FAQs

A rheumatologist is a medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and conditions that affect the joints, bones, muscles, and immune system. These can include conditions like arthritis, lupus, osteoporosis, and many others.

Rheumatologists are experts in understanding the complex interactions between different parts of the body, and how they can contribute to various health problems. They use a variety of diagnostic tools, such as blood tests, imaging studies, and physical examinations, to help determine the cause of a patient's symptoms.

Once a diagnosis has been made, rheumatologists work with patients to develop a personalized treatment plan that may involve medications, physical therapy, lifestyle modifications, and other interventions to help manage symptoms and improve overall health.

If you are experiencing joint pain, stiffness, or other symptoms related to your musculoskeletal system, a rheumatologist may be able to provide the specialized care and expertise you need to feel better and improve your quality of life.

An ANA, or antinuclear antibody, is a type of blood test that measures the level of antibodies in your blood that react with your own cells' nuclei. These antibodies are produced by your immune system and are used to help your body fight off infections and other foreign invaders.

A positive ANA test result means that these antibodies are present in your blood at higher than normal levels. This can be an indication that your immune system is attacking your own cells, which can cause inflammation and damage to various tissues and organs in your body.

A positive ANA test result can be seen in several different conditions, including autoimmune diseases like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and Sjogren's syndrome. However, a positive ANA test can also be seen in people who don't have any symptoms or other signs of these conditions and may not necessarily mean that you have a disease.

If you have a positive ANA test result, your healthcare provider will likely perform additional tests and evaluations to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms and develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs. It's important to work closely with your healthcare provider to ensure that you receive appropriate care and monitoring.

Arthritis is a condition that affects your joints, which are the places in your body where two bones meet. There are many different types of arthritis, but they all involve inflammation and damage to the joints, which can cause pain, stiffness, and difficulty moving.

The most common type of arthritis is osteoarthritis, which usually develops as you get older and is caused by wear and tear on the joints over time. Other types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis, are autoimmune diseases that occur when your immune system attacks your own body tissues, including the joints.

Arthritis can affect any joint in your body, including your hands, knees, hips, and spine. It can also cause damage to other parts of your body, such as your eyes, skin, and internal organs.

Symptoms of arthritis can vary depending on the type of arthritis you have, but common symptoms include joint pain, stiffness, and swelling, as well as a decreased range of motion in the affected joint. Arthritis can also cause fatigue, fever, and weight loss in some people.

Treatment for arthritis typically includes a combination of medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications. This may include taking pain relievers or anti-inflammatory medications, using assistive devices to reduce stress on your joints, and engaging in regular exercise to strengthen the muscles around your joints and improve flexibility.

If you are experiencing joint pain or stiffness, it's important to talk to your healthcare provider about your symptoms so that you can receive an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment for your specific condition.

Inflammation is a natural process that your body uses to protect itself from harm. When your body detects an injury or infection, it responds by releasing chemicals and immune cells to the affected area to help fight off the invaders and promote healing.

Inflammation can be managed through a variety of strategies, including medications, lifestyle modifications, and natural remedies such as anti-inflammatory foods and supplements. It's important to work with your healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause of your inflammation and develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your individual needs.

Inflammation can be acute, meaning that it occurs rapidly and typically resolves within a few days, or chronic, meaning that it persists over a longer period and can lead to tissue damage and other health problems.

Acute inflammation is characterized by swelling, redness, warmth, and pain at the site of the injury or infection. This response helps to isolate the affected area and prevent the spread of infection or damage to surrounding tissues.

Chronic inflammation, on the other hand, can be caused by a variety of factors, including autoimmune disorders, chronic infections, exposure to environmental toxins, and lifestyle factors such as poor diet and lack of exercise. Chronic inflammation can lead to tissue damage, organ dysfunction, and an increased risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.

Arthritis can be diagnosed through a combination of medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests. The diagnosis process may vary depending on the type of arthritis suspected, but typically includes the following steps:

• Medical history: Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms, including the location and severity of any joint pain, stiffness, or swelling, as well as any other symptoms you may be experiencing.
• Physical examination: Your healthcare provider will perform a physical exam to assess the affected joints, looking for signs of inflammation, tenderness, and range of motion.
• Blood tests: Blood tests may be performed to check for certain markers of inflammation or to rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms.
• Imaging tests: Imaging tests, such as X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, or ultrasound, may be ordered to assess the condition of the affected joints and surrounding tissues.
• Joint aspiration: In some cases, your healthcare provider may remove a small sample of fluid from the affected joint for analysis to help diagnose the type of arthritis.
• Once a diagnosis of arthritis has been made, your healthcare provider will work with you to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs.

If you have arthritis, you are likely to need long term health care as often this is a chronic condition.

Communication is important for your health care. You can expect to receive information from your physician, but they will also need to receive information from you. Your knowledge of how your arthritis and treatment affect you is invaluable for your physician. Don’t hesitate to share your concerns with your doctor.

• Ask a friend or relative to accompany you to the appointment. Having a new diagnosis of arthritis can be daunting, another person can provide emotional support and help make sure that all your questions are answered.
• Make a list of important questions you want to ask. Keep the list concise. Take a notepad with you and write down anything that you need to remember. If you run out of time to discuss everything, schedule another appointment.
• Keep your physician up to date you your treatment and how it affects your quality of life.
• Be a considerate patient. Always arrive on time for an appointment. If you must cancel, please let the physician’s office know as soon as you can.