Division of Rheumatology
The Division of Rheumatology offers a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach to the care of rheumatologic disorders and autoimmune conditions. These disorders may cause pain and inflammation of the skin, muscles, tendons, joints and bones, and include Lupus and Rheumatoid arthritis. We provide compassionate care centered on the individual patient and educate patients on how to manage their condition. We coordinate partnerships with other hospital divisions, and conduct independent and collaborative research efforts aimed at increasing understanding and awareness of rheumatic diseases.
Conditions We Treat
Our doctors diagnose and treat rheumatic disorders according to current standards and also offer patients access to innovative diagnostic tools, such as ultrasonography, which assist in the diagnosis and management of disease states in rheumatology.
The conditions we treat include:
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disorder which affects the body's cells and tissues, and may lead to skin rash, hair loss, joint pain, arthritis and/or kidney failure.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) affects flexible (synovial) joints, mainly involving the hands, and may result in a disabling and painful arthritis.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition of the joints associated with loss of cartilage and can result in severe pain in multiple joints including the hands, knees, hips and back.
Gout
Gout is characterized by recurrent attacks of inflammatory arthritis, resulting in warm, swollen and painful joints, especially of the feet.
Systemic sclerosis
Systemic sclerosis is an autoimmune disorder that results in thickening of the skin caused by the accumulation of collagen in the connective tissues.
Sarcoidosis
Sarcoidosis involves abnormal collections of inflammatory cells that can cause nodules in the lungs and other organs. It may cause difficulty breathing, fatigue, and joint pain.
Seronegative Spondyloarthritis (SpA)
The SpA diseases, such as ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, reactive arthritis and arthritis associated with inflammatory bowel disease, are autoimmune disorders which may lead to chronic back pain and decreased mobility of the spine. They may also be associated with eye inflammation.
Bursitis/Tendinitis
Bursitis and tendinitis are caused by inflammation of one or more bursae (small sacs of synovial fluid) in the body, resulting in pain in the associated muscles and tendons.
Systemic vasculitis
Systemic vasculitis is a condition in which there is inflammation of arteries and other blood vessels and may present with severe headache, vision loss, fever and fatigue.
Sjögren's syndrome
Sjögren's syndrome is an autoimmune disorder which results in severe dry mouth and dry eyes. It may be associated with arthralgias and fatigue.
Fibromyalgia/musculoskeletal pain
Fibromyalgia causes widespread pain throughout the body that affects joints and connective tissues.
Diagnostic Services
The Division of Rheumatology collaborates with other specialties at Howard University Hospital to improve disease outcomes in our patients with rheumatologic conditions. We offer procedures and interventions to help our patients maintain function and control pain while treating the underlying disease
These include:
- Corticosteroid injections to treat arthritis, bursitis, tendinitis and trigger finger.
- Infusion therapy to treat systemic autoimmune disorders including rheumatoid arthritis lupus, and gout.
- Ultrasonography to assist in the diagnosis and management of rheumatologic diseases.
