Rheumatologists in Chicagoland

Rheumatologists diagnose and treat people who have disorders that affect the joints, muscles, bones, tendons and ligaments such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and scleroderma. These rheumatic diseases are often quite painful and can be difficult to treat and manage.

Our team of rheumatology specialists work closely with you and your primary care physician to ease pain from rheumatic diseases through medication and other therapies.

What diseases fall under rheumatology?

Some of the most common rheumatic diseases are:

• Ankylosing spondylitis (AS)
• Infectious arthritis
• Osteoarthritis
• Polymyalgia rheumatica
• Psoriatic arthritis (PsA)
• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
• Scleroderma
• Sjogren’s syndrome
• Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)

More than 200 disorders are considered part of rheumatology. Diseases treated by a rheumatologist are often autoimmune diseases, autoinflammatory diseases or connective tissue diseases. Some other rheumatic disorders are Behcet’s disease , bursitis, gout, osteoporosis, rheumatic fever and sarcoidosis.

Symptoms of rheumatic disorders

Rheumatic disorders usually cause pain in joints such as shoulder pain, knee pain or neck pain. However, some rheumatic diseases also cause symptoms in the skin, eyes or internal organs.

Rheumatism

While rheumatism isn’t a medical term, disorders that cause joint pain such as arthritis and rheumatic diseases used to be referred to as rheumatism. Your doctor will use your symptoms and results from tests such as blood tests and X-rays to provide a more specific diagnosis.

Why would you be referred to a rheumatologist?

You might be referred to a rheumatologist if your primary care physician believes you have a rheumatic disease or condition. Rheumatologists treat such disorders with medications and other nonsurgical treatments. When surgery might be needed, you’ll be referred to an orthopedist or other type of surgeon.

Rheumatology treatments

We support and participate in ongoing research and advancements, so we have access to the latest treatments in rheumatology near you.

Our pediatric specialists in rheumatology have received national recognition for research in juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. Learn about rheumatology disorders in children.

Ongoing support for rheumatic disorders

We understand that each person needs a unique treatment plan. Our therapeutic approach will be tailored to your needs and preferences, and may include medications, physical therapy, occupational therapy and psychosocial support.

• Find classes, programs and support groups for people with rheumatic disorders.
• Learn about Advocate Health at Home services that support you when you are managing a chronic condition from home.