Dr. Nguyen Anh Tuan

A Rheumatologist is a medical physician who cares for, diagnoses, and treats illnesses of the joints, muscles, bones and connective tissues. This includes autoimmune and inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, gout, and ankylosing spondylitis.

Rheumatologists treat a wide variety of conditions including:

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Osteoarthritis
• Gout
• Lupus (SLE)
• Ankylosing spondylitis
• Psoriatic arthritis
• Vasculitis
• Soft tissue and tendon disorders

You should see your Rheumatologist if you have:

• Persistent joint/muscle/bone discomfort, stiffness, or swelling
• Morning stiffness greater than 30 minutes
• Unexplained exhaustion or fever
• Pain in more than one or two joints
• Signs and symptoms of autoimmune diseases

• Your provider may order tests based on symptoms, which may include:
• Blood tests (ESR, CRP, Rheumatoid factor, ANA, etc.)
• X-ray or MRI of joints
• Ultrasound for inflammation in soft tissue
• Analysis of joint fluid

Treatment may include:

• Medications, such as NSAIDs, corticosteroids, or disease-modifying drugs (DMARDs)
• Biologic therapy
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation
• Suggestions for lifestyle and diet

Although most rheumatic diseases are chronic in nature, if diagnosed early and properly managed with treatment, symptoms can be effectively managed, joint deterioration can be limited, and overall quality of life can be improved.