We work by referral from your primary care or other specialty provider to diagnose and treat rheumatic disease. To learn more about what a rheumatologist does, please explore our links and knowledge articles.
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Although there are over a hundred types of arthritis, three account for about 90% of cases.
Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is a surprisingly common condition that occurs only in people over age 50. Average age is 70. It comes on suddenly and causes pain and stiffness mostly in the shoulders and hips.
Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) occurs in about 20% of people with psoriasis, a common, chronic skin disease. There are 5 types of PsA and no test that can diagnose it.
Systemic lupus (SLE) occurs in about 1:1500 people. It is called a protean autoimmune disease meaning it can present in different ways but skin and arthritis are the most common features.
Fibromyalgia is a common condtion, affecting about 4% of the population, that presents with widespread pain, fatigue, poor sleep, and a foggy brain. Headahces and irritable bowel syndrome are also common with fibromyalgia. There is no test for fibromyalgia.
