Numerous rheumatic conditions have an effect on connective tissue and musculoskeletal system. Rheumatologists in Los Angeles diagnose and treat each type of arthritis, various inflammatory conditions and autoimmune disorders. Here is a list of five health conditions that Los Angeles rheumatologists diagnose and treat.
Osteoarthritis
This type of arthritis occurs as the cartilage around the joints wears down gradually during a long period. Early treatment of it is a must to stop more cartilage deterioration. While OA most commonly occurs in the hips and knees, it could just have an effect on any joint. Some of its symptoms are as follows.
- Pain, sensitivity to pain, and stiffness in the region of the joint, particularly after awakening from night sleep;
- Grating sensation in the course of movement; and,
- Loss of range of motion and stiffness.
Lupus
This inflammatory disease occurs when the faulty immune system confuses healthy tissues with foreign bodies and attacks the tissues, triggering an immune reaction. Lupus is usually passed on from one generation to the next, but it occasionally develops in people with no genetic susceptibility as some drugs’ side effect.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
This kind of arthritis develops as the immune system attacks normal tissue and cells. Gradually, the autoimmune disorder could cause everlasting joint damage, which brings about pain lasting over six months and mobility issues. The inflammation that stems from the immune reaction in rheumatoid arthritis causes damage to both the joints and cartilage. RA most often has an effect on the joints situated in the feet and hands, but it could affect other parts such as the lungs and eyes too.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease-Associated Arthritis
Inflammatory bowel disease refers to two health conditions, Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s disease, which occurs due to the inflammation present in the alimentary canal. IBD is one more autoimmune disorder, and arthritis associated with it often affects the hips, wrists, elbows, ankles, and knees. Some describe this as inflammatory bowel arthritis, which is not an official term.
Celiac Disease
Individuals having celiac disease find it difficult to digest gluten, which then triggers an immune reaction that causes a painful small intestine swelling. The gluten intolerance-induced intestinal damage affects normal nutrient absorption, which could cause possibly severe issues if left not treated. Contact an experienced and adept rheumatologist based in LA for celiac disease diagnosis and possible treatment.