Rheumatologists specialize in the medical treatment of arthritis. Our training specifically targets autoimmune diseases, where the immune system attacks oneself. Listed below is a short synopsis of the condition and a link to the American College Rheumatology sponsored patient education handouts.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

An autoimmune arthritis attacking bilateral, symmetric small and large joints.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

An autoimmune disorder affecting the joint along with multiple different organ systems including the skin and other internal organs; affects women more than men.

Psoriatic Arthritis

An autoimmune arthritis similar to rheumatoid with concomitant psoriasis.

Ankylosing Spondylitis

An inflammatory arthritis affecting the spine and sacroiliac joints, mainly in young men.


Inflammation in the arteries that affects multiple organ systems and can be very severe.

Polymyalgia Rheumatica/Temporal Arteritis

An inflammatory shoulder and hip girdle condition in older people. It can also affect the blood vessels to the head causing vision problems and headaches.

Raynaud Disease

A reversible blood vessel spasm that reduces circulationg to fingers and toes. Usually this is a mild condition, but it can lead to circulatory issues such as pain and digital ulcers. It is frequently seen in a variety of connective tissue disorders.

Sjogren’s Syndrome

An autoimmune disorder causing arthritis, but also manifests with dry eyes and dry mouth.

Polymyositis and Dermatomyositis

Inflammation in the muscles of the arms and legs that leads to weakness. In dermatomyositis, there are different rashes too.


An immune disorder that results in skin thickening, Raynaud phenomenon, and GERD. Sometimes arthritis and associated internal organ problems can develop.


A metabolic problem affecting uric acid handling that causes severe pain and inflammation and usually begins in the big toe.

Pseudogout/CPPD arthritis

A buildup of calcium pyrophosphate in the joints that causes inflammation.


Mechanical wear and tear that leads to cartilage degeneration, not due to an immune problem.


Thinning of the bones that increases the risk of fracture.