Rheumatology in Illinois

Comprehensive Rheumatology Services

Rheumatology focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory conditions that affect the joints, muscles, and connective tissues. These disorders can cause pain, stiffness, swelling, and long-term joint damage if not properly managed. Our rheumatologist specializes in identifying complex musculoskeletal and systemic diseases to provide patients with lasting relief and improved quality of life.

Whether you’re experiencing chronic joint pain, unexplained fatigue, or autoimmune-related symptoms, our rheumatology team offers advanced diagnostic tools and personalized treatment plans to help you manage your condition and protect your long-term health.

Common Rheumatic Conditions

Rheumatologists diagnose and treat many types of arthritis and related disorders, including:

• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): An autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks joint linings, leading to pain, swelling, and deformity.
• Osteoarthritis (OA): Degenerative joint disease caused by wear and tear of cartilage, often affecting knees, hips, and hands.
• Osteoporosis: A condition that weakens bones and increases fracture risk.
• Lupus (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus): A chronic autoimmune condition that can affect the skin, joints, kidneys, and other organs.
• Gout: A form of arthritis caused by uric acid crystal buildup, leading to intense joint pain, often in the big toe.
• Psoriatic Arthritis: Joint inflammation associated with psoriasis, an autoimmune skin condition.
• Ankylosing Spondylitis: Inflammatory arthritis primarily affecting the spine and sacroiliac joints.
• Vasculitis: Inflammation of the blood vessels, which can affect organ function.
• Sjogren’s Syndrome: An autoimmune disorder that affects moisture-producing glands, causing dry eyes and mouth.
• Scleroderma: A connective tissue disease causing hardening and tightening of the skin and internal organs.
• Myositis: Inflammatory muscle diseases that cause weakness and fatigue.

When Should You See a Rheumatologist?

You should consider seeing a rheumatologist if you experience:

• Persistent joint pain, swelling, or stiffness lasting more than a few weeks
• Morning stiffness that lasts longer than 30 minutes
• Fatigue, fever, or unexplained weight loss
• Pain in multiple joints or symmetrical joint pain
• Muscle weakness or tenderness
• Skin rashes combined with joint pain
• Recurrent gout attacks
• Family history of autoimmune disease

Diagnosing Rheumatic Diseases

Because many rheumatic conditions share similar symptoms, accurate diagnosis requires a detailed and comprehensive approach. Rheumatologists use a variety of diagnostic methods, including:

• Medical History Review: Discussing your symptoms, family history, and overall health.
• Physical Examination: Checking for swelling, tenderness, warmth, and joint function.
• Laboratory Testing:
  • Blood Tests: To detect inflammation markers (ESR, CRP) and autoantibodies such as rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-CCP.
  • Urinalysis: To identify organ involvement in systemic diseases.
• Imaging:
  • X-rays: To detect joint damage or bone erosion.
  • Ultrasound: To evaluate joint inflammation and fluid accumulation.
  • MRI or CT Scans: To provide detailed images of soft tissue, cartilage, and bone.
• Synovial Fluid Analysis: Examining joint fluid for signs of infection, crystals, or inflammation.

Treatment Options for Rheumatic Conditions

Rheumatology care is highly personalized, aiming to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, prevent joint damage, and improve function.

Non-Surgical Management

• Medications:
  • NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs): Reduce pain and inflammation.
  • Corticosteroids: Provide rapid inflammation relief during flare-ups.
  • DMARDs (Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs): Slow disease progression and preserve joint integrity.
  • Biologic Therapies: Target specific parts of the immune system to control inflammation.
  • Immunosuppressants: Used for autoimmune conditions to regulate the immune response.
• Physical Therapy: Exercises to maintain joint mobility, muscle strength, and flexibility.
• Lifestyle Modifications:
  • Maintaining a healthy weight to reduce joint strain.
  • Incorporating an anti-inflammatory diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids.
  • Balancing rest and activity to prevent fatigue and flare-ups.
• Injections: Corticosteroid injections to relieve joint pain and inflammation.

Surgical Options

While most rheumatic conditions are managed non-surgically, advanced joint damage may require intervention such as:

• Joint Replacement (Arthroplasty): Restoring mobility and reducing pain in severely damaged joints.
• Synovectomy: Removal of inflamed joint lining.
• Tendon Repair or Joint Fusion: For joints severely affected by arthritis.

Bone Health and Osteoporosis Management

Optimizing bone health is a critical part of rheumatologic care, especially for patients at risk for osteoporosis or fractures. Our team focuses on preserving bone density and reducing fracture risk through:

• Bone density testing (DEXA scans) to assess fracture risk
• Medications to strengthen bone and slow bone loss
• Calcium and vitamin D optimization
• Lifestyle and exercise recommendations to improve bone strength and balance
• Fall-risk reduction strategies to prevent injury

This proactive approach helps protect long-term mobility and reduces the risk of serious fractures.

Ongoing Management and Prevention

Because many rheumatic diseases are chronic, ongoing management is key to long-term success. Regular follow-ups with your rheumatologist ensure the effectiveness of your treatment and help prevent complications. Our team focuses on:

• Monitoring disease progression and adjusting treatment plans
• Educating patients about symptom management
• Coordinating care with physical therapists and other specialists
• Encouraging healthy lifestyle practices to minimize flare-ups

Compassionate Care for Lifelong Health

At Fox Valley Orthopedics, our rheumatology team is dedicated to providing comprehensive, compassionate care for patients living with arthritis and autoimmune diseases. We focus on early diagnosis, personalized treatment, and education to help you regain comfort, mobility, and control over your health.

Call us at (855) 386-7846 to learn more about our rheumatology services.