Group summary
- Medications for Myositis
- Myositis, Osteoporosis, and Bone Health
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