Rheumatology

• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) – An autoimmune disease causing joint inflammation, swelling, pain, and stiffness that can lead to joint damage.  
• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) – A type of inflammatory arthritis linked to psoriasis, causing joint pain, stiffness, and skin rashes.  
• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) – A chronic inflammatory disease affecting the spine and sacroiliac joints, leading to pain and stiffness.  
• Gout – A painful form of arthritis caused by uric acid buildup, leading to sudden attacks of joint pain and swelling, often in the big toe.  

• Lupus (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus - SLE) – A multi-system autoimmune disease causing joint pain, fatigue, skin rashes, and organ inflammation.  
• Scleroderma – A rare autoimmune disease causing skin thickening and tightening, along with potential internal organ involvement.  
• Sjögren’s Syndrome – An immune disorder causing dry eyes, dry mouth, and joint pain, often occurring with other autoimmune conditions.  
• Polymyositis & Dermatomyositis – Autoimmune conditions causing muscle weakness and skin rashes, often affecting mobility.  
• Connective Tissue Disease (CTD) – A group of disorders affecting the skin, joints, and internal organs, often overlapping with other autoimmune diseases.  

• Osteoarthritis (OA) – A degenerative joint disease leading to cartilage breakdown, joint pain, and stiffness, commonly affecting the knees, hips, and hands.  
• Osteoporosis – A condition that causes bone loss and increased fracture risk, often seen in postmenopausal women and older adults.  
• Paget’s Disease of Bone – A disorder affecting bone remodeling, leading to bone pain, deformities, and fractures.  

• Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) – Causes severe muscle pain and stiffness, particularly in the shoulders and hips, often seen in older adults.  
• Vasculitis – A group of diseases causing blood vessel inflammation, potentially affecting multiple organs.  

• Bursitis & Tendonitis – Inflammation of the bursa (fluid-filled sacs) or tendons, leading to pain and restricted movement, often in the shoulders, elbows, and hips. 

• Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs) – Slow the progression of autoimmune diseases like RA and lupus.  
• Biologic Therapies – Target specific parts of the immune system to reduce inflammation and joint damage.  
• Corticosteroids – Used to rapidly reduce inflammation and manage flare-ups.  
• Pain Management – Includes NSAIDs, acetaminophen, and targeted therapies to control joint pain.  

• Joint Injections (Corticosteroids & Hyaluronic Acid) – Reduce joint inflammation and pain for conditions like RA, OA, and gout.  
• Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy – Uses platelet-rich plasma from your blood to promote tissue healing and reduce inflammation.  
• Visco-supplementation – Hyaluronic acid injections for knee osteoarthritis to improve lubrication and reduce pain.  

• Physical Therapy & Occupational Therapy – Improve mobility, joint function, and strength through specialized exercises.  
• Dietary Counseling for Autoimmune Conditions – Guidance on anti-inflammatory diets and nutritional support for managing symptoms.  
• Bone Health Monitoring & Fall Prevention – Strategies for preventing fractures in osteoporosis patients.  

• Bone Density Testing (DXA Scan) – Evaluates osteoporosis risk and bone strength.  
• Rheumatoid Factor & Autoimmune Panel – Blood tests to diagnose autoimmune arthritis and connective tissue diseases.  
• Joint Ultrasound & MRI – Helps assess joint inflammation, cartilage damage, and soft tissue disorders.  

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Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks the joints, causing inflammation, pain, and stiffness. While the exact cause is unknown, factors like genetics, smoking, obesity, and infections may contribute to its development. 

Early symptoms of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) include: 

• Joint pain, stiffness, and swelling (often in fingers and toes). 
• Skin rashes or nail changes associated with psoriasis. 
• Fatigue and morning stiffness. 
• Lower back pain (if the spine is affected). 

Lupus is diagnosed through a combination of blood tests, physical exams, and symptom evaluation. Key tests include: 

• ANA (Antinuclear Antibody Test) – Detects immune system activity. 
• Complete Blood Count (CBC) – Checks for anemia and inflammation. 
• Kidney & Liver Function Tests – Assesses organ involvement. 
• Skin & Kidney Biopsies – In some cases, a biopsy may confirm lupus-related damage. 

Osteoporosis weakens bones by reducing bone density, making them more fragile and prone to fractures. Common fracture sites include the hips, spine, and wrists, often occurring with minor falls or even daily activities. 

A joint injection delivers medication directly into an inflamed joint to reduce pain and swelling. It typically involves: 

• Cleaning the injection site and applying a numbing agent. 
• Injecting corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid into the joint. 
• Providing post-procedure instructions to minimize discomfort.  

Joint injections can: 

• Reduce pain and inflammation in conditions like arthritis and bursitis. 
• Improve mobility and joint function. 
• Delay or prevent the need for surgery in some cases. 
• Provide long-lasting relief, often for weeks to months. 

Joint aspiration (arthrocentesis) is a procedure that removes excess fluid from a swollen joint. Benefits include: 

• Relieving pressure and pain in the joint. 
• Diagnosing infections, gout, or inflammatory conditions. 
• Improving joint mobility by reducing swelling. 

Infusion therapy involves intravenous (IV) administration of medications like biologics, steroids, and immunosuppressants for autoimmune diseases such as RA, lupus, and osteoporosis. It helps manage symptoms when oral medications are ineffective. 

Managing RA includes: 

• Regular exercise to maintain joint flexibility. 
• Anti-inflammatory diet rich in omega-3s, fruits, and vegetables. 
• Stress management through meditation and relaxation techniques. 
• Quitting smoking, as it worsens RA symptoms. 

• Persistent joint pain and swelling that lasts more than six weeks. 
• Morning stiffness that lasts over an hour. 
• Unexplained fatigue, fevers, or weight loss. 
• Family history of autoimmune diseases.