Rheumatology is devoted to the diagnosis and treatment of rheumatic diseases – those which mainly deal with problems involving the muscles and/or joints. Some of the most common diseases a Rheumatologist will diagnose and manage include arthritis, gout, lupus, and scleroderma, in addition to many others.
Rheumatic diseases are most often managed with analgesics, NSAIDs (anti-inflammatory drugs), steroids, DMARDs ("steroid-sparing" agents) and monoclonal antibodies, such as infliximab and etanercept. Physiotherapy and occupational therapy are often used to help patients in finding alternative ways for common movements which would otherwise be restricted by their diseases.
Helpful Links about Diseases:
Arthritis
American College of Rheumatology
Sjögren's Syndrome Foundation
Helpful Links about Medications:
American College of Rheumatology
Humira
Orencia
Arava
Enbrel
OTIS
Provigil
Rituxan
The Myositis Association
Is this your first visit to CSHP Rheumatology?
When you visit a Rheumatologist for the first time, you can expect to undergo an extensive medical history and physical examination.
Please bring shorts or capri pants to make the evaluation easier. The following diagnostic methods may also be incorporated into your visit:
- Laboratory tests (e.g. erythrocyte sedimentation rate, rheumatoid factor)
- X-rays of affected joints and other imaging methods
- Cytology and chemical pathology of fluid aspirated from affected joints
Download the patient history form here. If you complete and bring this form with you to your appointment, you will not need to arrive as early to fill out paperwork.
download form ( 1.82MB)