Connective Tissue Disorders

Joint and Muscle Problems Associated with Diabetes

Introduction
Connective Tissue Disorders
Tests Your Doctor May Carry Out
Myopathy
Cheiroarthropathy
Frozen Shoulder
Trigger Finger
Dupuytren’s Contracture
Carpel Tunnel
Stiff Man’s Syndrome [SMS] Also Known as Stiff Person’s Syndome
Diffuse idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis [DISH]

Back to Related Health Issues

Connective Tissue Disorders

Connective tissue is the material between the cells of the body that gives tissues form and strength. It also is involved in delivering nutrients to the cells around the body. It is made up of a dozens of proteins including collagens. These proteins vary in quantity to provide different structures with varying functions: bone, cartilage, tendons and ligaments as well as fatty and elastic tissues.

Many connective tissue disorders are caused by mutations [alterations] in genes for building tissues and these mutations may change the structure and development of skin, bones, joints, heart, blood vessels, lungs, eyes and ears. Some connective tissue disorders are not directly linked to these mutations but some people may be genetically predisposed to becoming affected. Inherited connective tissue disorders may not be evident at birth but may appear after a certain age or after exposure to a particular environmental stress.