Rheumatology & Immunology

Rheumatology is a medical specialty focused on diagnosing and treating diseases that affect the joints, muscles, and connective tissues. Many of these conditions are chronic and involve inflammation that can cause pain, stiffness, fatigue, and swelling.

Recognizing the early signs of a rheumatic condition can lead to better outcomes. In many cases, symptoms develop gradually and may seem mild at first, but early evaluation and treatment can help prevent long-term joint damage, systemic complications, and improve quality of life.

If you’re experiencing persistent joint pain and swelling, especially in multiple joints, without a history of injury, along with the following signs and symptoms, it may point to an autoimmune or inflammatory condition, not a structural issue. Common rheumatological signs and symptoms include:

• • Morning stiffness lasting more than an hour

  • Unexplained fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest

  • Low-grade fever without infection

  • Unintentional weight loss

  • Skin rashes, such as a butterfly-shaped rash or red, scaly patches

  • Eye inflammation, including redness, pain, or light sensitivity

  • Soft tissue nodules, like lumps under the skin near joints

  • Mouth or nose ulcers that keep coming back

  • A family or personal history of autoimmune diseases like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or psoriasis

Because many rheumatic diseases are progressive, early diagnosis gives the best chance to control inflammation, reduce symptoms, and help maintain an active lifestyle. Rheumatologists use a combination of clinical evaluation, blood tests, and imaging studies to identify the condition and create a treatment plan tailored to the individual.

What Conditions Do Rheumatologists Treat?

Some of the most common conditions managed by rheumatologists include:

• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): A condition that causes joint inflammation, pain, and eventual joint damage if not treated properly.

• Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE): A complex disease that can affect joints, skin, kidneys, and other organs.

• Ankylosing Spondylitis: A type of arthritis that mainly affects the spine, leading to stiffness and chronic back pain.

• Psoriatic Arthritis: A form of arthritis linked to psoriasis, a skin condition.

• Gout: A type of inflammatory arthritis caused by high levels of uric acid in the blood.

• Vasculitis: Inflammation of blood vessels, which can affect various organ systems.

• Sjogren’s Syndrome: A condition that affects moisture-producing glands, causing dry eyes and dry mouth.

How Are These Conditions Diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically involves:

• A detailed medical history and physical examination

• Blood tests to check for inflammation and disease-specific markers

• Imaging studies such as X-rays, ultrasound, or MRI to assess joint or tissue changes

Treatment Options

Rheumatic diseases are generally long-term conditions, but many can be effectively managed with appropriate treatment. Options may include:

• Anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs, corticosteroids)

• Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (DMARDs): Such as methotrexate or sulfasalazine

• Biologic agents: Targeted therapies that block specific inflammatory pathways

• Supportive care: Physical therapy, tailored exercise plans, and joint protection strategies

The goal of treatment is to control symptoms, slow disease progression, and preserve function and quality of life.