Rheumatic Disease Consultation Services
Rheumatic diseases are autoimmune and inflammatory diseases that cause your immune system to attack your joints, muscles, bones, and organs. Rheumatic diseases are often grouped under the term “arthritis” — which is used to describe over 100 diseases and conditions. This does not include the most common form of arthritis, known as osteoarthritis, which results in a breakdown of bone and cartilage in joints rather than inflammation.
Rheumatic diseases can cause damage to your vital organs, including the lungs, heart, nervous system, kidneys, skin, and eyes. People with rheumatoid arthritis and other rheumatic diseases may have symptoms so severe that those who suffer from them cannot bathe or dress. Additionally, a simple task such as walking can cause painful joints and be difficult or even impossible.
Almost everyone has experienced muscle and joint pain from time to time. When your muscle and joint pain is not resolving with standard medical treatment, a rheumatology evaluation may be needed. Our providers at EARC can evaluate your symptoms to see if there is a concern for an underlying rheumatic condition, so you can finally relieve pain that’s disrupting your daily life.
What is arthritis?
Arthritis is a common term to describe joint-related symptoms. Arthritis could be due to multiple different conditions. In general, arthritis is categorized into two different forms:
Inflammatory arthritis:
This includes conditions that cause inflammation in the joints. This type of arthritis includes rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, lupus-related arthritis, and gout-related arthritis. Seeking rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis and treatment can be a complex process that requires a rheumatology consultation with a specialist.
Non-inflammatory or degenerative arthritis:
With these conditions, there is no inflammation in the joints. Instead, the joints become damaged due to injuries or age-related degeneration. One of the most common causes of non-inflammatory arthritis is osteoarthritis, which is also the most common form of arthritis.
Autoimmune Disease Diagnosis & Treatments
We provide many services beyond rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis and treatment in Cary, NC. Our rheumatologists diagnose and treat many auto-immune diseases including:
Rheumatoid arthritis is a form of inflammatory arthritis, which causes significant joint swelling, pain, and limited mobility of the involved joint. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune problem, where the immune system attacks joint tissues, causing inflammation.
Rheumatoid arthritis typically affects small joints in our hands or feet. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic condition, which could lead to chronic joint pain and if not adequately treated could lead to irreversible joint damage.
Rheumatoid arthritis is treated with long term immunosuppressive medications prescribed by your rheumatologist. With adequate treatment, you can effectively manage your symptoms and decrease your risk of joint damage.
Other Services
- Biologic Infusion and Injections
- Joint Injection
- On site laboratory services
