Nonarticular rheumatism.

Nonarticular rheumatism refers to a group of conditions characterized by musculoskeletal aches and pains which do not arise from joints. A number of different entities are considered under this definition. They are classified either as generalized conditions which include polymyalgia rheumatica, fibrositis and aches and pains NYD, or localized conditions which include the enthesopathies: tendonitis, epicondylitis and fasciitis, tenosynovitis and bursitis. The treatment of most of these conditions is expectant, because they tend to be self-limiting and improve despite therapeutic interventions. The exception is polymyalgia rheumatica, which requires low dose steroids for a varying period of time-sometimes years.