Rheumatology is primarily thought of as the practice of treating arthritic conditions. The term comes from the Greek word rheum, which means a watery build-up because the inflammation that occurs in arthritic joints once was thought to be caused by a fluid build-up.  However, the rheumatology specialists at Emory Crawford Long Hospital work with a wide range of joint, cartilage and muscle conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.  Physicians manage and treat the muscle loss and weakened joints that can be the result of these conditions.

The most common conditions our rheumatologists treat include:

• Rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic, systemic inflammation of the joints and tissues surrounding the joints
• Osteoarthritis, the loss of cartilage in one or more joints
• Osteoporosis, thin bones
• Lupus, a disease of the immune system that randomly attacks various body tissues
• Fibromyalgia, a condition that causes muscle pain and malaise
• Gout, a condition that causes painful joint swelling and inflammation

Our rheumatologists will work with you and/or your primary care physician to design a treatment plan that will manage your condition with the latest treatment and innovative techniques available.

For more information about Emory Crawford Long Hospital Rheumatology services or physicians, please call 404-778-2000.