Rheumatologists treat hundreds of different diseases, most of which are musculoskeletal diseases or autoimmune conditions, which is when the body attacks its own tissues. Some of the diseases rheumatologists treat can overlap with other specialties, such as orthopaedics or endocrinology, but rheumatologists are specifically trained to treat inflammation and pain.
Arthritis
People are often referred to a rheumatologist to treat or manage arthritis. There are more than 100 different types of arthritis, but all of them cause damage to the joints.
- Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. It is caused by wear and tear and usually affects weight-bearing joints, like the knees and hips. The cartilage in the joints can no longer act as a shock absorber, leading to bone-on-bone friction and pain.
- Rheumatoid arthritis happens when your immune system attacks your joints, leading to inflammation, stiffness and tenderness. The exact cause of this autoimmune condition is unknown, but research has shown it is influenced by genetic, environmental and hormonal factors. Recent evidence has shown smoking is a risk factor.
- Psoriatic arthritis causes inflammation in the joints and skin, as well as rashes. This type of arthritis commonly affects people who have psoriasis, a chronic skin condition. Many people who have psoriatic arthritis have family members who have or have had it.
- Gout is caused by high levels of uric acid in the body, which triggers an inflammatory response in the joints. People experience stiffness, swelling and tenderness in the hands, wrists, knees, ankles and feet. Gout can cause sudden, intensely painful attacks that can last for a week or two at a time. Gout tends to be an underrecognized condition that goes untreated.
- Spondyloarthritis and ankylosing spondylitis are forms of inflammatory autoimmune arthritis that affect the spine. These types of arthritis tend to be underdiagnosed. They often affect people younger than age 40. The primary symptom people experience is stiffness in the spine and neck.
Lupus
Lupus is an autoimmune disease that causes the body’s own immune system to attack healthy tissue in the joints, skin and organs. Common symptoms include pain or swelling in the joints and a butterfly-shaped rash on the cheeks and nose. People with lupus can also have vasculitis, which is a common complication of lupus that can damage the blood vessels. The exact cause of lupus is not known, but symptoms can usually be managed with medication and lifestyles changes.
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a central nervous system disorder that affects about 40 million Americans, usually women. Symptoms include widespread pain, fatigue, headaches, memory problems and digestive issues. Experts don’t know what causes fibromyalgia, but they believe there is a genetic component as the disorder tends to run in families. However, people with no family history can also be affected. There is no cure, but rheumatologists are experts in managing fibromyalgia.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a disease that causes weakening of the bones and can lead to fractures. Rheumatologists are skilled at treating patients with osteoporosis and other bone health diseases because so many rheumatic diseases, including certain types of arthritis, lupus and Sjogren Syndrome, put people at a higher risk of developing osteoporosis due to the associated inflammation and lack of mobility.
Chronic Pain
Rheumatologists have special expertise in helping patients manage chronic pain. Pain can be difficult to diagnose. In many cases, the cause is multifactorial, and what provides relief can be different for each individual. Since many of the diseases rheumatologists treat cause inflammation, we have a variety of nonsurgical treatment modalities at our disposal to provide relief. Medication can be used to manage symptoms, or in some cases, reverse progression of certain diseases because some drugs are protective. We are very familiar with different medications and combinations of medications that are effective. Physical therapy and injections for pain relief may be recommended for some patients.
No matter the disease, my philosophy is that knowledge is power, and I educate patients about their disease, symptoms and treatment options. When we can discuss these things in depth, it allows patients to participate in decisions about their care and helps me tailor the treatment plan to each person’s unique lifestyle, preferences and habits. As a board-certified rheumatologist, I am certified in musculoskeletal ultrasound by the American College of Rheumatology. I use ultrasound to guide joint and soft tissue injections for better accuracy, less pain and more convenient treatment that can be scheduled in our clinic instead of in a hospital setting.
Ekaterina Soforo, MD, is a rheumatologist at the Froedtert & MCW Sheboygan North Taylor Clinic. To schedule an appointment, call 920-320-5241. Dr. Soforo also offers virtual visits.
