What do rheumatologists treat?
Rheumatologists are internists with special skills and training in the complex diagnosis and treatment of arthritis and autoimmune diseases.
Our providers specialize in treating autoimmune conditions requiring immunosuppressive therapy. These conditions include, but are not limited to, chronic autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, ankylosing spondylitis, polymyalgia rheumatica, Sjogren’s syndrome, myositis, scleroderma, antiphospholipid syndrome, and vasculitis. Our providers also specialize in treating inflammatory arthritis including gout, pseudogout and reactive types of arthritis. Additionally, our providers can treat more severe cases of osteoporosis.
Our providers also specialize in the non-operative management of musculoskeletal disorders like osteoarthritis of the knee, hands, back, neck, hips, shoulders and other joints, as well as carpal tunnel, tendinitis and bursitis. For patients who are not interested in surgery or are not candidates for surgery due to other medical conditions, we provide a variety of treatment options including cortisone injections, hyaluronic acid injections, iovera° treatments, and medical therapies. Additionally, we have four locations with specially trained physical therapists to improve patients’ pain and function.
The complex and changeable nature of many rheumatic diseases often requires ongoing assessment and evaluation. The providers at Arthritis and Rheumatism Associates, P.C. (ARA) encourage the formation of close physician/patient relationships as they monitor conditions and modify treatment. Our goal is to reduce pain and maximize function.
Working with your rheumatologist
Your rheumatologist may take the lead in diagnosing and caring for your condition or work as a consulting specialist to your primary care physician. More than 500 specialists in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area have referred patients to and requested consultations from the physicians at ARA.
Because many rheumatic diseases change or evolve, you may have to make more than one office visit before your rheumatologist reaches a definitive diagnosis. The diagnostic process usually includes a complete medical history, physical examination, and, if indicated, blood tests and x-rays.
ARA offers patients the convenience of in-house diagnostic facilities. This allows providers to personally review and provide test results to patients in a timely manner. Based on the requirements of your treatment plan, our rheumatologists coordinate your care with the other professionals comprising your healthcare team.
When should you see a rheumatologist?
We all have general musculoskeletal pains from time to time that lasts for just a few days. But, when pain in your joints, muscles, neck, back, and bones is severe and persistent for more than a few days, you should see your doctor. Rheumatic diseases are difficult to identify in their early stages and you can have everyday symptoms that are related to much more complex conditions. Rheumatologists are your experts in this area and are trained to evaluate all your symptoms to diagnose and treat your condition. They know it is imperative to find the correct diagnosis as rapidly as possible to begin appropriate treatment because many of these disorders respond best to treatment in the early stages of disease.