Rheumatology
The Division of Rheumatology at LoCicero Health provides specialist care in the diagnosis and treatment of joint, musculoskeletal and autoimmune disease. Bone density examination and treatment for osteoporosis is provided in our office. Nerve conduction study for evaluation of nerve related syndromes is available. Local injection therapy is a minimally invasive technique for relief of pain and swelling, and can be performed during an office visit. The Division of Rheumatology also provides in office infusion therapy for the treatment of rheumatic diseases. Diagnostic imaging, using X-ray, magnetic resonance and computed tomography are available at local facilities.
Treatment of arthritis and other rheumatic diseases
Arthritis and other rheumatic diseases may be treated by your doctor or other healthcare providers. Several doctors from different medical specialties may work on treatment at the same time. This team approach is especially important to help manage the symptoms of rheumatic disease. Many symptoms are long-term (chronic) and change in severity over time.
Some of our team of healthcare providers that collaborate to help treat arthritis and other rheumatic diseases are listed below:
- Primary care doctor
- Rheumatologist
- Physical therapist
- Podiatrist
- Nurses
Arthritis and other rheumatic diseases affect anyone.
Arthritis and rheumatic diseases can affect anyone, at any age, or of any race. But certain diseases are more common in certain groups:
- Osteoarthritis is more common in older adults.
- Most people with rheumatoid arthritis are women.
- Fibromyalgia affects 1 in 50 people in the U.S.
- Gout is more common in men.
- Scleroderma is more common in women.
- Lupus affects women about 8 to 10 times more often than it affects men.
- Ankylosing spondylitis is more common in men.
Common symptoms of arthritis and other rheumatic diseases:
The following are the most common symptoms of arthritis and other rheumatic diseases. But each person may have slightly different symptoms. Also, different types of rheumatic disease have different symptoms.
- Joint pain
- Swelling in a joint or joints
- Joint stiffness that lasts for at least 1 hour in the early morning
- Chronic pain or tenderness in a joint or joints
- Warmth and redness in the joint area
- Limited movement in the affected joint or joints
- Tiredness (fatigue)
The symptoms of arthritis and other rheumatic diseases may look like other health conditions. Always consult your healthcare provider for a diagnosis.