Rheumatic Disorders & Rheumatology Specialists in Broward County

Rheumatic disorders encompass over one hundred diseases that affect joints, ligaments, bones, and muscles. There are also a few that affect organs. Some of these disorders include:

• osteoarthritis
• rheumatoid arthritis
• juvenile idiopathic arthritis
• fibromyalgia
• systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus)
• scleroderma
• spondyloarthropathies
• infectious arthritis
• gout
• polymyalgia rheumatica
• polymyositis
• psoriatic arthritis
• bursitis
• tendonitis

Some forms of these illnesses are caused by wear and tear on joints or previous joint injuries, but for most, the specific causes are unknown. Research does seem to show that some people are born with tendencies towards these diseases and disorders. There also seems to be a connection between certain viruses and the triggering of rheumatic diseases. Except for gout, most of the disorders tend to be more common in women, which could suggest hormonal influences.

The First Rheumatologists in South Florida for the Treatment of Rheumatic Disorders

Some doctors specialize in these disorders. Because of their special training, a rheumatologist will be better able to notice the symptoms in order to make a diagnosis. Among other things, they will look for swelling in the joints, prolonged joint stiffness, recurring joint pain, limited range of motion, and warmth or redness around the joints. A rheumatologist will also ask you about your medical history and perform a thorough physical exam. They may run blood or urine tests and schedule you for X-rays or other types of imaging tests. This means it could take several visits in order for them to pinpoint which rheumatic disorder you have.

Our Providers Were the First Rheumatologists in South Florida

Once you have a diagnosis, an experienced rheumatologist, like our providers, will discuss your various treatment options. Depending on the specific type of disorder that you have, they may ask you to get more rest, to exercise, to improve your diet or to participate in low-impact physical therapies. They will give you instructions to better care for your joints and may want you to wear special splints or braces to help assist weakening bones. Of course, there are also several types of medications that can help with pain, inflammation, and other symptoms.