Rheumatology

Rheumatic diseases cause inflammation in your bones, muscles, ligaments and tendons. Many rheumatic conditions are autoimmune (when your immune system attacks healthy tissue).

Whether you need a diagnosis, treatment, or second opinion, you can trust the experts at UMass Memorial Health. Our board-certified rheumatologists provide exceptional care for any type of rheumatic disease, including rare and complex cases. Our doctors have specialized training in rheumatology, making them uniquely qualified to treat these conditions.

Rheumatology Conditions We Treat

We diagnose and treat the full range of rheumatic conditions, including:

Autoimmune, Complex and Inherited Rheumatic Diseases

• Fibromyalgia
• Lyme disease in children and adults
• Psoriatic arthritis
• Rheumatoid vasculitis 
• Sarcoidosis (condition that causes the growth of lumps throughout the body)
• Scleroderma and other connective tissue diseases
• Sjögren syndrome
• Systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus)

Bone and Joint Conditions

• Ankylosing spondylitis and other spondyloarthropathies
• Bursitis 
• Gout
• Osteoarthritis (OA)
• Osteoporosis
• Psoriatic arthritis (arthritis that affects some people with psoriasis)
• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
• Septic arthritis

Muscle and Tendon Conditions

• Muscular dystrophy
• Myasthenia gravis
• Polymyositis
• Tendonitis, including Achilles tendonitis and shoulder tendonitis

Rheumatology Treatments We Provide

Rheumatic diseases affect everyone differently, so you receive care personalized for your needs. Your treatment plan is based on your symptoms, medical needs, and lifestyle and may include:

Medication Management

Our rheumatologists provide the latest medical therapies for rheumatic diseases, including clinical trials. We customize your medication plan to maximize your results and minimize side effects.

Injections and Noninvasive Therapies

Our experienced rheumatologists and physiatrists provide injections for relief from arthritis, gout and other conditions. Learn more about Physiatry.

Counseling

Your emotional and mental health affect your physical health, so we help you get support when you need it. We connect you with counselors and therapists who specialize in helping people with chronic conditions.

Education

Knowledge about your health can help you maximize your quality of life. We teach you about the disease and how to manage symptoms with diet and activity modification.