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. Expand Description |
Inflammatory 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. Minimize Description |
Overview
- Inflammatory Myopathies: A Neurological Perspective on Myositis
- Myositis Overview: Directions and New Frontiers of Research and Treatment
- Doctor-Patient Communication: A Myositis Support Group summary
- Inflammatory Muscle Disorders: Their Diagnosis and Treatment
- Myositis Overview: What Happens and What Can Be Done
- Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Your Condition
Treatments
Mind-Body Issues
Related Conditions/Issues
Tips & Calculators
HSS Support Program Summaries
- Inflammatory Myopathies: A Neurological Perspective on Myositis
- Myositis, Osteoporosis, and Bone Health
- Medicare Part D: What You Need to Know
- Exercise and Physical Therapy Guidelines for People with Myositis
- 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
- Inflammatory Muscle Disorders: Their Diagnosis and Treatment
- Myositis Overview: Directions and New Frontiers of Research and Treatment
- Coping With the Visible and Invisible Symptoms of Myositis
- Nutrition and Supplements to Reduce Medication Side Effects in Myositis
- Myositis Health Team Panel: Myositis Perspectives, Questions, and Answers
- Myositis Health Team Panel: Four Perspectives on Myositis Care
- Myositis Overview: What Happens and What Can Be Done
- The HSS Myositis Support Group 10th Anniversary Celebration
- A Doctor’s Perspective on Treating Patients with Myositis
Enter a last name to search for information about a doctor.
- Contact HSS
- Give to HSS
- Maps and Directions
- Notice of Privacy Practices
- Terms of Use
- Joint Commission Notice
- HSS Staff Login
©2009 Hospital for Special Surgery. 535 East 70th Street, New York, NY 10021
