Rheumatoid Arthritis is one of the most common inflammatory types of arthritis. Although it generally tends to affect the hands and feet in a symmetrical pattern, it can affect any joint. Research into this condition has resulted in the development of very specific medications, known as “biological agents and targeted synthetics” that can successfully manage this illness.

The term “arthritis” includes any disease that can affect the joints. When this term is used, most people refer to osteoarthritis which is a condition that affects over 40 million Americans. This condition can affect any joint, but tends to focus on the hands, feet, spine, knees and hips. New medications are being investigated and currently, there are many modalities that can be used to improve the pain associated with this illness and quality of life.

Ankylosing Spondylitis and the new term “Axial Spondyloarthritis” are a group of inflammatory diseases that predominately affect the spine, neck, back and hips. They can also uncommonly affect the gastrointestinal tract, the eyes and the skin. Generally, these diseases cause pain that is worse in the morning and improves throughout the day. The therapy for this group of diseases has dramatically improved over the last 10-20 years and there are multiple treatment options.

Gout is a condition characterized by the acute onset of intense pain, swelling and redness in a joint. Most often the joints of the great toe are involved but other joints may also become inflamed. Elevated blood uric acid causes the development of acute gout in the joint in which crystals form, causing the intense inflammatory response. Dr. Ahmed is an expert in the diagnosis of gout, the treatment of an acute attack and the development of a long term plan for the prevention of further attacks and joint damage.

Lupus is a chronic (long-term) disease that can cause inflammation and pain in any part of your body. It’s an autoimmune disease, which means that your immune system — the body system that usually fights infections — attacks healthy tissue instead.

Osteoarthritis is also referred to as degenerative joint disease and is the most common form of arthritis. The breaking down of cartilage in the joint causes pain, swelling and reduced motion. It is often accompanied by enlargement of the bones around the joint. Osteoarthritis can occur in any joint, but commonly affects the hands, knees, hips, and the spine. It is related to aging, genetics, and wear and tear on joints. Dr. Ahmed specializes in the treatment of osteoarthritis, including the use of medications, physical therapy, and appropriate localized injections which help relieve pain and stiffness.

Osteoporosis is a major public health threat for 44 million Americans, primarily women. Ten million individuals already have osteoporosis and 34 million more have low bone mass, placing them at increased risk for developing osteoporosis and resultant fractures. Known as “the silent thief,” osteoporosis progresses without symptoms or pain until fractures occur. The most common sites are the hip, spine and wrist. Dr. Ahmed is an expert in the diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis.

Psoriatic Arthritis is a condition where generally there is the occurrence of both psoriasis, a skin condition, and joint inflammation and pain. Psoriasis is a red, scaly skin rash. There are some patients with Psoriatic Arthritis who only have joint involvement without skin disease. The therapy for this disease has dramatically improved over the last 10-20 years and there are multiple treatment options.

Systemic Sclerosis is a condition of hardening of the soft tissues, most often of skin. It is associated with Raynaud’s phenomenon (three-phase color changes of the hands). We can make an early diagnosis, carefully monitor the disease and implement evidence-based treatment strategies.

This symptom can be a herald of an inflammatory or degenerative type of arthritis, which are very different. We can determine which and develop an evidence-based approach to treatment.

Dryness of the eyes, mouth and other mucous membranes characterize this autoimmune disease. It can exist as an independent entity, or it can be associated with other autoimmune diseases such as Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus or Scleroderma. If an underlying disease is identified, treatment is directed at the underlying disease. If not, there are a number of medications that can address the dryness experienced by patients who have this illness.

Inflammation of the fibrous ends of muscles can occur with inflammatory diseases or activity. We can determine which and help you develop a treatment strategy.

Vasculitis is a term for a group of rare diseases that have in common inflammation of blood vessels. These vessels include arteries and veins. There are many types of vasculitis, and they may vary greatly in symptoms, severity and duration. Most types of vasculitis are rare, and the causes are generally not known. Vasculitis affects persons of both sexes and all ages.