We offer diagnostic tests 和 procedures for treating rheumatic diseases at our locations in 和谐, 基恩, 黎巴嫩, 和曼彻斯特, 新汉普郡, 和 in 本宁顿, 佛蒙特州. 我们也提供 clinics 和 programs 和 shared medical appointments at our location in 黎巴嫩, 新汉普郡.
风湿病学 tests
When you come to see us, we may perform tests in order to diagnose your condition appropriately. In addition to laboratory studies 和 X-rays, some of the tests we perform are:
- Joint aspiration: This test may be performed when there is unexplained swelling, pain 和 inflammation of a joint, or suspected infection in a joint. A sample of fluid is removed from the joint with a needle 和 examined in the laboratory. Tests performed on joint fluid can help diagnose 和 treat joint-related abnormalities.
- Musculoskeletal ultrasound: A noninvasive imaging test used to diagnose a variety of problems involving joints, 肌腱, 韧带, 和肌肉. Ultrasound is a safe 和 painless procedure in which a small transducer (probe) is placed on the skin which sends sound waves into the tissues. The sound waves then bounce back 和 produce an image of the structure being examined.
风湿病学 treatments
Our goal is to treat your rheumatic condition with the best available therapies in a timely manner in order to prevent joint damage 和 keep you as active as possible. Some of the primary treatments we provide include:
- Immunosuppressive therapies: Many of the medications used in 风湿病学 suppress your body’s immune system. You can receive medications as oral medications, injections, or intravenous infusions.
We may prescribe medication that helps to:- Reduce inflammation
- Relieve symptoms
- Slow the progression of some diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis 和 ankylosing spondylitis
- Intra-articular (joint) injections: We give corticosteroid injections into the joint. This injection reduces pain 和 inflammation from conditions, such as arthritis.
Physical 和 occupational therapy
We refer patients to physical 和 occupational therapy. The support you receive helps to maintain your strength, manage pain, 和 stay functional. The therapy is very important for helping you with your chronic rheumatic disease.