The Ochsner Clinic Foundation Rheumatology Section specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal and rheumatic disorders. Rheumatic diseases, such as arthritis, are a group of more than 100 disorders that cause swelling and pain in the joints. These diseases can also cause inflammation in the connective tissues of other parts of the body and can affect adults and children of all ages.

If you have persistent aches and pains recurring for more than a few weeks, if the pain interferes with normal everyday activities or if your condition is worsening despite treatment, you should see a rheumatologist. The complexity of rheumatic diseases make early diagnosis and treatment important to your comfort and long-term health. The specialized care of an Ochsner rheumatologist may be able to save you time and money while providing more effective treatment. Rheumatic diseases are a group of more than 100 disorders causing arthritis in the joints and similar pain and stiffness in the muscles and bones. These diseases may also cause inflammation in the connective tissues of other parts of the body. Rheumatic diseases include:

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Osteoarthritis
• Gout
• Lupus
• Back and neck pain
• Osteoporosis
• Bursitis and tendonitis

Other less common types include sarcoidosis, dermatomyositis, scleroderma and psoriatic arthritis. While some diseases are very serious and difficult to diagnose and treat, many of these diseases appear in a mild form and respond extremely well to treatment.