Rheumatologists treat a wide array of diseases that mainly involve autoimmunity. This is a term used to describe a complex situation whereby the body’s immune system goes awry and attacks the body itself. The harmful effects are variable and associated with specific diseases based on the immune pathways and connective tissues involved. Such diseases include rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, scleroderma, Sjogren’s syndrome, ankylosing spondylitis, arthritis with Crohn’s disease and psoriasis, myositis, Behcet’s syndrome, vasculitis, sarcoidosis, Paget’s disease and others.
Such connective tissue destruction could also result from metabolic crystal producing diseases, such as gout and other crystal-related diseases, or from metabolic conditions such as diabetes and thyroid diseases that could lead to arthritis and connective tissue conditions managed by a rheumatologist.
University of Florida Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology physicians at Shands Jacksonville generally treat patients with diseases that affect the muscles, skeleton and joints, including osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, fibromyalgia and other diseases of the muscles, joints and tendons.
Our treatment is focused on the patient as a whole and not a specific disease process. There are many treatment options available, including advanced biologic therapies, traditional medications, simple procedures, rehabilitation, physical therapy and counseling when appropriate. We apply the latest advances in science and technology, such as musculoskeletal ultrasound and MRI in the assessment and management of rheumatic conditions. The latest and best therapies are offered to our patients - including infusions if needed - at the Infusion Center located at our Emerson location.
