Don’t Let Joint Pain Control Your Life: When to Seek Rheumatology Care

Don’t Let Joint Pain Control Your Life

Painful, swollen or stiff joints can make even simple daily activities feel difficult. Buttoning a shirt, opening a jar, climbing stairs or getting out of bed may become uncomfortable. While occasional soreness can happen to anyone, ongoing symptoms may be a sign of arthritis or another rheumatic condition that deserves medical attention.

At Decatur County Hospital, Elizabeth “Libby” Allen, ARNP, FNP, provides rheumatology care focused on helping patients understand their symptoms and find a treatment plan that fits their needs.

What Is Rheumatology?

Rheumatology focuses on conditions affecting the joints, muscles, bones and connective tissues. Some rheumatic diseases are caused by wear and tear, while others occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue.

Arthritis is one of the most common reasons patients seek rheumatology care, but it is not a single condition. There are many different types, each with its own causes and treatment options.

Osteoarthritis typically develops as the protective cartilage within a joint wears down over time. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes the immune system to attack the joints. Other inflammatory conditions, including psoriatic arthritis, lupus and ankylosing spondylitis, can affect more than the joints and may involve the skin, organs or other areas of the body.

Because these conditions can share similar symptoms, an accurate diagnosis is an important first step toward effective treatment.

When Should You Seek Care?

Consider making an appointment if you are experiencing:

• Persistent joint pain or tenderness
• Swelling, warmth or redness around a joint
• Stiffness that is worse in the morning or after resting
• A reduced range of motion
• Ongoing muscle pain or weakness
• Unexplained fatigue, rashes or recurring inflammation
• Symptoms that interfere with work, sleep or daily activities

You do not have to wait until the pain becomes severe. Seeking care early may help identify the cause of your symptoms, protect joint function and prevent certain conditions from becoming more difficult to manage.

Care Focused on You

In the DCH Outpatient Clinic, Libby evaluates, diagnoses and treats a wide range of conditions, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, fibromyalgia, lupus, osteoporosis, bursitis, tendonitis, psoriatic arthritis, Raynaud’s phenomenon and other rheumatic diseases.

Every patient’s experience is different. Your evaluation may include a conversation about your symptoms, medical history and how the condition is affecting your daily life. From there, Libby can help develop an individualized treatment plan designed to reduce symptoms, support mobility and improve your quality of life.

Living with joint pain can be frustrating, but you do not have to navigate it alone, or travel far to receive specialized care. Decatur County Hospital is proud to provide rheumatology services close to home.

To learn more, visit decaturcountyhospital.org/rheumatology or call 641-446-2285 to schedule an appointment.