Rheumatology and Osteoporosis Specialists in Bayville, NJ

Chronic joint pain, autoimmune disease, and osteoporosis can impact many areas of your life. Rheumatology and osteoporosis specialists in Bayville, NJ work with patients to find answers to chronic musculoskeletal symptoms.

Doctors of rheumatology at SMC Physicians offer comprehensive care for autoimmune diseases, arthritis, joint pain, and conditions that affect bones, joints, muscles, and connective tissues. Patients receive customized treatment plans that focus on decreasing pain and inflammation, improving mobility, strengthening bones, and enhancing overall quality of life.

Arthritis and rheumatologic diseases are conditions that affect joints, connective tissues, and muscles. These diseases can cause pain, stiffness, inflammation, and irreversible damage throughout the body.

Osteoporosis is characterized by loss of bone density which increases your risk of developing fractures. Often, osteoporosis develops without symptoms until you experience your first fracture.

Rheumatology and osteoporosis specialists at SMC Physicians help patients slow the progression of these diseases.

Understanding Rheumatologic Conditions

Rheumatology is the medical specialty dedicated to diagnosing and treating autoimmune disease and inflammation. Rheumatologists evaluate conditions that affect joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and tissues that connect your body. Diseases of rheumatology typically occur when your immune system attacks healthy tissue by mistake, causing inflammation.

Some examples of rheumatologic diseases include:

Rheumatoid arthritis
Osteoarthritis
Psoriatic arthritis
Lupus
Ankylosing spondylitis
Sjögren’s syndrome
Gout
Vasculitis
Fibromyalgia
Polymyalgia rheumatica

While some conditions are severe, many people experience similar symptoms. These symptoms can include joint pain and swelling, fatigue, stiffness, and limited range of motion.

What is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a disease that affects your bones and causes them to lose density. Bones with low bone density contain less calcium and other minerals. They are weaker than healthy bones which leads to an increased risk of fracture. When you have osteoporosis, your bones are more likely to break from a fall or, in severe cases, from minor pressure.

Osteoporosis can be caused by:

Aging
Hormonal changes
Genetics
Vitamin D deficiency
Calcium deficiency
Certain medications
Smoking
Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol
Lack of exercise

Women are particularly at risk for osteoporosis after menopause, but men can develop this condition too.

Signs You May Need to Be Seen by a Specialist

Because many rheumatologic diseases and bone disorders have similar symptoms, it can be difficult to know when you should see a specialist. If you experience any of the following symptoms, schedule an evaluation with the rheumatology and osteoporosis specialists at SMC Physicians:

Joint pain
Stiffness in the morning that lasts for more than 30 minutes
Swelling or redness in your joints
Fatigue
Muscle weakness
Bone pain
Recurrent fractures
Decreased height
Back pain
Pain that makes it difficult to complete daily tasks

Diagnosing the cause of your symptoms early can help you begin treatment and prevent further damage from occurring.

Comprehensive Diagnostic Evaluations

The rheumatology and osteoporosis doctors at SMC Physicians will begin your evaluation by performing a comprehensive review of your symptoms, medical history, and family history. They will also consider your lifestyle when determining your diagnosis. Many rheumatologic disorders can cause similar symptoms, so it is important to make an accurate diagnosis.

Your doctor may order:

Blood work to check for inflammation and autoimmune diseases.
Bone density testing
Joint studies and imaging
X-rays
Ultrasound
Specialized lab testing

These tests help your doctor confirm a diagnosis and recommend treatments to reduce your symptoms.

Treatment Options for Rheumatologic Diseases

Treatment will vary on your diagnosis and how severe your symptoms are. The main goals for treatment include reducing inflammation, relieving pain, preserving your joint function, and preventing irreversible damage.

Our doctors may prescribe medications to reduce your inflammation and pain. These can include anti-inflammatory medications, immune-suppressing medications, and medications that slow the progress of the disease. At SMC Physicians, we closely monitor your symptoms and lab work to make sure you are receiving the most effective treatment.

Physical and occupational therapy as well as lifestyle modifications can also help you manage your symptoms and reduce your pain.

If you have osteoporosis, your doctor may prescribe medication to help increase your bone density. In addition to medication, you may need to take calcium and vitamin D supplements to give your body the nutrients it needs to build strong bones. Exercises that are low impact and promote weight bearing can also help strengthen your bones and reduce your risk of fractures.

Prevention and Long-term Care

The doctors at SMC Physicians understand that many rheumatologic diseases are life-long conditions. For this reason, it is important to take an active role in your treatment and care. By keeping up with your medications and following your treatment plan, you can live a long and healthy life.

If you suffer from osteoporosis, it is important to monitor your bone density by visiting your doctor every year. Catching deterioration in your bones early can allow your doctor to make small changes to your treatment to prevent fractures.