Your Arthritis and Autoimmune Experts

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Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks the joints, causing pain, swelling, stiffness, and long-term damage if left untreated. It often affects the hands, wrists, and knees but can involve other organs like the heart, lungs, or eyes. With early diagnosis and personalized treatment, including medication, lifestyle changes, and holistic care, RA symptoms can be effectively managed. Learn more about RA on our YouTube channel and from Dr. Girnita’s book Thriving with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic autoimmune condition that combines joint inflammation with the skin symptoms of psoriasis. It causes pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints, often affecting the fingers, toes, spine, and larger joints, leading to potential joint damage if untreated.

Psoriatic arthritis can also cause fatigue, eye inflammation, and nail changes. Our practice has diagnosed and treated hundreds of patients with PsA.

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory arthritis primarily affecting the spine and sacroiliac joints, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.

Over time, AS can cause the vertebrae to fuse, resulting in a loss of spinal flexibility and a hunched posture. It may also affect other joints, the eyes (uveitis), and, rarely, the heart or lungs.

Early diagnosis and a tailored treatment plan, including medications, physical therapy, and lifestyle adjustments, are essential to managing symptoms, reducing inflammation, and preserving mobility.

Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is an inflammatory condition that causes widespread pain and stiffness, particularly in the shoulders, neck, and hips.

It typically affects adults over 50 and is often worse in the morning or after periods of inactivity. PMR may be associated with giant cell arteritis (temporal arteritis), a more severe condition that affects blood vessels.

Bursitis and tendonitis are common inflammatory conditions affecting the soft tissues around joints. Bursitis occurs when the small, fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that cushion bones, tendons, and muscles near joints become inflamed, often causing pain, swelling, and limited movement.

Tendonitis, on the other hand, is the inflammation or irritation of a tendon, the fibrous tissue that connects muscle to bone, leading to pain and stiffness, especially with movement. Both conditions can result from repetitive motions, overuse, injury, or aging.

Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, leading to sudden and severe pain, swelling, redness, and tenderness, often in the big toe. It can affect other joints and, if left untreated, may lead to chronic joint damage and kidney issues.

Managing gout involves a combination of medication, lifestyle changes, and a tailored diet to lower uric acid levels and prevent flare-ups.

For a comprehensive guide to understanding and managing gout, check out Dr. Girnita’s book The Complete Gout Management and Nutrition Guide, which includes information on nutrition, treatment options, and practical tips for living well with gout.

Pseudogout, or calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease (CPPD), is arthritis caused by the joints’ buildup of calcium pyrophosphate crystals.

This condition often mimics gout, with sudden episodes of joint pain, swelling, and redness, commonly affecting the knees, wrists, and shoulders. Unlike gout, pseudogout is not linked to uric acid but to calcium crystal deposits.

It is more common in older adults and may be associated with other conditions like osteoarthritis or metabolic disorders.

Adult-Onset Still’s Disease (AOSD) is a rare inflammatory condition characterized by high fevers, joint pain, and a distinctive salmon-colored rash that often comes and goes. It is an autoinflammatory disease and may involve other symptoms, such as sore throat, muscle pain, and swollen lymph nodes.

In severe cases, AOSD can affect internal organs, including the liver, spleen, and heart, leading to complications like pericarditis or pleuritis.

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) is a group of connective tissue disorders that affect the skin, joints, and blood vessel walls.

People with EDS often have hyper-elastic skin, joint hypermobility, and a tendency to bruise easily. The condition can lead to joint dislocations, chronic pain, and internal bleeding due to fragile blood vessels.

There are different types of EDS, each with varying degrees of severity. Diagnosis is typically made through clinical evaluation and genetic testing, which can help identify specific genetic mutations associated with the condition. Our clinic offers comprehensive genetic testing to help diagnose EDS.

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and cognitive difficulties, often referred to as ‘fibro fog.’

The exact cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, but it is thought to involve abnormal processing of pain signals in the brain and nervous system.

People with fibromyalgia may experience heightened sensitivity to pain, muscle stiffness, headaches, and digestive issues. A holistic, patient-centered approach is essential for improving symptoms and enhancing quality of life.