Rheumatology

Our Rheumatologists have the expertise and experience to diagnose, treat rheumatoid diseases

If you have joint inflammation, it could be a sign of a rheumatic disease. Henry Ford Rheumatology has the experience and expertise for diagnosing and treating rheumatic diseases.

Our trusted team of physicians, fellows and nurse practitioners comprise one of the largest rheumatology practices in Michigan. For your convenience, we have clinics in Detroit, Jackson, Novi, Sterling Heights and Taylor that provide the care you need for your condition, whether common or rare.

What are rheumatic diseases?

There are an estimated 100 or more rheumatic diseases affecting 46 million Americans. We treat the following conditions and more:

• Gout
• Lupus
• Myositis
• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Scleroderma
• Sjogren’s Syndrome
• Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
• Vasculitis

Gender and race may play a role in certain diseases. For example, rheumatoid arthritis and scleroderma affect mostly women. Gout affects mostly men, though the incidence in women rises after menopause.

When should I see a rheumatologist?

While everyone has occasional joint and muscle pain, it’s when that pain persists and comes with tenderness, warmth, redness at a joint or difficulty moving a joint that you should see a rheumatologist.

What are my treatment options?

Like any medical condition or disease, treatment is based on your individual symptoms, test results and imaging tests. Your pain-free, noninvasive treatment options may include:

• Assistive devices like a cane or shoe inserts
• Heat and cold therapy
• Lifestyle changes like exercise and healthy eating
• Medication

Our rheumatologists also partner with Henry Ford specialists in primary care, endocrinology and metabolism, orthopedics, neurology and neurosurgery, and others, to manage your condition and progress.

For those who need to receive medication intravenously – through a vein in the arm – Henry Ford Rheumatology offers Infusion Centers at these locations:

• Henry Ford Medical Center-New Center One, Detroit
• Henry Ford Medical Center - Taylor
• Henry Ford Medical Center-Lakeside, Sterling Heights
• Henry Ford Medical Center-Columbus Center, Novi

Our infusion therapies include these medications:

• Actemra
• Benlysta
• IVIG
• Krystexxa
• Orencia
• Remicade
• Simponi
• Solumedrol

Because of Henry Ford’s expansive research portfolio, you may also be eligible for research studies that are testing new therapies for rheumatic diseases.

What is the Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Clinic?

If you have a musculoskeletal injury or disorder, our Musculoskeletal Disorder Clinic uses real-time images taken without radiation to better pinpoint the area for relieving joint pain with medication. The clinic, headed by Alireza Meysami, M.D., is open on Wednesdays and Fridays at the Henry Ford Medical Center-New Center One in Detroit.

These helpful resources may assist you with more information about your rheumatic disease:

• American College of Rheumatology
• Arthritis Foundation
• Lupus Alliance of Michigan