Soft tissue rheumatic disorders. Part 2. Treatment

In the previous article in this two-part series on soft tissue rheumatic disorders, we outlined the aetiology of these disorders and focused on history taking, physical examination and investigation. The initial task is to localise the region and structure affected and to identify whether the complaint is noninflammatory – and related to biomechanical abnormalities or tendon pathophysiology with ageing – or inflammatory and potentially related to systemic rheumatic disease or other disorders.

In this article, we will discuss the treatment of noninflammatory soft tissue rheumatic problems. We will then focus on common problems that illustrate the general approach to diagnosis and treatment. More detailed descriptions of specific conditions can be found elsewhere.