Rheumatology
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Chiefland Health Center
Walk in Medical Center located in Chiefland, FL
If you experience joint pain or other symptoms of a rheumatic disease and desire relief, you can rely on the highly trained team at Chiefland Health Center, with locations in Ocala and Chiefland, Florida. Rheumatology experts can diagnose and treat rheumatologic disorders to reduce your risk of complications and unpleasant symptoms. Call the office to schedule an appointment today or book one online.
Rheumatology Q & A
What is rheumatology?
Rheumatology is a branch of medicine that deals with diagnosing and treating autoimmune and inflammatory diseases that affect muscles, joints, tendons, and ligaments. Rheumatologic disorders can also affect your skin, blood vessels, nerves, and internal organs.
These disorders cause your body’s immune system to attack body tissues. Treatment with Chiefland Health Center experts can offer you symptom relief.
What are common rheumatic disorders?
Common rheumatic diseases you or a loved one might experience include:
- Vasculitis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Gout
- Psoriatic arthritis
- Spondyloarthritis
- Lupus
- Scleroderma
- Sjogren’s syndrome
- Infectious arthritis
- Juvenile arthritis
If you notice symptoms of an autoimmune disorder or you’ve previously been diagnosed with a rheumatologic disease, see the Chiefland Health Center team for an evaluation.
What are the risk factors for rheumatic diseases?
Anybody can develop a rheumatic disease, but certain factors increase your risk of experiencing one. Examples include genetics, family history of autoimmune disorders, smoking, and exposure to pollution. Women are more likely to experience rheumatic disorders than men.
What are the symptoms of rheumatic disorders?
The symptoms you may experience with an autoimmune disease depend on the type and severity of your condition. Common signs and symptoms of rheumatologic disorders include:
- Joint pain
- Joint stiffness
- Decreased range of motion
- Inflammation
- Swelling
- Redness
- Warmth
- Organ problems
- Fatigue
- Hair loss
- Blood disorders
- Poor appetite
- Weight loss
To find out if you have a rheumatic disease, your rheumatologist reviews your symptoms and medical history. They check your vital signs and complete a comprehensive physical examination, looking for visible signs of joint problems.
Your Chiefland Health Center rheumatologist may suggest you undergo tissue swabs, joint fluid testing, urine tests, or blood tests, as well as X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, ultrasounds, or other imaging procedures to diagnose your condition or help you manage it properly.
What are common rheumatology treatments?
Some of the many rheumatology treatments available at Chiefland Health Center include:
- Prescription medications
- Bracing
- Splints
- Massage
- Physical therapy
- Injections
- Regenerative medicine
- Surgery
Heat and cold treatment at home can reduce inflammation and pain. Surgical procedures allow your rheumatologist to repair or replace damaged joints or remove debris from painful joints.
Healthy lifestyle habits, such as maintaining a healthy weight, eating a well-balanced diet, getting regular exercise and plenty of sleep, and properly managing stress, can reduce unpleasant symptoms.
Don’t live with joint pain, stiffness, fatigue, or other symptoms of a rheumatic disorder when help is within reach at Chiefland Health Center. Schedule a rheumatology appointment by phone or online today.