Arthritis
Arthritis is a condition that causes joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility—most commonly affecting the knees, hips, fingers, and feet. The two most common types are osteoarthritis, which results from cartilage breakdown, and rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease that attacks the joints.
Common Symptoms
- Joint pain and stiffness
- Swelling and redness
- Limited range of motion
- Clicking or cracking sounds in joints
Risk Factors
Your risk increases if you’re over 65, have a family history, are obese, have had joint injuries, or depending on the type, are female (rheumatoid arthritis) or male (gout).
Diagnosis & Treatment
Diagnosis may include physical exams, blood tests, X-rays, MRIs, or ultrasound. Treatment options at the Rheumatology Center of New Jersey include medications, joint or PRP injections, and personalized care plans to relieve pain and slow disease progression.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis Overview
Osteoporosis is a condition where bones lose density and become weak, brittle, and more prone to fractures. It often develops silently, with many people discovering it only after a bone breaks. Over time, it can also lead to a hunched posture or reduced height.
Who’s at Risk?
Risk factors include aging, being female, pregnancy, having a small body frame, family history, low calcium intake, hormone imbalances, certain medications, and lifestyle factors like smoking, alcohol use, and inactivity. People with multiple risk factors should consider early bone health screenings, ideally starting by age 35.
How a Rheumatologist Can Help
At the Rheumatology Center of New York, our specialists use painless, 20-minute bone density scans to detect osteoporosis early. Based on the results, we create a personalized treatment plan that may include medication, dietary changes, and lifestyle recommendations to strengthen bones and prevent further loss.
Psoriatic arthritis
Psoriatic Arthritis Overview
Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic condition that causes joint pain, swelling, and stiffness, often in people who also have psoriasis—a skin disorder with red, scaly patches. About 30% of people with psoriasis may develop this form of arthritis.
Common Symptoms
- Joint pain and stiffness
- Swollen fingers or toes
- Foot or back pain
- Red, scaly skin (if psoriasis is present)
Risk Factors
You’re more likely to develop psoriatic arthritis if you have a family history, psoriasis (especially with nail involvement), or are between the ages of 30 and 50.
Diagnosis & Treatment
At the Rheumatology Center of New York, diagnosis involves a medical history review, physical exam, lab tests, and imaging. Treatment may include medications, joint injections, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes to manage pain and prevent joint damage.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid Arthritis Overview
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the joints, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness. Unlike osteoarthritis, RA doesn’t result from wear-and-tear—it can start as early as age 30 and is more common in women and those with a family history.
Common Symptoms
- Swollen, warm, and stiff joints
- Fatigue, fever, and weight loss
- Often starts in small joints (fingers, toes) and may affect other organs like the eyes, lungs, skin, and heart
Diagnosis & Treatment
At the Rheumatology Center of New York, RA diagnosis includes blood tests and imaging. Treatment is tailored to each patient and may involve medications to reduce inflammation and slow the disease, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to managing symptoms and preventing joint damage.
Lupus
Lupus Overview
Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues, causing inflammation and damage to the joints, skin, organs, and more. It most commonly affects women between ages 15 and 35 and is more prevalent in Asian American, Hispanic, and African American populations.
Common Symptoms
- Joint pain and swelling
- Fatigue and fever
- Butterfly-shaped facial rash
- Skin rashes, mouth ulcers, and sun sensitivity
- Chest pain, shortness of breath, hair loss, and memory issues
Risk Factors
Risk increases with genetics, gender (women), age, ethnicity, infections, and certain medications.
Diagnosis & Treatment
At the Rheumatology Center of New Jersey, lupus is diagnosed through medical history, physical exams, blood tests, imaging, and sometimes biopsies. While there’s no cure, treatment includes medications, infusions, and lifestyle changes to manage symptoms and prevent complications. Regular follow-ups are essential for long-term care.
Shoulder Pain
Shoulder Pain Overview
Shoulder pain can result from many causes, including arthritis, bursitis, tendonitis, rotator cuff injuries, strains, fractures, and more. Because the shoulder has multiple moving parts, symptoms can overlap, making diagnosis tricky.
Diagnosis
At the Rheumatology Center of New Jersey, diagnosis begins with a physical exam to assess range of motion and strength. Imaging tests like X-rays or ultrasounds may be used to detect fractures or soft tissue damage.
Treatment Options
Treatment is based on the cause and severity of the pain and often includes:
- Medications (anti-inflammatories, corticosteroids)
- Physical therapy
- Immobilization for rest and healing
Knee Pain
Knee Pain Overview
Knee pain can result from various conditions, including arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, psoriatic), lupus, gout, osteoporosis, injuries, and infections. It may also be linked to inflammatory diseases like ankylosing spondylitis or Lyme disease.
Common Symptoms
- Pain or discomfort in or around the knee
- Swelling, stiffness, and weakness
- Redness, warmth, or instability
- Difficulty straightening the knee
- Popping or crunching sounds
Diagnosis
At the Rheumatology Center of New York, diagnosis includes a review of your medical history, physical exam, and imaging tests like bone density scans or musculoskeletal ultrasound to detect inflammation or damage.
Treatment Options
Treatment focuses on the underlying cause and may include:
- Medication infusions or injections to reduce inflammation and relieve pain
- PRP therapy to promote healing and reduce joint damage
If you’re experiencing persistent knee pain, contact the Rheumatology Center of New York for a personalized treatment plan.
