Rheumatology focuses on diagnosing and treating conditions and diseases affecting the joints, muscles and bones, known as the musculoskeletal system. These conditions include many autoimmune diseases - those that affect the body's immune system. These disorders cause inflammation and the breakdown or degeneration of connective tissue (soft tissue around the joints and bones) and related structures of the body.
Rheumatologic disorders also include:
- Juvenile arthritis
- Lupus
- Osteoarthritis
- Osteoporosis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Paget's disease (a breakdown of bone that regrows deformed)
- Tendonitis
- Vasculitis (blood vessel disorders)
Treatment
The right treatment depends on the right diagnosis - what's causing the swelling and pain. Early diagnosis is sometimes difficult. Some rheumatic diseases are complex evolving over time and affecting the course of treatment. Our rheumatologists work closely with their patients to identify their changing needs and develop a personalized treatment program that may include medication, joint injections/aspiration, assistive devices, lifestyle changes including changes in exercise and diet, and pain management.
Rheumatology Clinic
Yale-New Haven Hospital Saint Raphael Campus offers a rheumatology clinic every Wednesday from 2 to 3:30 pm. The clinic offers outpatient diagnosis and treatment of inflammatory and degenerative arthritis, tendonitis, and other muscle diseases. For more information, please call 203.789.4044.