Rheumatology
Rheumatologists specialize in diagnosing and treating diseases and conditions of the body's connective tissue, as well as musculoskeletal problems and systemic illnesses, including autoimmune diseases. At Houston Methodist, our rheumatologists treat a wide range of rheumatic disorders and diseases.
Houston Methodist physicians work across specialties to treat the whole patient and implement the best treatment plan for joint and tissue pain. With access to leading-edge technology and the latest diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, our approach is designed to stop the progress of arthritis, autoimmune diseases, pain disorders affecting the joints and osteoporosis at its earliest stage, giving patients the best opportunity to lead active, healthy lives.
Houston Methodist physicians work across specialties to treat the whole patient and implement the best treatment plan for joint and tissue pain. With access to leading-edge technology and the latest diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, our approach is designed to stop the progress of arthritis, autoimmune diseases, pain disorders affecting the joints and osteoporosis at its earliest stage, giving patients the best opportunity to lead active, healthy lives.
The rheumatologists at Houston Methodist diagnose and treat a wide range of painful conditions usually caused by inflammation, swelling and pain in the joints or muscles, which are known as rheumatic diseases. To diagnose patients, we use imaging studies and chemical pathology as well as physical examinations and laboratory tests. Each patient receives a treatment plan that takes each patient's unique lifestyle into consideration.
We specialize in treating and managing a wide range of rheumatic disorders and diseases, including the following conditions:
We specialize in treating and managing a wide range of rheumatic disorders and diseases, including the following conditions:
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common condition and includes joint pain and stiffness. This autoimmune disease may be chronic or characterized by periodic symptoms (flares) and is usually symmetrical, often affecting the hands; several effective medications can ease symptoms and slow the progression of RA.
Psoriatic and reactive arthritis involve skin problems of psoriasis (red and scaly skin patches) along with joint arthritic symptoms; treatment is similar to RA. Reactive arthritis is joint inflammation (usually with inflammation of the eyes and the urinary tract) resulting from a previous infection (often with chlamydia) in another part of the body.
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a type of spondylarthritis (or spondyloarthropathy); the immune system attacks specifically where ligaments and tendons attach to bone; this genetic disease primarily affects the spine and hips affecting young men who carry a particular immune marker (HLA-B27).
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease (more common in women than men) that damages the skin, heart, lung, kidneys and brain, as well as joints; symptoms can be alleviated with pain relievers and drugs that suppress the immune response but do not alter the course of lupus.
Sjögren’s Syndrome
Sjögren’s syndrome most obvious symptoms include dry eyes and dry mouth; this autoimmune disease attacks salivary and tear glands, mostly in women; a person with Sjögren’s syndrome often has another rheumatic disease, most commonly RA.
Polymyositis
Polymyositis is a type of myositis affecting several muscles that attacks blood vessels, normal muscle fibers and connective tissue causing muscle weakness on both sides of the body, usually in the trunk or torso.
Inflammatory Muscle Diseases
Inflammatory muscle diseases, commonly referred to as myositis, is chronic abnormal muscle inflammation due to autoimmunity, infection or medications, left untreated, can lead to disability; after identifying and treating any underlying cause, treatment can relieve symptoms of muscle inflammation.
Vasculitis
Vasculitis inflammation of blood vessels may be due to infection or medication; chronic vasculitis is an autoimmune disease that attacks any part of the circulatory system causing narrowing and reduced blood flow that damage organs; early treatment can prevent organ damage.
Scleroderma
Scleroderma (systemic sclerosis) is hardening of the skin and is a connective tissue disease that affects muscles and joints and internal organs, as well as the skin; fingers that are overly sensitive to cold or stress and become either numb or painful and/or discolored may be early signs of scleroderma.
Connective Tissue Diseases
Connective tissue diseases are a mixture of more than 200 different conditions (in addition to scleroderma); some are genetic, others are caused by infection or tissue injury; treatment can alleviate symptoms and genetic counseling can help with family planning.
Rethinking Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease that occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends if bones wears down over time, causing pain, stiffness and reduced mobility. It commonly affects weight-bearing joints such as the knees, hips, spine and hands. While there is no cure for osteoarthritis, treatments such as physical therapy, medications, lifestyle changes and , in severe cases, surgery can help manage symptoms and improve your quality of life.
Many people mistakenly believe that OA only affects seniors. However, when it comes to this disease, it affects people of all ages — one indication you may have it is if your joints ache or if you find yourself thinking twice before exercising.
Lupus Awareness Month — May
Lupus is a chronic and progressive autoimmune disease that damages the skin, heart, lung, kidneys and brain — for which there is currently no cure. Join us at Houston Methodist and Put on Purple (POP) to raise awareness for the disease and support the Lupus Foundation of America.
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