Cold weather can be difficult for those living with a rheumatic disease. Flares, falls, and pain may happen. Here are 5 tips to help you avoid these challenging symptoms: 1. […]
Navigating Winter Weather: 5 Tips for Arthritis Patients
Disease Information
Why Sun Protection is so Important for Patients with Autoimmune Diseases
It’s important to protect yourself from the sun when you have an autoimmune disease. Dr. Laura Cappelli reviews the best practices for enjoying the sun safely.
Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Overview
Ankylosing spondylitis is part of a larger family of arthritis called spondyloarthritis. Spondylo means vertebra, or the bones of the back. And arthritis, of course means joint pain, stiffness, or swelling. Ankylosing spondylitis is an inflammation type arthritis. In this video, Dr. Cohen shares an overview of Ankylosing Spondylitis.
What is Gout? An Introduction to Gouty Arthritis
This video covers the what, why, and how of Gout. It discusses the role of uric acid in the development of gout and the risk factors associated with this. Symptoms of gout and how this is diagnosed are presented.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Disease Overview
Rheumatoid Arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease that not only affects the joints, but the whole immune system. Many patients who have Rheumatoid Arthritis also experience fatigue, dry eyes and mouth, shortness of breath, and skin problems. The good news is, with the advancement of Rheumatoid Arthritis treatments, many patients can live a healthy, normal life. In this episode, Dr. Uzma Haque, a physician at the Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center, explains the effects of Rheumatoid Arthritis, and the misconceptions many have about it.
Scleroderma Associated Myopathy – Signs & Symptoms
The typical symptoms that present in Scleroderma Associated Myopathy are muscle weakness, muscle fatigue, muscle pain, muscle endurance issues, and shortness of breath because of diaphragmatic weakness and cardio involvement. Dr. Julie Paik, Assistant Professor of Medicine at Johns Hopkins Rheumatology, explains the symptoms of Scleroderma Associated Myopathy.
Tips to Manage Sleep Related Issues in Psoriatic Arthritis
Sleep problems can occur in patients with psoriatic arthritis. While there are unfortunately many causes of these problems, there are also many solutions. In this video, Victoria Ruffing, RN, BC, the director of patient education at Johns Hopkins Rheumatology, discusses ways to combat sleeplessness and feel more restful throughout the day.
Inclusion Body Myositis (IBM) Overview
Inclusion body myositis is an inflammatory disease that affects the muscles. It affects more men than women, which makes it different than most other inflammatory diseases that affect mainly women. We are still learning about IBM and what causes it. In this video, Dr. Lisa Christopher-Stine, the Director of the Myositis Center, discusses the symptoms and problems many patients with Inclusion Body Myositis (IBM) face.
Inclusion Body Myositis (IBM) Signs & Symptoms
The most first signs that usually appear in IBM patients are trouble getting out of chairs and unexplained falls resulting from leg weakness. In this video, Dr. Tom Lloyd, the co-Director of the Myositis Center, discusses the symptoms of Inclusion Body Myositis (IBM).
Inclusion Body Myositis (IBM) Diagnosis
There are a variety of ways inclusion body myositis (IBM) is diagnosed. Physicians will check for a specific kind of weakness in the body, perform an EMG, and check the muscle enzymes. These tests help differentiate IBM from other kinds of inflammatory muscle disease. In this video, Dr. Lisa Christopher-Stine, the Director of the Myositis Center, explains how to confirm an Inclusion Body Myositis (IBM) diagnosis.
Vasculitis Treatment
The treatment for vasculitis depends on the type of vasculitis a patient has. Before beginning treatment your Rheumatologist will try to understand how extensive is the injury to the body from vasculitis. Once that is determined, they would decide what is the intensity and duration of treatment that is needed.
For more extreme cases, corticosteroids may be used, along with non-steroidal treatments. Along with these treatments, it is important that patients are vigilant about maintaining a balanced and healthy diet, and exercising regularly.
Rheumatologist Dr. Eric J. Gapud, with the Johns Hopkins Vasculitis Center, explains how treatment decisions are made.
Inclusion Body Myositis (IBM) Treatment
Unfortunately, there aren’t really any medical treatments for inclusion body myositis. The most beneficial way to improve mobility and maintain muscle longevity is to exercise and stay active. In this video, Dr. Tom Lloyd, the co-Director of the Myositis Center, discusses the symptoms of Inclusion Body Myositis (IBM).