Specialties
The Division of Rheumatology provides state-of-the-art diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation for children and adults afflicted with rheumatic and immunologic diseases.
These disorders cause pain, stiffness and swelling in and around muscles, tendons, joints, bones or nerves.
Some illnesses are merely annoying, others are extremely painful and potentially debilitating, and still others can be fatal if not treated.
Disorders and diseases that we help our patients manage
For people affected by any of the more than 100 rheumatic and immunologic disorders, receiving the right treatment can mean the difference between performing everyday tasks more easily or leading a life of constant pain.
In addition to applying our own expertise to diagnose and help each patient manage their particular illness or condition, we work closely with physicians from other specialties to reinforce the entire patient-care process.
We are particularly skilled in caring for geriatric patients who often require treatment for multiple disabilities.
All patients benefit from our "hands-on" knowledge and ability to manage the wide spectrum of rheumatic and immunologic disorders including:
Joint diseases
• Gout
• Pseudo gout
• Osteoarthritis
• Mechanical derangements
• Cartilage damage
• Ligament problems
• Sports injuries
• Back pain
• Fibromyalgia
Autoimmune diseases
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Psoriatic arthritis
• Lupus
Soft tissue rheumatism
• Bursitis
• Tendonitis
Services we provide for our patients
For each patient, the symptoms for rheumatic and immunologic diseases can vary in impact between very specific and very subtle. Symptoms often develop slowly, making it difficult to quickly connect one with another and to diagnose the disease.
We enhance the diagnostic process by first giving each patient a comprehensive physical examination and developing a complete medical history. In addition, our laboratory thoroughly analyzes the patient's blood. This procedure is particularly effective in identifying autoimmune diseases.
We combine all information to develop a thorough patient profile that we use to
• Evaluate each patient's level of health
• Determine the need for specific treatments or disease intervention
• Determine the need for further assessment by other specialists
Research is an important element of improving patient care
Members of the Division of Rheumatology are on the faculty of Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, and are members of St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center's Department of Medicine. They are committed to participating in leading-edge research involving both institutions.
Links where you can obtain important medical information
The Arthritis Foundation
The Arthritis Society (Canada)
American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association
American Behcet's Disease Association
American Lyme Disease Foundation
CFIDS Association of America (Chronic Fatigue and Immune Dysfunction Syndromes)
Lupus Foundation of America (LFA)
The S.L.E Lupus Foundation
Myositis Association of America
National Psoriasis Foundation
Scleroderma Foundation
The Sjogren's Syndrome Foundation
Spondylitis Association of America
The American College of Rheumatology
Contact the division for information, an appointment or consultation
