Rheumatism is a group of conditions that affect the joints and connective tissues in the body. It is a term used to describe disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus erythematosus, and fibromyalgia, all of which can be debilitating and negatively affect a patient’s quality of life.
If you are experiencing pain, stiffness, and swelling in your joints, it is important to know what rheumatism is, its causes, symptoms, and how it is diagnosed.
Therefore, let us delve into these aspects and help you better understand rheumatism.
Causes of Rheumatism
Rheumatism is caused due to a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors.
Autoimmunity, for instance, is thought to play a role in conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus erythematosus.
Your genes also contribute to the development of rheumatism. People who have family members with rheumatism are at a higher risk of developing the condition.
Certain environmental factors such as smoking and exposure to certain chemicals are also believed to trigger the onset of rheumatism.
Symptoms of Rheumatism
The symptoms of rheumatism vary depending on the type and severity of the condition. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis, for instance, tend to experience pain, swelling, and stiffness in their joints, particularly in the hands, feet, and knees.
Lupus erythematosus can cause joint pain, fatigue, and skin rashes, among other symptoms.
Fibromyalgia, on the other hand, is characterized by widespread pain and tenderness in the muscles and soft tissues, as well as fatigue and cognitive difficulties. It is important to note that rheumatism symptoms can worsen over time and may require specialized care.
Diagnosis of Rheumatism
Diagnosing rheumatism involves a combination of patient history, physical examination, and testing. Your doctor will want to know more about your joint pain, swelling, and stiffness, as well as any other symptoms you may have. They will then examine your joints and look for signs of inflammation, tenderness, and swelling.
Blood tests such as those for rheumatoid factor and ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate – a blood test indicating whether you have inflammation in your body) may also be done to confirm a diagnosis of rheumatism. Additionally, imaging tests such as X-rays and MRIs may be ordered to examine the joints and rule out other conditions.
Treatment and Management of Rheumatism
While there is no cure for rheumatism, there are a variety of treatment and management options available to help patients manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. These include medication such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, and glucocorticoids.
Lifestyle changes such as exercise, specialized diets, and stress management can also help. Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and assistive devices such as canes and splints may also be recommended to help patients manage their symptoms more effectively.
State-of-the-Art Diagnosis and Treatment
Rheumatism can have a profound impact on your quality of life, but it is important to remember that you do not have to suffer in silence. With proper diagnosis, treatment, and management, patients with rheumatism can live healthy, happy lives.
The Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology at SUNY Upstate Medical University’s Department of Medicine offers a wide range of specific diagnostic and treatment options for patients suffering from rheumatism. These include the following:
Diagnostic Services
- Comprehensive physical examinations
- Laboratory testing for autoimmune markers and inflammatory factors
- Imaging studies such as X-rays, ultrasound, and MRI
Treatment Options
- Medication management for inflammatory conditions and pain
- Joint injections and infusion services for therapeutic purposes
- Individualized treatment plans for systemic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases
- Therapeutic joint injections for localized relief
- Infusion services for specific autoimmune conditions
Specialized Care
- Expertise in diagnosing and treating arthritis and related autoimmune diseases
- Diagnosis and treatment of swelling and pain associated with inflammatory diseases of the joints and soft tissues
These services are provided by a team of board-certified rheumatologists who are specially trained to address the complexities of rheumatic conditions and offer personalized care to patients.
Not only does our faculty provide outpatient services at University Health Care Center (UHCC), Hill Medical Center and the VA Medical Center, but also inpatient consultation services at University Hospital, Crouse Hospital, and the VA Hospital of Syracuse.
Rheumatism Treatment Near Me in Syracuse, New York
If you are experiencing joint pain, stiffness, and swelling, do not hesitate to contact SUNY Upstate Medical University’s Department of Medicine to learn more about rheumatism and how it can be managed.
For more detailed information and to explore specific treatment options, visit our official website. To schedule an appointment near you, click here. Note: All patients need to be referred by their physician.
