Less Swelling. Less Pain. More Living.

Rheumatology

Diagnosing and treating inflammatory and immune diseases.

Rheumatology

Your rheumatology team focuses on diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal disease and autoimmune conditions, which are more commonly known as rheumatic disease. A rheumatic disease affects your joints, muscles and bones, causing, often times, severe pain. 

Common diseases treated by a rheumatologist include::

  • Osteoarthritis
  • Gout
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Back and joint pain
  • Tendinitis
  • Lupus
The most common symptoms of a rheumatic disease inlcude:
  • Joint pain
  • Stiffness
  • Inflammation
  • Muscle weakness

What Can Cause Rheumatic Disease?

Rheumatic diseases are the result of inflammation affecting the body's immune system by breaking down connective tissues and related structures. These diseases affect tendons, ligaments, bones and muscles, but can also impact organs, ultimately causing a loss of function in the body. 

Rheumatic diseases are caused by genes, environmental factors, or a combination of both. The disease, in addition to the most common symptoms of pain, stiffness and muscle weakness, may also produce fatigue, eye inflammation, eye infections, rashes, sores and difficulty breathing. 

Diagnosis and Treatment

Blood tests are necessary to diagnose a rheumatic disease. Other testing, such as X-rays, CT Scans, or MRI may also be needed to fully diagnose a condition and the severity of it. As part of the diagnosis process, your doctor will provide a throughout exam as well as speak with you about your level of pain, your symptoms, factors that worsen your pain, when your symptoms began, among others.

Once diagnosed, treatment options include medication, topical analgesics, steroid injections and infusions. Your doctor may recommend other treatment methods, including:

  • Strength and exercise regimens
  • Physical therapy
  • Occupational therapy
  • Splints and braces
  • Surgery

46
Million
Americans are affected by rheumatic diseases.
200+
Disorders
There are more 200 distinct rheumatic diseases.
100
Arthritis
Arthritis accounts for 100 disorders.

Arthritis

Arthritis is inflammation or degeneration of one or more joints. A joint is the area where 2 bones meet. There are more than 100 different types of arthritis.

Learn More on Arthritis

Care You Can Rely On, Right Here in Your Community

We are dedicated to providing quality care from diagnosis to treatment and, when necessary, post-surgical recovery. With access to the Bristol Health network of providers, assuring complete and comprehensive care has never been easier, or more convenient. 

Our Location

  1. Bristol Hospital

    41 Brewster Road

    Bristol, CT 06010

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