Rheumatoid Arthritis

Know the facts: Rheumatoid Arthritis (part 1)

July 21, 2021 ·

When getting a new diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis, I find that most people need to start with the basics. It can be overwhelming. I know that not much beyond “You have Rheumatoid Arthritis” is heard and that everyone will need time to digest all the information out there.

So let’s talk about some Rheumatoid Arthritis facts and start with “What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?” RA is an autoimmune, systemic, inflammatory disorder. Seen in almost 1% of the US population, RA is more often seen in women compared to men and usually happens during middle age.

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Transitioning from the pediatrician’s office

June 1, 2021 ·

Being diagnosed with a chronic medical condition during childhood or adolescence shapes the lives of the patient and their family. In Rheumatology, the pediatric rheumatologist can become an additional parent and a partner. Pediatric hospitals and clinics become homes away from home. They are often painted bright colors, have comfy furniture and entertainment throughout the halls as everyone tries to make the heartbreaking reality of disease in children more palatable. Thankfully, treatment success in rheumatology is the norm and there will come a day in most patient’s lives when they need to say goodbye to their pediatric rheumatologist and find a new adult-focused rheumatologist. Transitioning from the pediatrician’s office is a day most patients and parents dread. This process, known as “transition,” is an integral part to any young person’s care.

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Arthritis & the Heart Disease

February 9, 2021 ·

Heart disease. We all know about it, we all want to prevent it and sadly, we all know someone with it. When we think of heart disease, our minds naturally think of heart attacks or maybe heart failure. We think of an overweight man with high blood pressure and diabetes, although we know women are just as affected. But did you know that inflammatory arthritis can be associated with heart disease? In fact, most autoimmune or inflammatory arthritis types can lead to disease of every part of the heart. Watch the video above or keep reading to learn more!

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I love Physical Therapy

January 5, 2021 ·

The lessons we can learn from Physical Therapy about our own body and our movement, can, literally, be life changing. Having persistent joint pain or body pain can be frustrating and demoralizing. It can have a profound impact on ALL aspects of our lives, as we may find we can no longer do the things that brought us joy or stress relief. At first, this may seem like a small annoyance, but with time the tension can build and our mental health can suffer. Naturally, we think that this deserves a trip to the doctor, and of course it does. But all too often I have seen the looks of disappointment when I suggest the treatment is physical therapy. What? No shot?? No medication?

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Should you see a doctor for arthritis?

January 5, 2021 ·

We often think that arthritis is just a part of getting older and that 1) we don’t need to see the doctor and 2) there’s nothing that can be done. But as a rheumatologist, I couldn’t disagree more! Arthritis may be a part of getting older, but PAIN doesn’t have to be and it definitely deserves a conversation (or two) with your doctor. Learn what you can expect during that visit in the above video.

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