Rheumatology
Individualized care to combat autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
Berkshire Health Systems’ Rheumatologists provide diagnoses and state-of-the-art care for patients with autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
These diseases can cause pain, swelling, stiffness, and potentially joint deformities, and can affect other parts of the body including the eyes, skin, nerves, kidneys, lungs, heart, and other internal organs.
Rheumatic immune system dysfunction refers to disorders where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues, causing inflammation and damage. This autoimmune response occurs when the immune system, designed to protect against foreign invaders, targets healthy cells and tissues.
Rheumatoid arthritis, is a chronic inflammatory disorder that extends beyond joints, impacting various body systems such as the skin, eyes, lungs, heart, and blood vessels. This autoimmune condition occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s tissues, especially the joint lining. Symptoms include tender, warm, swollen joints, morning stiffness, fatigue, and appetite loss. Early symptoms often target smaller joints and may spread to larger joints as the disease progresses. Severity of symptoms may vary, with flares of increased activity followed by periods of remission. If you experience persistent joint discomfort and swelling, consult your doctor.
Rheumatoid diseases can affect the musculoskeletal system, leading to a range of symptoms and complications. The musculoskeletal system comprises the joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and other structures that support the body’s form and movement. In rheumatoid diseases, the immune system mistakenly attacks these structures, causing inflammation and damage. It’s important to note that the specific symptoms and severity can vary among individuals and different rheumatoid diseases. Early diagnosis and a comprehensive treatment plan, often involving a multidisciplinary healthcare team, are crucial for managing these conditions and minimizing the impact on the musculoskeletal system.
Conditions & Treatments
Conditions
Ankylosing Spondylitis
Connective Tissue Diseases, including:
Lupus, Sjogren’s, Scleroderma, Inflammatory Myositis, Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome
Rheumatoid, Psoriatic, & Enteropathic Arthritis
Polymyalgia Rheumatica
Vasculitis including:
Temporal Arteritis
Osteoporosis
Gout & Pseudogout
Osteoarthritis
Fibromyalgia
Treatments
Laboratory & Imaging Tests
Personalized Treatment Plans
Medications including Biologics & Infusions
Physical or Occupational Therapy Referral
Steroid Injections
Your Care Team
Our rheumatologists work with patients to develop personalized treatment plans and collaborate with patients’ primary care physicians and specialists to provide quality, comprehensive care.
Locations
Fri: 8:00am-12:00pm
