Advanced Treatments to Bring You Relief from Aches and Pains

Rheumatologists diagnose and treat conditions that affect bones, muscles and joints. Some rheumatic diseases, like rheumatoid arthritis, are also autoimmune disorders. These disorders occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues, organs or cells.

At Keck Medicine of USC, we accurately assess and treat more than 100 rheumatic and autoimmune disorders. Our rheumatologists and immunologists help manage your condition so you can enjoy the best quality of life possible. We’ll work closely to develop a care management plan just for you.

Types of Conditions We Treat

When you meet with a rheumatologist, they may use several diagnostic tests to assess your condition. These can include imaging tests, bone density scans, muscle function tests and blood analysis.

We offer care for several rheumatic and autoimmune conditions, including:

• Ankylosing spondylitis: This type of arthritis causes inflammation and pain in the spine, leading to stiffness and reduced movement.
• Fibromyalgia: This chronic condition causes widespread muscle pain, weakness and fatigue. It’s often linked to other rheumatic or immune disorders, like arthritis and lupus.
• Multiple sclerosis: This autoimmune disorder occurs when the immune system attacks the myelin sheath, the protective covering on the nerve cells in the brain, optic nerve and spinal cord.
• Osteoarthritis: A degenerative disease that occurs when the bone ends break down over time. It causes pain, stiffness and swelling in the joints.
• Psoriatic arthritis: This chronic autoimmune disease is often linked to psoriasis, a skin condition that causes red, scaly patches. Psoriatic arthritis causes joint pain, stiffness and swelling, most commonly in the fingers and toes.
• Rheumatoid arthritis: This chronic (long-lasting) autoimmune disease causes inflammation in the joints. It can also lead to pain, swelling, stiffness and loss of function.
• Scleroderma: This autoimmune disease occurs when the immune system attacks healthy blood vessels. As a result, the body produces too much collagen protein. This overproduction makes the skin and other tissues thicken and harden.
• Systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus): This chronic autoimmune disease causes the immune system to attack healthy tissues. It can damage several parts of the body, like the skin, joints and heart.

We also offer allergy and immunology care for conditions like asthma, eczema and allergic rhinitis. 

Rheumatic and Autoimmune Disease Symptoms 

Every rheumatic and autoimmune disease is different — symptoms vary depending on the condition. But in general, you may experience: 

• Abdominal pain or digestive issues
• Fatigue or low energy
• Fever
• Joint pain, stiffness or swelling
• Muscle aches or weakness
• Skin rashes, sores or dryness
• Unexplained weight loss or gain

Many autoimmune disease symptoms can come and go. They may flare up during physical activities or at certain times of the day.  

You know your body best, so let your doctor know if something doesn’t feel right. They’ll perform a complete evaluation to give you an accurate diagnosis. 

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