Rheumatic diseases can affect all parts of your life. They may cause pain, swelling, and problems with joints, muscles, skin, eyesight, and breathing.
At UPMC, we see people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), lupus, gout, and other types of rheumatic illness. Many of these diseases are rare.
This is why it's vital to go to a place with experts who give specialty care. We work as a team to help you get the support you need, so you can have the best quality of life.
While PCPs and orthopaedic specialists often refer patients to rheumatologists, we also welcome individuals who seek our services directly. If you're experiencing unexplained joint pain, swelling, or instability, consult a rheumatologist.
Not all rheumatic diseases start with muscle, bone, and joint problems.
Other symptoms can include:
- Fatigue you can't explain.
- Rash or other skin problems.
- Swollen lymph nodes.
- Trouble with your vision because your eyes are dry or the eye muscles hurt.
We focus on running the right tests to make sure you get a proper diagnosis.
Once you have a diagnosis, we explain treatment options.
As part of our rheumatology services at UPMC, we have multiple specialty clinics that deal with different diseases. We also refer to other experts — such as physical therapists — who help treat people with RA and other health issues.