Dr. Brinley
Rheumatological Disease Management
Dr. Brinley Medical Concierge
Rheumatological Disease Management
When you suffer from a rheumatic condition, it can be difficult to manage.
The help of a skilled rheumatologist will ensure better management for this debilitating disease.
Dr. Brinley offers concierge medical services throughout the Greater Los Angeles area, including rheumatological disease management.
Her internal medicine training and extensive experience will provide you with many benefits as you navigate the management of your rheumatic condition.
Dr. Brinley Medical Concierge
What is Rheumatic Disease?
Rheumatic disease is an inflammation affecting the supporting structure or connecting structure of the body. It’s most commonly found in the joints, but may also be found in muscles, tendons, ligaments, and bone. Some more severe rheumatic diseases may also affect the organs. There are more than 100 types of rheumatic diseases in existence today. Ultimately, these diseases cause loss of function in the affected body parts.
What are the most common Rheumatic Diseases?
The most common types of rheumatic diseases include:
- Connective Tissue Diseases
- Fibromyalgia
- Osteoporosis
- Vasculitis
- Lupus
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Spondyloarthropathy
- Osteoarthritis
- Bursitis
- Tendonitis
Many other forms of rheumatic diseases exist including gout and Lyme disease.
What types of treatments are available for Rheumatic Diseases?
Several treatment options are available for different rheumatic diseases. The treatment chosen may vary, depending on the specific disease and the severity.
- Treatment options include:
- Diet changes
- Lifestyle modifications
- Rehabilitation
- Exercise
- Drug Therapy
- Assistive devices
- Joint injections
- Surgery
- Pain management
The treatment option will depend on the exact rheumatic disease you suffer from. In some cases, changing your diet will make a big difference, especially if you suffer from gout.
How can Rheumatic Diseases be Managed?
Some of the most common ways to manage rheumatic diseases include making changes to the way you live. Diet and exercise can be very helpful in the management of many rheumatic diseases. A balanced and healthy diet, along with weight loss will likely help you better manage your rheumatic disease. Excess weight puts stress on the joints in your knees, feet, back, and hips.
These are the most common areas for arthritis pain. Losing weight will help take the added stress off your joints.
Regular exercise allows you to maintain a proper weight and helps to make your muscles stronger. In addition, the right exercise will help keep your joints flexible. Exercise is a very helpful tool in the management of rheumatic diseases.
When does Surgery become necessary for Rheumatic Diseases?
Most of the time, surgery for rheumatic diseases is used as a last resort. When physical therapy, diet and exercise, drug therapy, and assistive devices have not provided enough control, surgery may become the right option.
Surgery can be used to repair or remove a damaged or diseased joint. It can also be used to fuse bones together or replace joints with artificial ones. Some rheumatic conditions cannot be treated with surgical options.
Dr. Brinley will help you with rheumatological disease management. No matter the type of rheumatic disease you suffer from, Dr. Brinley will design a management plan specifically for you.
From diet and exercise recommendations to physical therapy to drug therapy, Dr. Brinley can match the right treatment to your disease for better management. If you suffer from any rheumatic disease, call Dr. Brinley today to schedule your appointment.