Aches and Pains? How a Rheumatologist can help!

The role of the rheumatologist is to diagnose (detect), treat and medically manage patients with arthritis and other rheumatic diseases. These health problems affect the joints, muscles, bones and sometimes other internal organs (e.g. kidneys, lungs, blood vessels, brain). Because these diseases are often complex, they benefit from the care of a rheumatologist - experts in diagnosis and treatment of these conditions so that you can have the best possible quality of life.

Rheumatic or musculoskeletal conditions comprise over 200 diseases and syndromes. Many of these conditions are considered autoimmune diseases, which arise from an abnormal immune response of the body against its own tissues. According to Dr. Soumya Rao, Arch Health Partners Rheumatologist, one of the most common conditions that people know of is Arthritis. Dr. Rao explains that “Arthritis” isn’t actually a diagnosis, but is a general term that covers more than 100 diseases and related conditions. If you do have arthritis, knowing which type of arthritis is the first step in getting the right treatment and management plan for your situation. Chronic inflammatory arthritis, like Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and lupus (SLE) are conditions that cause swelling of the joints and can eventually lead to PERMANENT joint damage, deformity and disability. If detected and treated in its early stages, the effects of inflammatory arthritis can be greatly diminished and then condition may even go on to remission. The importance of identifying the symptoms and proper diagnosis, particularly in the early stages of the disease, may prevent serious lifelong arthritis complications for patients.

When do you make an appointment with your doctor: Below are some warning signs for RA: 1) Tender or swollen joints (hands, wrists ankles or feet) that has persisted for more than six weeks. particularly middle or large knuckles of your hands. Also, swelling or pain in small fingertip knuckles, at the base of thumbs, and in your big toe will be more often due to osteoarthritis. 2) More than 30 minutes of morning stiffness (time it takes for your joints to limber up in the AM). Patients with inflammation arthritis often use warm water or stretching exercises to loosen their joints up in the morning. 3) You are concerned that you may have RA or lupus. (You have a family history of RA or lupus)

Certain blood tests may help determine the right diagnosis. These are usually ordered by your health provider, so prompt action is needed. We now know that some forms of RA are very aggressive, and much permanent joint damage can occur within the first 12 months. RA cannot be cured yet, but joint damage can be slowed and sometimes stopped by adoption of optimal treatment. Understanding the early inflammatory arthritis warning signs is critical to saving your joints from painful damage and disability.

Dr. Soumya Rao practices at Arch Health Partners locations in Poway and Escondido. She welcomes new patients to request an appointment for diagnosis and treatment of Arthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis, Bursitis / Tendinitis, Fibromyalgia, Gout, Myopathy, Lupus, and many other Rheumatic conditions. Learn more about Arch Health Partners multi-specialty medical group at www.ArchHealth.org or call 858-675-3100.

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