Top Rheumatologist in Edgewater, MD

Rheumatologists specialize in the diagnosis and management of arthritis and other autoimmune-related disorders. If you have certain symptoms, such as swelling or chronic fatigue, your primary care doctor may refer you to a rheumatologist. Some of the most common reasons to see a rheumatologist include:

• Rheumatoid arthritis – This disorder causes chronic inflammation in the joints and is characterized by symptoms like pain, stiffness, low-grade fever, and swelling.
• Lupus – This complex autoimmune condition can affect the joints, kidneys, skin, and cardiovascular system and requires comprehensive management.
• Fibromyalgia – As a chronic pain condition, fibromyalgia causes various disruptive symptoms, such as sleep disturbances, chronic fatigue, and widespread musculoskeletal pain.
• Osteoarthritis – While primary care physicians and orthopedic doctors can provide osteoarthritis treatment and management, rheumatologists offer advanced treatment options to alleviate discomfort in severe cases.
• Vasculitis – Rheumatologists specialize in diagnosing and treating vasculitis, a group of rare autoimmune disorders characterized by the inflammation of blood vessels.
• Gout – This is a form of inflammatory arthritis that results in severe pain, redness, and swelling in the affected joints.

In addition to the conditions listed above, rheumatologists also work with patients who are diagnosed with Sjögren’s syndrome, psoriatic arthritis, spondyloarthropathies, and a variety of other autoimmune disorders.

If you’ve been referred to see a rheumatologist, you should book your visit as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment from a rheumatologist improves outcomes for patients with autoimmune conditions, as there is a lower risk of complications caused by untreated disorders, such as debilitating symptoms or organ damage.

If you are experiencing persistent symptoms, such as stiffness, fatigue, joint pain, or swelling, or if you notice that your symptoms are worsening, it’s time to see a rheumatologist. Your primary care physician can provide you with a referral to see this type of specialist. You can ask for recommendations from your doctor or ask them for a referral to a specific rheumatologist if you know the professional or clinic you would like to visit.

When you visit a rheumatologist at Nasseri Clinic of Arthritic and Rheumatic Diseases, you can expect top-quality care and service. Patients who are visiting for the first time will need to fill out some paperwork about personal information and insurance coverage before seeing the doctor. When the doctor is ready to see you, you will be brought to a private and comfortable consultation room.

During your initial appointment, the rheumatologist will introduce themselves and ask you questions about your medical history, your current symptoms, and your lifestyle to better understand how your condition affects you. A physical exam will also be performed. In some cases, lab tests or imaging studies will be ordered to diagnose the root cause of your symptoms.

Next, the specialist will outline the recommended treatment options and discuss your preferences to create a personalized treatment plan. To prepare for this visit, you should bring a list of your symptoms, the medications you currently take, a detailed medical history, and your questions for the doctor. This will help you get the most out of your time with the rheumatologist.

Some of the treatments that are commonly recommended to patients with rheumatic diseases include:

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs)
• Corticosteroid injections
• Biologic therapies
• Analgesic drugs
• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Surgery

In summary, there are a variety of options for the treatment and management of rheumatic conditions like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and vasculitis. The right options for you will depend on your medical history, the severity of your symptoms, and the rheumatologist’s recommendations. To determine what combination of approaches will offer you the quickest and most effective symptom relief, schedule a visit to the Nasseri Clinic of Arthritic and Rheumatic Diseases and receive high-quality care and service from our dedicated team. For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 3168 Braverton St., Suite 330B, Edgewater, MD 21037. We serve patients from Edgewater MD, Riva MD, Davidsonville MD, Annapolis MD, and surrounding areas.