TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS SERVICE:

Patients inside the US:	832-355-1000
International patients:	832-355-3550

OVERVIEW
Arthritis affects approximately one in seven people in the United States. It causes pain, stiffness and sometimes swelling in or around joints. St. Luke’s rheumatologists offer expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of more than 100 different forms of arthritis. In addition, they specialize in the care of several diseases of the immune system (autoimmune disorders).

Among the types of arthritis and autoimmune diseases St. Luke’s physicians specialize in:

• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Psoriatic arthritis
• Ankylosing spondylitis
• Gout
• Systemic lupus erythematosus
• Sjögren’s syndrome
• Vasculitis
• Myositis
• Scleroderma

Many members of our academically oriented staff are also actively involved in clinical research trials for various types of arthritis and autoimmune diseases.

WE CAN HELP WITH DIAGNOSIS
The diagnostic services largely depend on the suspected type of arthritis or immune system condition. St. Luke's rheumatologists have unparalleled experience in evaluating patients, and combine that expertise with state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment.

St. Luke’s rheumatology experts will likely perform a physical examination to assess the joints and look for signs of inflammation in various parts of the body. Any particular joint may be tender, warm, or swollen. In attempting to move the joint through its normal movements, there may be some pain or difficulty moving it in certain or all directions. This is called limited range-of-motion and helps determine the extent of arthritis.

After an initial exam, our physicians may recommend tests that vary depending on the suspected cause. They may include various blood, joint fluid, muscle, or urine tests and joint X-rays. In rare instances, special tests need to be performed on small pieces of tissues removed by surgical biopsy.

WE CAN HELP WITH TREATMENT
While there is no "cure" for most forms of arthritis or autoimmune diseases, St. Luke's physicians are expert at offering solutions to help manage such conditions. Treatment options include various medications, physical therapy, education and surgery.

Treatment options include various medications, physical therapy, education and surgery. Doctors will also consider how severe the disease is, which joints are affected, how the person is affected, and the person's age, occupation, and daily activities when determining treatment.

Most importantly, our physicians recognize that many forms of arthritis and autoimmune disease are pervasive, leaving no part of a patient’s life untouched. St. Luke’s medical staff will do everything they can to help patients maintain or return to a self-sufficient, functional lifestyle.

• Medications - Medications to reduce joint pain and joint swelling may include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, and immunosuppressive drugs, which are drugs that slow the immune system. In addition, St. Luke’s rheumatologists are experts in using up-to-date therapies for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis. Because these medications can have side effects, St. Luke’s physicians will consult with you carefully before prescribing or recommending any of them.
• Surgery - In some cases, surgery to rebuild the joint or to replace the joint (such as a total knee joint replacement) may be recommended to help maintain a more normal lifestyle. St. Luke’s top orthopaedic surgeons will consult with our rheumatologists to determine best type of surgery for each patient.
• Lifestyle Changes - Both rest and exercise are important. Warm baths, massage, and stretching exercises may be helpful. Making some modifications in daily activities or using assistive devices to ensure joint protection may also be recommended.
• Other Therapy - Physical therapy for muscle and joint rehabilitation may be recommended in severe cases.

HELPFUL WEBSITES
To help you learn more about rheumatology, St. Luke's has provided links to other web sites that may have other useful information.  Please note that these links will lead to other sites on the Internet.  St. Luke's has not reviewed them and makes no warranty as to the accuaracy of the information contained within them.

American College of Rheumatology
Arthritis Foundation