Rheumatology

Rheumatic conditions involve the inflammation of different organs of your body, as well as your joints, which are their most common target. Often, rheumatic conditions are autoimmune in nature. This means your body abnormally creates inflammation affecting its own organs.

At MultiCare, our expert rheumatology team can assess you for rheumatic conditions. If it turns out you have a condition such as gout, lupus or another rheumatologic disease, we offer treatments designed to reduce inflammation, prevent damage and improve how you move and feel.

What we treat

Many rheumatic conditions cause pain and swelling in your bones and joints. Others affect the skin, blood vessels, lungs, sinuses, kidneys and, rarely, the nervous system.

Common rheumatic conditions include:

• Connective tissue diseases such as lupus, Sjogren’s syndrome, scleroderma and inflammatory muscle diseases
• Crystalline arthritis, such as gout and pseudogout
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Spondyloarthropathies, which include ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease-associated arthritis

How we help

Rheumatology diagnosis. Rheumatologic, or rheumatic, conditions can be challenging to diagnose at times because people experience joint pain and fatigue for varying reasons. In rheumatic conditions, your joint symptoms are usually caused by inflammation rather than a mechanical cause, such injury or overuse. With the right diagnosis, you can get the care you need to manage your condition.

A rheumatologist will ask you about your symptoms, review your medical history, perform a physical exam and possibly order laboratory tests and imaging. Once a diagnosis is made, the MultiCare rheumatology team develops a treatment plan to meet your specific needs.

Rheumatology management. In many cases, rheumatic conditions cannot be cured. Instead, your providers will find treatments to help you manage your condition, reduce symptoms and improve your quality of life. Common treatment options include:

• Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs may reduce inflammation and prevent joint damage.
• Anti-inflammatory medications can reduce inflammation and pain.
• Sometimes, injections into joints are considered to temporarily relieve pain.
• Exercise and physical therapy can help you move more easily.
• Changes to your diet may reduce inflammation and flares.