Conditions we treat include:

Ankylosing Spondylitis
Bursitis and Tendonitis
Fibromyalgia
Gout
Joint Pain
Osteoarthritis
Osteoporosis
Pseudogout
Psoriatic Arthritis
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Scleroderma
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Vasculitis

Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder that causes diffuse muscle pain and body stiffness in all four quadrants of the body. It is most common in women under age fifty. While we do not know what causes fibromyalgia, we believe there is a problem with certain hormones in the brain that makes a person experience pain differently. Fibromyalgia patients usually have a lower threshold for pain.

Other symptoms commonly seen with fibromyalgia include migraine headaches, fatigue, carpal tunnel syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome and poor sleep. Anxiety and depression also tend to accompany this disease. Cognitive behavioral therapy from a psychologist or psychiatrist is beneficial. Referral to a physical therapist is also important in managing this condition. Notably, an aqua program (walking in water) is considered one of the best forms of exercise for this condition.

Your rheumatologist will examine your body for tender points that are linked to this condition. To date, there is no blood test, x-ray or other imaging test that can detect fibromyalgia, the diagnosis is made after excluding other types of arthritis.

In many cases, more than one specialist is required to assist in treating this illness. Your rheumatologist can recommend a combination of medications that can improve sleep and function while decreasing widespread pain.

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