The Rheumatology department at Summit Health diagnoses and treats all types of arthritis and joint conditions as well as a variety of other musculoskeletal, autoimmune, and connective tissue disorders. Our rheumatologists can help you with a wide range of rheumatologic disorders, including complex cases of systemic lupus or vasculitis.
Our Rheumatology Expertise Includes:
- Ankylosing spondylitis
- Gout
- Myositis
- Osteoarthritis
- Osteoporosis
- Polymyalgia rheumatica
- Psoriatic arthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Scleroderma
- Sjogrens
- Systemic lupus erythematosus
- Vasculitis
Our Rheumatologists
Our rheumatology doctors have expertise in the latest treatments for all rheumatologic conditions. In addition, we have a new infusion center for patients undergoing biologic therapy for rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis.
We are one of few centers in the metropolitan area with rheumatologists who can perform musculoskeletal ultrasound scanning for diagnosis, retreatment monitoring, and guided injections.
Arthritis And Joint Conditions
If you are experiencing arthritis or other musculoskeletal symptoms, ask your primary care physician if you should see one of our rheumatologists.
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease of the joints that is very common. In fact, most people experience some degree of osteoarthritis later in life. Osteoarthritis results from cartilage within the joints that has deteriorated during the aging process. Any joint in the body can develop osteoarthritis, but the most common joints to develop the disease are the knees, hips, lower back, neck, and hands. Osteoarthritis symptoms include pain and stiffness from inflammation.
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease. In autoimmune disease, the body attacks its own tissues and causes inflammation. The inflammation then causes pain and stiffness, which limits the range of motion in the joints. In some people, the joints swell and become misshapen. Fever also can develop in some people with RA. RA is more serious than osteoarthritis. It affects 1 in every 100 Americans. It is more common in women than in men. The condition is believed to be genetic in many cases.
Psoriatic arthritis is a joint condition that often accompanies psoriasis, a chronic skin condition that causes red areas to develop on the skin.
There is no cure for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or psoriatic arthritis, but the symptoms can usually be controlled with medication and exercise.
Bursitis is inflammation of a fluid-filled sac (or bursa) that surrounds joints and tendons. The bursa cushions muscles or tendons from the bones and decreases friction as you move. The elbows, hips, knees, and shoulders are the most common joints to develop bursitis. An injury or repetitive movement over a long period of time may cause bursitis.
