Rheumatology (Arthritis) Services at OhioHealth
Let our rheumatology experts create a personalized plan for you.
Rheumatologists are internists who have additional training in the diagnosis and treatment of bone, muscle and joint diseases and systemic autoimmune conditions, commonly referred to as rheumatic diseases. These diseases can affect the musculoskeletal system, causing pain, swelling, stiffness and deformity.
At OhioHealth, our skilled rheumatologists and comprehensive team of experts focus on improving the quality of life for people with rheumatic conditions.
Conditions We Treat
We work closely with primary care physicians, physical therapists, radiologists, as well as specialists in orthopedics, podiatry and sports medicine to provide seamless and comprehensive management of rheumatic conditions.
Our rheumatologists diagnose, treat and medically manage more than 100 types of rheumatic diseases including:
- Ankylosing spondylitis
- Behcet's Disease
- Dermatomyositis
- Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis
- Giant cell arteritis
- Gout
- Granulomatosis with polyangiitis
- Osteoarthritis
- Polyarteritis nodosa
- Polymyalgia rheumatica
- Polymyositis
- Pseudogout
- Psoriatic arthritis
- Reactive arthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Sjogren's Syndrome
- Systemic lupus erythematosus
- Systemic sclerosis
Our Rheumatology and Arthritis Services
Diagnostics
- BLOOD WORK
- This lab testing identifies substances in your blood that may indicate certain conditions, like rheumatoid arthritis. Similarly, the lack of certain substances can help doctors diagnose conditions, such as vitamin D deficiency, which can contribute to osteoporosis.
- BONE DENSITY TESTING
- Also known as DEXA scan, this painless test uses radiation to measure the density of your bones to diagnose conditions like osteoporosis. Measurements are most commonly made over the lower spine and upper part of hip.
- CT SCAN
- Computed tomography uses X-ray images taken from different angles and computer technology to create a detailed image of the inside of your body. It allows doctors to see soft tissue, such as tendons and ligaments.
- MRI
- Magnetic resonance imaging uses high-powered magnets and radio waves to create a picture of the inside of your body. Like CT scans, it allows doctors to see soft tissue, such as tendons and ligaments.
- X-RAY
- X-rays use radiation to diagnose bone or joint damage due to arthritis, osteoporosis and other conditions.
Treatments
Our doctors are skilled at using biologic therapies to help manage rheumatic conditions. These drugs stimulate the ability of your immune system to fight disease. Biologics are genetically engineered proteins. They work by inhibiting the part of your immune system that causes inflammation. They are given either by injection or IV infusion.
Your physician will customize a treatment plan based on your specific symptoms. Your treatment might also include injections or oral medications.
Clinical Trials
Patients with rheumatic conditions have an opportunity to participate in our clinical trials, which are designed to test promising new approaches to rheumatic disease treatment. Ask your rheumatologist for more information about clinical trials.