Rheumatoid Arthritis
Definition
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disorder that primarily affects the joints, causing inflammation, pain, swelling, and stiffness. It can also impact other body systems, such as the skin, eyes, lungs, and blood vessels. The condition occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues, leading to joint damage and potential disability.
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Rheumatology
We offer coordinated, multidisciplinary clinical care for people with rheumatoid and other types of inflammatory arthritis, as well as osteoarthritis and a variety of autoimmune diseases, including lupus, scleroderma, myositis, and vasculitis. Our physicians are experts at diagnosing and treating more than 200 types of rheumatologic disorders, some of which are difficult to pinpoint. Rheumatic disorders affect the joints, muscles, and bones and often include autoimmune diseases that disrupt the body’s immune system by causing inflammation and breaking down connective tissue and related body structures. We work closely with other specialists at Yale including pulmonologists, nephrologists, gastroenterologists, cardiologists, allergists, neurologists, dermatologists, surgeons, and orthopaedists to care for complex rheumatic and autoimmune diseases. Specialized care is offered in the following areas: Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome Rheumatoid arthritis and other types of inflammatory arthritis Scleroderma and myositis Systemic lupus erythematosus Transition program for young adults Vasculitis State-of-the-art infusion sites at Yale New Haven Hospital and in the Yale New Haven Health Interventional Immunology Center in North Haven Full array of imaging and laboratory services Nationally recognized clinical research programs that are integrated with clinical care to offer the most advanced treatments to patients with arthritis and autoimmune diseasesPediatric Rheumatology
If a child is complaining of pain in the joints, muscles, bones, or tendons—or exhibits other symptoms of arthritis—a pediatrician might recommend seeing a pediatric rheumatologist. We have the expertise to care for a child’s specific needs when it comes to autoimmune and rheumatologic disorders and related conditions.Rheumatoid Arthritis Program
Addressing the challenges faced by patients with all forms of inflammatory arthritis, our program focuses on three components: patient care, patient education, and clinical research designed to advance our knowledge and treatment of arthritis. We offer expertise in adult rheumatology, laboratory medicine, and radiology. The key to the effective management of inflammatory arthritis begins with the correct diagnosis. We arrive at all decisions about medical therapy in collaboration with patients; each one is unique, and we aim to optimize the treatment of each individual. We work closely with our colleagues in physical and occupational therapy to ensure that patients have appropriate guidance in physical activities and rehabilitation, if indicated, and orthopaedic surgery to ensure they have access to up-to-date approaches in joint surgery, if necessary. One of our main goals is to educate patients about their disease, appropriate therapies, and resources available to those living with inflammatory arthritis. We encourage patients and their family to participate in all aspects of decision-making about their disease management. We work together to help our patients achieve a high quality of life.