Understanding Arthritis Symptoms and Treatment Options

Arthritis is a general term for a health condition affecting people’s joints (actually the exact meaning of arthritis is the irritation of joints) and covers a wide spectrum that includes very many illnesses. However, the two most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Of the two, osteoarthritis is the most common. However, rheumatoid arthritis is the most severe form of arthritis.

As mentioned before, there are more than hundred types of arthritis and it is critical to be aware of the arthritis symptoms that you experience. Identification of arthritis symptoms is important for the diagnosis of the precise type of arthritis that you are suffering from. If these symptoms are evaluated early enough, further discomfort and damage can be prevented.

Symptoms of Arthritis

There are particular symptoms present for different kinds of arthritis. The most common symptoms of this illness include inflammation of body joints that is characterized by visible swelling, joint stiffness and paleness of the skin. Additionally, the affected part is usually warm and tender to touch. Aches and soreness of tendons that surround the affected joints can also be present.

Muscle pain is another common symptom. This pain can affect range of movement, making the sufferer unable to move freely. These symptoms may hinder the patient from performing simple day-to-day tasks such as walking, exercising, writing, etc. These symptoms can also lead to loss of appetite.

Active and inactive rheumatoid arthritis is a type of arthritis that occurs in stages and different symptoms may be evident at different stages of the illness. These symptoms may be active or inactive. It is therefore vital for one to consult a physician especially if any of these symptoms have already persisted for more than a week. Early identification of the type of arthritis you have is vital so as to start a suitable course of treatment.

Treatment Options for Arthritis

Once a diagnosis has been made, the patient should discuss his or her options with a rheumatologist. Unfortunately, there is no known cure for rheumatoid arthritis, but there are various medication options to help manage the disease. Discussing these options with your physician will help to figure out the treatment approach that will be most suitable for you and your specific arthritis symptoms. In some cases, a combination of therapies provides the best relief from joint pains associated with arthritis.

Arthritis medications are the most common arthritis treatment option because they are normally effective in easing joint pains and other symptoms. These medications help in minimizing the inflammation which is a key source of the severe pain, and comprises a group of

drugs known as Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). Physical therapy is another treatment option for the illness. Physical therapy basically helps in strengthening specific muscles that support the affected joints in order to help ease the pain. This option also helps in reduction of the joint stiffness and to enhance the range of motion. Particularly, physical therapy can make it easier for you to do things such as climbing stairs, walking, sitting and standing comfortably, etc.

Contact a Los Angeles Rheumatologist Today

Watch out for any of these symptoms because arthritis does not choose its victims. It can affect any gender and contrary to popular assumption, the disease is not limited to a particular age group.

Do not suffer arthritis pain alone. Get help from a certified rheumatologist. Dr. Susan Baker is an experienced rheumatologist based in Los Angeles and may be contacted anytime.

If you want to learn more about arthritis and its treatment please click on the link below:

www.susanbakermd.com

Overview of Arthritis Treatment

Arthritis is one of the most common health problems that affect the bones and the joints in the human body. It is basically an inflammation of the bones that restricts the movement of the joints in various parts of the body. Arthritis causes may include various reasons and aging is one of the most common causes.

Arthritis can affect the fingers, knee joints, shoulders or even hip joints. Sometimes, in severe cases, the pain is excruciating. Bone injury is another major cause that creates extreme pain in the bones. Abnormal metabolism or weird behavior of the immune system are also major causes of arthritis.

How to Treat Arthritis

Lots of research has resulted in some very good medicines for arthritis pain. However, if we choose to bring some changes in our lifestyle, health problems like arthritis can be taken care of. The primary thing that we need to do is exercise. Alternative arthritis treatments focus largely on exercises along with health supplements.

Exercises like yoga help to improve movement of the joints. Exercise also helps to reduce weight, which is one of the common causes of joint pain. Swimming or walking help to reduce weight drastically without disturbing the joints much.

One of the most popular alternatives is Glucosamine. It is basically a health supplement that improves the joint movement. Studies reveal that cartilage repair and lubrication of joints can be well maintained by the use of Glucosamine. There are number of Glucosamine supplements available in the stores nearby.

Chondroitin is another very popular supplement that has lots of benefits that help to reduce arthritis pain. However, one should be aware of potential side effects of health supplements.

Consulting a rheumatology expert may help you to understand the real cause of arthritis pain. Another aspect of alternative arthritis treatment is pain management. The body takes time to adjust to pain and it is a long process. During times when inflammation has lessened, natural medicines that reduce pain should be taken.

There are natural herbs that help to reduce pain in the joints. Kava is an herb found in the South Pacific and is very helpful in reducing pain. Similarly, Jamaican Dogwood works as a very efficient pain reliever. Some Chinese medicines have analgesic properties that reduce arthritis pain naturally.

Acupuncture is a trending therapy that may be used in alternative arthritis treatments. It is a type of treatment where needles are used to stimulate specific points. It clears blockages, thus allowing free flow of energy. Lots of research is carried out in acupuncture.Chiropractic treatment is also one of the alternative treatments for arthritis. However, response to any treatment or therapy depends on the individual’s body. It may be helpful to write down each and every symptom of your joint pain. This helps the doctors to identify the real cause of arthritis pain.

Contact a Rheumatologist Today

Understand arthritis causes before going for a specific treatment. Try to improve your lifestyle with healthy food and exercise. It will help you to maintain a good weight, which is extremely important for people suffering from arthritis.

To learn more about arthritis and treatment options, please visit www.susanbakermd.com.

Different Types of Arthritis

Apart from your tendons and muscles, arthritis also damages your ligaments and joints. Generally, shoulder arthritis causes symptoms like limited motion range and joint pain. However, there are several types of arthritis, which affect the shoulders. In that regard, here are a few of the distinct shoulder arthritis forms.

1. Osteoarthritis

This is among the most common kinds of shoulder arthritis that involves a combination of stiffness, tenderness, and joint pain. This particular type can affect your shoulders and other joints, such as your hips, knees, and hands. According to research, older people, especially those older than 50 years are likely to experience osteoarthritis.

2. Rheumatoid Arthritis

This is yet another form of shoulder arthritis, which is a common autoimmune condition. It usually comes with pain in both of your shoulders at once. Other signs and symptoms of this condition include warmth and tenderness in your joints, fatigue, fever, weight loss, rheumatoid nodules, particularly under the skin in your arms or shoulders, and a feeling of stiffness in the shoulders. Rheumatoid arthritis interferes with your joint lining and can sometimes cause joint swelling too.

3. Avascular Necrosis

This is a condition can also lead to shoulder arthritis by simply destroying joint tissues in the shoulders. This particular type of arthritis is brought about by blood that cannot reach the humerus bone – the upper arm bone. This condition can be caused by either bone fractures, dislocations, or both. Drinking excess alcohol and taking steroids, especially at high doses, can also lead to this type of shoulder problem. It’s a progressive condition, which means that it becomes more serious and severe over time.

4. Post-Traumatic Arthritis

If you are injured, you are likely to develop post traumatic arthritis. Since most shoulder injuries are due to the instability of the shoulder, injuries like shoulder dislocations and fractures may eventually result in this form of arthritis. It causes fluid to build up in your shoulder joints, resulting in severe swelling and pain.

5. Rotator Cuff-Tear Arthropathy

Your shoulder has a rotator cuff that connects its blade with the upper part of your arm with a collection of muscles and tendons. Rotator cuff injuries are very common and can cause a type of arthritis known as rotator cuff-tear arthropathy. Generally, a rip in the tendons of this part of your shoulder is what leads to this condition. Symptoms include muscle weakness and intense pain that makes lifting anything difficult.

Contact an Expert Rheumatologist in LA Today!

If you suffer from any of these types of arthritis and you are looking for the best treatment options available, it’s worth getting an advice from a professional rheumatologist in Los Angeles.

For more information, contact Dr. Susan Baker or visit www.susanbakermd.com to learn more.

What is Fibromyalgia? Fibromyalgia is a rheumatic condition that’s characterized by muscular or musculoskeletal pain with localized tenderness or stiffness at particular points on the body. This is the most common musculoskeletal condition after osteoarthritis. Its characteristics include fatigue and widespread joint and muscle pain, among other symptoms. It may lead to social isolation and depression. Fibromyalgia Causes Fibromyalgia is a complex condition, and medical experts believe there are many factors that are responsible for its cause. Research in the field suggests that individuals with this condition experience external stimuli at unusually high intensities because of neurological dysfunctions. Some studies indicate that a number of people with the condition show clear signs of allodynia, which is a hyperactive response to otherwise common stimuli, while others also show clear symptoms of hyperalgesia, which is an abnormally high pain sensitivity. The findings are quite significant in revealing the real causes of the condition, and they’ve proved also that this disorder has a clear medical basis. Sleep disorders are suspected to be a cause of this condition. Statistics show that more than 95% of individuals with the disorder suffer from insomnia or sleep apnea. Until recently, medical scientists believed sleep problems were the result of fibromyalgia. However, it now turns out that most of the people suffering from this condition recall having trouble sleeping long before they experienced weakness or muscular pain. Thus, medical scientists believe this disorder happens on the account of inappropriate sleep patterns. They say that any person with sleeping troubles is quite prone to developing neurological disorders. Scientists explain that some neurotransmitters like serotonin, a substance which is responsible for regulating the degree of pain signals which are sent to brain, are generated during sleep, and individuals with fibromyalgia have a deficit of hormones as a result of sleep abnormalities. Therefore, the treatment for this condition should be aimed firstly at overcoming the sleeping problems of patients. Another possible cause of fibromyalgia is poor muscle oxygenation. Scientists suggest that inappropriate muscle oxygenation is a probable explanation for symptoms like stiffness and muscular weakness, same as the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Even though medical scientists haven't yet unveiled factors which prevent oxygenation of muscles, future studies may provide medicine that answers this puzzle.

Contact an Autoimmune Disease Expert Today

If you need to learn more about fibromyalgia and reactive arthritis plus treatment options, please contact Dr. Susan Baker, an expert rheumatologist in Los Angeles. For more information about the condition, you can visit this website: www.susanmakermd.com

Treatment of Autoimmune Diseases

Autoimmune diseases affect a lot of people living in Los Angeles, according to a report from the American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association (AARDA). The disease develops when your immune system that defends your body against diseases concludes that your cells are foreign.

Depending on the type of the disease you have, one or several different types of body tissues may be affected. Autoimmune diseases also cause abnormal growth of organs and changes in their function.

Types of Autoimmune Diseases

Autoimmune diseases usually occur in early adulthood and middle age, and are typically more common in females. The various types of autoimmune diseases include the following:

System lupus erythematosus, which affects the skin, brain, kidneys, joints, and some other organs.

Vasculitis

Multiple sclerosis

Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia

Sjogren’s syndrome

Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis

Inflammatory bowel disease

Autoimmune Disease Symptoms

Since there are several types of autoimmune diseases, the signs and symptoms vary. However, the most common symptoms are fever, fatigue, and general malaise (feeling ill). The symptoms become worse during flare-ups and decrease during remission.

What Causes Autoimmune Diseases?

The cause of autoimmune diseases is still not yet known. If an individual has a family member with an autoimmune disease, one may be more susceptible to developing the disease. There are several theories that explain what triggers autoimmune diseases. These include:

Environmental irritants

Virus or bacteria

Chemical irritants

Drugs

Autoimmune diseases usually affect several parts of the body. The most common organs and tissue which are affected are: red blood cells, connective tissue, muscles, joints, and skin.

Diagnosing Autoimmune Diseases

When you have an autoimmune disease, your body produces antibodies against some of your own tissue. Diagnosing an autoimmune disease involves the identification of the antibodies your body is producing. The following tests are used in diagnosing an autoimmune disease:

Antinuclear antibody test- any type of the antibody test that looks for antinuclear antibodies that attack the nuclei of the cells in your body.

Autoantibody tests - any of the several tests which look for specific antibodies to your affected tissues.

Erythrocyte rate of sedimentation – this test indirectly measures how much inflammation is in your body.

Complete blood count- measures the number of red and white cells in your blood. When your immune system is actively fighting something, these numbers vary from the original.

Treatment Options

Autoimmune diseases are chronic conditions with no cure. Treatments involve the attempt to control the progress of the disease and reduce the symptoms. The following includes a list of things you need to do in order to alleviate the autoimmune symptoms:

Exercise regularly

Take vitamin supplements

Eat a healthy and balanced diet

Get plenty of rest

Limit sun exposure

Decrease stress

Medical interventions include:

Anti-inflammatory medication

Hormone replacement therapy

Immunosuppressive medication

Pain medication

Physical therapy

To learn more about autoimmune diseases and their treatment options, please contact Dr. Susan Baker, expert rheumatologist in Los Angeles. Please visit www.susanbakermd.com to learn more.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation of the joints. Autoimmune diseases are illnesses that attack the body when their immune system attacks its tissues. There is no known particular cure for this chronic disorder. The condition is treated using a variety of treatment methods that can help to slow the disease and damage to the joints at the minimum level. The treatment is geared toward realizing the lowest possible level of arthritis symptoms, to enhance the physical function and the quality of life of a person. There are three main rheumatoid arthritis treatment methods:

1). Medication or use of drugs

Different types of medicines are used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Some of the drugs used are mainly for reducing symptoms, while others are used to stop or slow the root cause of the disease. Patients are given nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to ease the symptoms of the disease. NSAIDs are drugs such as ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, and ketoprofen. Doctors prescribe COX-2 to people who have suffered from effects of stomach ulcers.

To slow the activity of the disease, doctors may prescribe drugs such as corticosteroids, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMRDs). The DMARDs slow the progression of rheumatoid arthritis to save the joints and other tissues from irreversible damage. Other drugs used to slow the activity of the disease include the biological agents which are DMARD subsets, steroids, and JAK inhibitors.

2). Therapy

Your doctor may recommend exercises that will help the joint to become more flexible. If so, she wll direct you to a qualified therapist for flexibility exercises. Depending on the nature of the disease, a therapist may recommend a change in the manner of doing daily tasks. Methods that do not strain the joints are recommended. For instance, in cases where the fingers are sore, a therapist will recommend picking up objects using the forearm. In severe cases, assistive devices are used to make the work easier and avoid straining the affected joints. For example, a kitchen knife that is equipped with a saw handle can protect the wrist and finger joints.

3).Surgery

If medicine or physical therapy fails to prevent or slow the effects of RA, the doctor may recommend surgery to repair the damaged joints. Surgery restores the ability to use the joints as well as reducing pain and correcting deformities. Rheumatoid surgery may involve repair of loose or ruptured tendons, replacement of the whole joint, or fusing of joints.

To learn more about rheumatoid arthritis, please visit www.susanbakermd.com.

Rheumatoid Arthritis in Los Angeles

Rheumatoid Arthritis is a disease that will make your joints immovable due to severe pain. This will affect your quality of life. Remember you will have to move joints when walking or carrying out different activities. For you to avoid cases where you will be unable to carry out your daily activities, you should consider seeking the services of a highly qualified doctor who will treat you of the Rheumatoid Arthritis. Dr. Baker is an expert whom you can contact in Los Angeles. After you contact the best Los Angeles rheumatologist she will apply the following treatments to manage your rheumatoid arthritis:

DMARDs

The doctor can start by administering drugs such as azathioprine, leflunomide, hydroxychloroquine, or methotrexate to reduce inflammation. In arthritis, inflammation can lead to severe pain. However, the inflammation can be reduced through prescription medicines that your doctor will prescribe based on your individual condition.

Biologics

These drugs can help in restoring your immune system as well as fighting inflammation. Your doctor can apply the biologics in the form of injections or pills. They are very effective in helping to reduce pain that you may have been suffering from. Over the counter medications may not work as well as a prescription that your doctor can tailor to your condition, so it’s best to avoid self-medication and instead listen to the advice of your doctor.

Corticosteroids

These are sometimes referred to as steroids. They are very helpful in fighting inflammation and pain. The doctor can decide to inject the drugs directly to the affected joints. You should always work closely with a qualified doctor such as Dr Baker in order to avoid side effects that may arise due to use of the steroids. The doctor will always administer them carefully to avoid cases where you will be faced with severe side effects. The doctor can start by administering a higher dose but with time as you heal she will have to reduce the dosage for you to avoid severe side effects.

In case you are looking for a Los Angeles rheumatologist, then you should not look further. Just contact Dr Baker who is an expert rheumatologist in Los Angeles. You can also fill an online contact form at www.susanbakermd.com to easily get in touch with the doctor.

Common Questions to Ask a Rheumatologist

There are some burning questions you may be asking yourself concerning the condition of arthritis. You should direct these questions to the right doctor. Dr. Baker is a renowned rheumatologist LA who will answer all your questions well. She uses different approaches to address different types of arthritis.

If you have been faced with the risk of arthritis, then you should consider contacting a rheumatology expert in Los Angeles. A doctor who specializes in rheumatology will offer you useful tips that will help you to address any worries that you may have. Sometimes you may suspect you are suffering from arthritis, but in fact it is a different disease causing similar symptoms. Here are some top questions for you to ask the best rheumatologist in LA:

How Many Types of Arthritis Are There?

Actually, there are many different types of arthritis. Arthritis is a condition where the body’s immune system reacts in such a way that it attacks the joints. This leads to pain and inflammation at the joints. Some common types of arthritis include rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune mediated disease, and psoriatic arthritis.

Can Arthritis be Cured?

Actually there is no known cure for any type of arthritis. After you contact the doctor she will use different approaches to manage any pain that you suffer from after the onset of arthritis. This will lead to an improved quality of life because the doctor will help you to reduce any inflammation or pain that may be associated with arthritis. This will, in the long run, help you to move your joints more easily. It is advisable for you to seek the services of a rheumatoid arthritis specialist as soon as you develop any complications in order to prevent unnecessary suffering.

What are Some Arthritis Management Techniques?

In order to better manage arthritis and its symptoms, you should eat foods rich in anti-inflammatory properties, such as spices. Common spices that can help include ginger and turmeric. You should limit the amount of trans fats which you eat. You should also avoid foods rich in high uric acid content such as seafoods, meat, shellfish, beer, and high fructose foods among others.

Dr. Baker has helped many patients who had arthritis. In case you have been affected by arthritis, don’t hesitate to contact her. You can learn more about arthritis by visiting www.susanbakermd.com.

What You Should Know About Osteoporosis Symptoms

Osteoporosis or porous bones is a condition that develops gradually and does not give warning signs until a sudden impact or fall causes a fracture in the bones. Normally, healthy bones can withstand impact from a standing height. However, people with this condition experience fractures even from mild impacts. Unlike most disorders that have clear tell-tale signs, there are no early osteoporosis symptoms to warn the patient of the impending problem.

Common Symptoms of Osteoporosis

Physicians usually refer to this condition as a “silent disorder” because the only sign that is likely to warn you of it is a bone fracture. Since the bones of people with osteoporosis have less strength, they are more likely to fracture, even due to mild falls.

Common signs that accompany osteoporosis include:

Widow’s hump

This is due to compression fractures in your vertebrae or the bones in your spine. A compression fracture is caused by weak bones cracking due to the normal rigors of being upright. The result is a curvature of the spine known as widow’s hump.

Widow’s hump may be the first tell-tale symptom to indicate that you have this condition unless a physician has been taking measurements of your bones.

Wrist or hip fracture

Fractures in the above areas are some of the common osteoporosis symptoms that occur due to porous bones. In most instances these fractures result from mild impact caused by tripping or hitting an object that would not have caused such damage previously.

Stooping

Though fractures from mild impacts are the first signs of this condition, older people can develop a tell-tale bent forward or stooping posture. This occurs due to fractured bones in the spine which are no longer able to support the weight of the body.

Unexplained pain and swelling

People suffering from osteoporosis usually experience swelling and pain after impact. In some instances, you may feel pain especially in the back that is not traceable to any specific event. This pain may be due to a vertebral fracture and can last as long as 6 weeks.

Other osteoporosis symptoms include:

Difficulty getting up without using your arms to push yourself up

Muscle or joint pain

Height loss

Osteoporosis Management in Los Angeles

Though osteoporosis is considered a silent condition, it can be managed, especially if caught in the early stages. To learn more about osteoporosis symptoms, treatment options as well as prevention, consult Dr. Baker, a renowned rheumatologist in Los Angeles. You can also visit: www.susanbakermd.com.

Treating Vasculitis: What You Must Know

Vasculitis is a very serious, potentially life-threatening auto-immune disease. In people with vasculitis, the immune system attacks its own blood cells causing inflammation. Due to the nature of the disease, it is important to get treatment right away – however there are some things patients should know first.

Course of Treatment

Treatment for vasculitis depends on the area affected and which form the disease has taken. Most often, steroid treatments are tried first, with stronger treatments being used in conjunction or in lieu of steroids in more serious cases. The length of treatment varies from patient to patient and is dependent on several factors, including the effectiveness of the drug and how the patient’s body reacts to the medication.

Drugs for Treating Vasculitis

As with all medications developed to treat autoimmune diseases, there are some very serious side-effects patients need to consider. Because vasculitis is caused by the patient’s own immune system, the patient’s immune system must be suppressed, which can lead to all sorts of potential risks. Luckily, with proper knowledge, careful adherence to doctor’s instructions, and vigilance on all sides, most side-effects can be either avoided all together or their effects greatly minimized.

Prednisone is a corticosteroid that is often the first line of treatment in patients with vasculitis. Minor side effects include acne, weight-gain, and an increased amount of hair. More serious risks of treatment with Prednisone include hypertension, osteoporosis, and avascular necrosis.

Methotrexate (MTX), first developed as a chemotherapy drug to help battle cancer, is often given to patients in order to avoid the more serious potential harmful side-effects of cyclosphamide. A proven and effective life-saver for patients with many kinds of vasculitis (among them: Wegener’s granulomatosis and Churg-Strauss Syndrome), MTX has a long list of side-effects, including (but not limited to):

Pneumonitis

Leukopenia

Increased risk of developing lymphoma

Additionally, methotrexate is considered an abortifacient and should not be taken in conjunction with trying for pregnancy. Men should wait at least three months and women at least one full menstrual cycle after discontinuing use of MTX before trying to have children.

Cyclosphamide (Cytotoxan) is often the last resort in the fight against vasculitis. A drug originally developed for use in chemotherapy treatments, its potential side-effects are not to be taken lightly. Often taken in conjunction with steroid treatment, possible side-effects resulting from treatment with cyclosphamide include increased risk of infection, cancer, and life-threatening bladder hemorrhaging. Also, according to one study done of women being treated for lupus, there was a 57% increased chance of infertility.

Contact a Los Angeles Rheumatologist Today

Despite the possible harmful side-effects, the risk of not treating vasculitis is greater. If you know or suspect you or someone you know may have vasculitis, and are living in or near the Los Angeles area, don’t wait to seek medical advice. Contact Susan Baker, MD for more details. To find out how to contact Dr. Baker and for more information regarding vasculitis and other rheumatological conditions, visit http://www.susanbakermd.com right now.

Rheumatological Conditions and Diagnoses

A rheumatic disease is a form of disease that affects joints and muscles. It is a condition that causes joint pain. Rheumatologic conditions are characterized by inflammation and reduced function of the connecting or supporting body structures such as the joints, ligaments, tendons, bone and muscle. Some forms of it, such as osteoarthritis, are as a result of wear and tear. Other diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis are due to immune system problems. A doctor who specializes in these conditions is called a rheumatologist and can help in finding the best ways to help treat your condition.

Common Symptoms of Rheumatic Conditions

The list of symptoms mentioned in various sources for rheumatic conditions includes the six symptoms below.

Joint pain Joint swelling Joint inflammation Joint irritation Joint deformity

Difficulty with joint movement

Types of Rheumatological Conditions

There are more than 100 rheumatic conditions. However, the most common of these include:

1. Osteoarthritis (OA)

This form of disease damages the cartilage- the cushiony materials at the end of the bones. As it wears down, the joints hurt and become harder to move. It usually affects the knees, lower back, neck, hips, and fingers.

Symptoms of osteoarthritis include:

Pain Swelling Warmth Stiffness

Diagnosis - Your doctor will ask about your medical history and symptoms. Depending on what part of the body it has affected, you will be physically examined. You may need to get blood tests or let the doctor take a sample of fluid from the affected joint, then make a diagnosis from the results.

2. Rheumatoid Arthritis

This disease happens when the immune system attacks the patient and causes joint pain, swelling and stiffness. It is normally not a part of the normal aging process.

Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis include:

Pain and swelling in multiple joints Problems in other organs such as lungs and eye Joint stiffness Fatigue Lumps called rheumatoid modules

Diagnosis - You will tell the doctor about your medical history and get a checkup. X-rays may be needed, together with blood tests and samples of your joint fluid.

3. Ankylosing Spondylitis

This usually starts gradually as lower back pain, involving the joints where the spine attaches to the pelvis. It is more common in young men, especially from the teens to age 30.

Symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis include:

Gradual pain in the lower back Pain felt between shoulder blades and the neck. Pain and stiffness in the back Swollen glands Dry mouth.

For an accurate diagnosis, your doctor will ask about your medical history and physically examine you. Other tests may be required to effectively find the solution to the ailment.

Contact a Rheumatology Expert in Los Angeles Today

While all rheumatological conditions differ from each other in some small but important ways, they share some common characteristics. If you get an early diagnosis of the disease, you and your doctor can make out a treatment plan that will aid in preserving your mobility and reduce pain. If you suspect you suffer from this kind of disease, do not take chances. Please contact Dr. Baker, an expert in reactive arthritis conditions based in Los Angeles.

Please visit www.susanbakermd.com to learn more today!

Everything You Need to Know About Autoimmune Diseases

Autoimmune diseases are a collective name for various disorders caused by the body's immune system. Usually the immune system is designed to recognize and attack foreign bacteria and viruses which might cause your body harm. In some cases, however, the immune system misfires and starts attacking your own body, thus causing harm. Some of the most commonly known autoimmune diseases include rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, type 1 diabetes and Grave's disease. Auto immune diseases usually difficult to recognize, understand and treat, which is why professional medical support is always needed during their treatment. Below mentioned are some important facts about autoimmune diseases.

Types of Autoimmune Diseases

Autoimmune diseases come in various forms. There are about 80 types of autoimmune diseases known to the medical community. While the most common ones like type 1 diabetes and Grave's disease are well understood and can be treated for, others are not that easy. Sometimes the symptoms of such diseases simply go away suddenly, without any treatment, thus making it hard to cure them.

Autoimmune diseases are more likely to be developed in specific genes.Studies have suggested that while anyone can get an autoimmune disorder, its more likely to be developed in women, especially women of Hispanic, African-American or Native American descent. Age and family history is also a contributing factor and women of childbearing ages are most vulnerable to autoimmune disorders.

Certain disorders are more common, and thus are more extensively researched.While immunology deals with the study of the immune system in general, certain sections are given further importance due to their common occurrence. One of the most common studies is rheumatology, a study devoted to the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis and its related diseases. Extensive medical research in these fields have helped thousands of patients suffering from a disease which otherwise had no possible treatment.

Autoimmune Disease Treatment

Treatment for these diseases are tailored according to the patient. Most autoimmune diseases act differently on different people. Thus the treatment of such diseases have to be tailored according to the patient's needs. The symptoms of these diseases may come and go suddenly, which makes it imperative for the patient and doctor to work out on a plan which ensures proper medical attention at the right moment.

While not curable, autoimmune diseases can be treated to a significant extent.Treating autoimmune diseases involves reducing patient suffering, helping him/her combat the symptoms and sometimes even slowing the progress of the disease. And while it cannot be cured as of now, aggressive treatment in certain disorders like rheumatoid arthritis have been proven very effective in slowing the progress and helping the patient considerably.

Contact a Los Angeles Rheumatologist Today

Autoimmune diseases are a complex subject and need professional medical attention to ensure minimal damage is dealt to the body. To know more about it make sure to check out the other blog articles. You can also visit www.susanbakermd.com for more information, or contact Dr. Baker herself. Dr. Baker is one of the leading rheumatologists in Los Angeles and has significant experience in treating rheumatoid arthritis and other related diseases.

Types of Arthritis

In Los Angeles rheumatology, doctors and scientists work hard in order to develop new treatments and learn why individuals suffer from conditions like arthritis. There are different kinds of arthritis. When you’re suffering from arthritis, there are chances you have a particular

condition which leads to the kind of arthritis you have. In Los Angeles, rheumatology doctors are working to help treat all its forms.

Common Forms of Arthritis

The most common kind of arthritis is osteoarthritis. Others include rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, gout, Reiter’s Syndrome and pseudogout.

Psoriatic arthritis

When you have psoriasis, you’re more susceptible to developing this type of arthritis. This is a condition which includes many similar symptoms to other forms of arthritis. Some people who experience psoriatic arthritis will have more spinal injuries when compared to other forms. Ultimately, though, it is less troublesome and less debilitating to the patients.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

The one main element which distinguishes this form of arthritis to others is that normally, joints from both sides of your body are attacked, and are facing pain. Redness, warmth, swelling and pain are its common symptoms.

Osteoarthritis

This is distinguished by breakdown of cartilage in the patient’s joints. Any joint in the body may be affected by this condition. However, the common areas include your spine, knees and hips.

Reiter’s Syndrome

People suffering from this form of arthritis have a unique condition in which it does not only attack the joints in the body, but also other parts of the body that include the skin, the urethra and the eyes.

Pseudogout

The most common areas to experience this form of arthritis are that of the wrist and the knee. It may affect also the shoulders, the hips, the joints in your feet and the knuckles. What makes it unique is that it’s going to attack just a single joint at a time, in most cases. The problem here is abnormal calcium pyrophosphate development.

Gout

While you might not realize it, gout is also a form of arthritis. With gout, you’ll experience severe, often sudden, pain attacks in some of the joints. Only a single joint is usually affected at a time, though the symptoms may come and go.

Each of the conditions above is something which Los Angeles rheumatology needs to know more about. Being aware of what’s happening, and why it’s happening, is significant to getting the patients the assistance they require. Since arthritis affects millions of individuals each year and it’s a debilitating condition, it’s important for scientists and doctors to work in order to develop alternative cures for these conditions. Each of the forms is unique, and this makes their job difficult.

For important information from Dr. Susan Baker, expert rheumatologist in Los Angeles, about arthritis symptoms and when you need help with your condition, please visit this website: www.susanbakermd.com

Rheumatic Diseases and Common Symptoms

Rheumatism is defined as any health complication characterized by pain and inflammation in the joints, muscles, or fibrous tissue; for instance, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. The former affects a patient's joints and muscles, whereas the latter occurs when a patient's immune system attacks their own tissues thereby causing inflammation, stiffness and joint pain.

Internal Medicine Expert in Los Angeles

If you reside in Los Angeles and have noticed any symptoms in your joints, muscles or tissues associated with rheumatism, the best course of action to take is to see a rheumatologist as soon as possible. A rheumatologist is simply a specialist who focuses on the non-surgical treatment of rheumatic diseases, especially arthritis. Common rheumatic symptoms include the following:

Joint Pain-Joint pain is the sensation of slight discomfort, inflammation, or stiffness in one or several joints of the body. Apart from other diseases or conditions, this may be a surefire symptom of rheumatoid disease.

Back Pain - Back pain is the feeling of pain or discomfort in the back region. One of the most common causes of this slight discomfort in the body is rheumatic arthritis.

Joint Stiffness (especially in the morning) - While stiff joints are a common symptom of rheumatoid arthritis, they can also be a sign of other health complications. For a possible rheumatic disease, this symptom tends to develop and become worse within a few weeks or months. And it is normally most noticeable in the morning, easing up after an hour or two, but can also last for whole day.

Although there are many other symptoms of rheumatic diseases (for instance eye, lung and heart symptoms), these are the most common symptoms whose manifestation should raise concern.

Contact an Internal Medicine Expert in Los Angeles Today

The answer is simple; getting the right rheumatic disease specialist helps to make sure you get necessary treatments aimed to better the overall quality of your life. In light of this, we recommend Susan A. Baker, MD. As a result of years of experience and accomplishments in the field of rheumatology, Dr. Baker understands the intricate and long-term needs of each patient in order to live healthy and productive lives without being weighed down by rheumatic conditions. She provides personalized rheumatology and internal medicine treatment plans in Beverly Hills for common symptoms related to osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

To find out more about Dr. Baker, feel free to visit www.susanbakermd.com