Myositis Treatment Specialist in Catonsville, Glen Burnie, Columbia, Baltimore, North Baltimore, Rosedale, and Edgewater, MD

At Nasseri Clinic of Arthritic and Rheumatic Diseases, we specialize in diagnosing and treating a variety of inflammatory and autoimmune conditions, including myositis. Myositis is an inflammatory condition that affects the muscle tissue and is more commonly observed in adults, especially those in their late 30s to early 60s.
 
We understand that myositis has a clear gender bias, affecting women twice as often as men. This is particularly noticeable in certain forms of the disease like dermatomyositis. We are also aware that certain factors, including genetic predisposition, viral infections, autoimmune disorders, specific medications, and exposure to environmental toxins can increase the risk of developing myositis.

Our clinic provides comprehensive care for patients with autoimmune disorders such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or Sjogren’s syndrome, which can increase the risk of developing myositis. We offer genetic counseling and screening for those with a family history of autoimmune diseases to assess their risk.

Despite the numerous risk factors, we want to reassure our patients that not everyone will develop myositis, and other unknown factors may also contribute to its development. We are committed to helping individuals with myositis lead active, fulfilling lives. We strive to manage the condition effectively, aiming for periods of remission through proper medical management and care.

At Nasseri Clinic of Arthritic and Rheumatic Diseases, we specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions like myositis, which can cause muscle inflammation and varied symptoms. Our team understands the challenges in identifying myositis due to its rarity and diverse signs. However, early recognition can lead to a more timely diagnosis and treatment.
 
Our patients often come to us with symptoms like muscle weakness, typically starting in muscles close to the trunk of the body. This weakness may hinder daily activities, making it hard to stand up from a seated position, climb stairs, lift objects, or reach overhead.

In addition to muscle weakness, myositis can cause muscle pain and tenderness, and in some cases, it can even lead to joint pain and inflammation. As a clinic specializing in arthritis and rheumatic diseases, we are adept at managing these symptoms and providing effective treatment options.

Our patients also report symptoms of muscle stiffness, fatigue, skin changes, difficulty swallowing or breathing, and less commonly, cardiac problems, lung problems, and gastrointestinal issues. In some cases, weight loss and fever can also be symptoms. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, we encourage you to seek medical help promptly.

While these symptoms can be caused by other conditions, our team is dedicated to ensuring an accurate diagnosis. We advise against self-diagnosis and encourage seeking immediate medical attention if your symptoms are severe, worsening quickly, or accompanied by worrying signs like difficulty breathing or swallowing.

The prognosis for myositis can vary greatly, depending on factors such as the type and severity of the disease, the patient’s age, overall health, and promptness of diagnosis and treatment, as well as the patient’s response to the treatment.
 
Our team is experienced in managing the varying severity of myositis cases. We aim for full recovery where possible, such as with viral myositis where the right treatment and rest can often lead to a complete cure. On the other hand, for conditions like polymyositis and dermatomyositis, we strive to initiate early treatment to maximize symptom improvement and muscle strength recovery. However, we understand that complete recovery is not always guaranteed and we are fully prepared to provide supportive care in the event of persistent mild symptoms or periodic relapses.

For more challenging forms of myositis, such as autoimmune myositis and inclusion body myositis, we offer supportive therapy and disease management to manage symptoms, slow the progression of the disease, and improve quality of life, as these forms are generally resistant to most treatments and tend to progressively worsen over time.

Our commitment goes beyond providing treatment. We believe in nurturing a close partnership with our patients to develop a personalized treatment plan and monitor their condition regularly. Regular follow-up appointments and adherence to treatment recommendations are crucial to maintaining well-being and preventing disease flare-ups.

Myositis develops through three main stages, and each stage requires a different approach to management and treatment.
 
1. Early or Acute Stage (also known as the prodromal phase): In the initial stage of myositis, patients often experience sudden muscle pain and weakness, which may be accompanied by swelling and tenderness.

2. Plateau or Subacute Stage (also known as the active or inflammatory stage): If myositis progresses to the plateau stage, muscle pain and weakness may intensify.

3. Chronic or Late Stage: In the chronic stage of myositis, the muscle inflammation may continue to progress, leading to significant muscle weakness and disability.

We understand that myositis is a challenging condition, but our dedicated team at Nasseri Clinic of Arthritic and Rheumatic Diseases is committed to providing ongoing medical care and monitoring throughout all stages of the disease. We work closely with our patients to develop an individualized treatment plan that addresses their specific needs and improves their overall health.

For more information, contact us or request an appointment online. We serve patients from Rosedale MD, Baltimore MD, Columbia MD, Glen Burnie MD, Catonsville MD, North Baltimore MD, Edgewater MD, Parkville MD, Middle River MD, Dundalk MD, Halethrope MD, Ellicott City MD, Laurel MD, Hebbville MD, and Woodlawn MD.