Rheumatology Conditions And Treatments at UPMC in Central Pa.

Our skilled rheumatologists treat a range of conditions related to musculoskeletal and autoimmune disorders.

Arthritis

There are several types of arthritis each with its own set of risk factors and symptoms.

• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA). RA affects your entire body, including your internal organs. RA is an autoimmune disease, meaning that your body "attacks itself," causing pain and inflammation in the joints. There is no single cause of RA.
• Osteoarthritis (OA). OA affects only your joints and is caused by a combination of aging and repeated joint trauma or excessive stress. OA is common in athletes, people with physically demanding jobs, and those who are overweight.

Our specialists have the expertise to develop a personalized treatment plan that helps reduce your pain and inflammation while preserving joint function.

Common medications used to treat arthritis include

• Nonsteroidal medications, such as Etodolac, Naproxen, ibuprofen
• Fast-acting medications, such as corticosteroids
• Antirheumatic medications, such as methotrexate or hydroxychloroquine
• Biologic drugs, such as Embrel, Humira, Orencia, Rituxin, Remicade
• Joint injections for accurate diagnosis and joint pain treatment

Your physician may also recommend weight loss to reduce the stress on your joints, and exercise to help relieve stiffness and increase mobility. In some cases, your physician may recommend surgery to repair or replace a problematic joint.

Gout

Gout is a complex form of inflammatory arthritis that causes severe pain, redness and tenderness in your joints. Gout occurs when there is too much uric acid in your blood. Symptoms of gout include:

• Warmth, pain, swelling and severe tenderness in the affected joint, which is most commonly the big toe. However it can affect any joint.
• An onset of pain during the night
• Red or purplish skin around the affected joint
• Limited movement in the affected joint
• Peeling and itching of the skin around the affected joint as symptoms subside.

Many people experience sudden, painful attacks of gout. However, some people suffer from chronic gout and experience constant, but usually less severe, symptoms.

If you are experiencing symptoms of gout, it is important that you talk to your physician. If left untreated, too much uric acid in your blood can cause more frequent gout attacks and joint damage. In rare case, it can damage your kidneys too. Your physician will complete a thorough evaluation of your symptoms and develop a personalized treatment plan that provides fast pain relief and prevents future attacks.

Treatment for an acute attack may include

• Resting the affected joint.
• Using ice to reduce swelling.
• Taking over the counter NSAIDs or prescription medications, at the first sign of an attack.

Treatment to prevent future attacks may include

• Lifestyle changes, such as weight management, exercise and dietary adjustments.
• Taking medication to reduce uric acid levels in your blood, such as uricosuric agents, xanthine oxidase inhibitors and, in severe cases, pegloticase.
• Treatment or removal of nodules under your skin that form from uric acid crystals, called tophi.
• Adjustments to your current medication regimen, as some medications can increase uric acid concentration.

Autoimmune Disorders

Autoimmune diseases occur when your immune system malfunctions and "attacks" your healthy cells. In addition to rheumatoid arthritis, the specialists at PinnacleHealth Rheumatology Associates provide comprehensive treatment for a number of autoimmune disorders, including:

• Lupus. This inflammatory disease of the connective tissue causes extreme fatigue, painful or swollen joints, skin rashes, kidney problems and unexplained fever.
• Sjögren's syndrome. This condition causes dry mouth and dry eyes and usually accompanies other autoimmune disorders like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
• Vasculitis. Vasculitis causes inflammation in your blood vessels and, in some cases, joint pain.
• Myositis. Myositis causes inflammation of your muscles and can accompany other autoimmune disorders.

Our specialists will use the most up-to-date therapies and medications, including biologic drugs, which target and treat specific components of your immune system. Our goal is to minimize your pain and discomfort to help you live a normal, active life.

Providers

• Praveen Jajoria, MD
• Ami Milton, MD
• Larissa V. Sachs, MD
• Mariam Khan, MD
• Christine Anne Phillips, MD
• Monica Brown-Luke, CRNP
• Stacey M. Spahr, CRNP

Locations

PinnacleHealth Rheumatology Associates
3 Walnut Street
Suite 100
Lemoyne, PA 17043
Phone: 717-988-0234
Fax: 717-703-0121

PinnacleHealth Rheumatology Associates
Located at PinnacleHealth Medical & Surgical Associates
810 Sir Thomas Court
Suite 101
Harrisburg, PA 17109
Phone: 717-614-4420
Fax: 717-614-4421

PinnacleHealth Rheumatology Associates
Located at South Hanover Medical Center
3130 Grandview Road
Building A
Hanover, PA 17331
Phone: 717-633-1978

Lancaster Arthritis & Rheumatology Care
1725 Oregon Pike
Suite 107B
Lancaster, PA 17601
Phone: 717-560-3505
Fax: 717-560-3531

Camp Hill Rheumatology-UPMC
1845 Center Street
Camp Hill, PA 17011
Phone: 717-761-3505
Fax: 717-761-4293

Contact Us

Many of our providers offer video visits. Call the office or schedule via your patient portal.

• West Shore: 717-988-0234
• Camp Hill: 717-761-3505
• Union Deposit: : 717-614-4420
• Lancaster: : 717-560-3505
• Hanover: 717-633-1978