Arthritis and other rheumatic diseases are characterized by pain, swelling, and limited movement in joints and connective tissues in the body. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 46 million Americans have some form of arthritis or chronic joint symptoms.

Rheumatic diseases are often mistakenly associated with aging because osteoarthritis (the most common form of arthritis) occurs more often among older people. However, arthritis and other rheumatic diseases affect people of all ages. Patients who experience pain in their muscles, bones and joints that doesn't resolve in a few days or becomes more severe should see their primary doctor.

If your physician suspects a rheumatic disease he or she may refer you to a rheumatologist, a doctor who is specially trained to discover the cause of your symptoms. Rheumatologists diagnose and treat osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, gout, scleroderma, bursitis and other auto-immune disorders involving pain in the musculoskeletal system. Read more about these conditions »

Diagnosing arthritis and other rheumatic diseases is often difficult, as many symptoms are similar among the different diseases. To make an accurate diagnosis, your medical team will review your health history, perform a physical exam and may need to obtain lab tests, x-rays or other imaging tests. Treatment plans often involve both short-term and long-term relief approaches. Read more about treatments »

The Hendricks Regional Health Medical Group is proud to include Hendricks County's first rheumatology practice. The office is located at our Plainfield medical campus, 1100 Southfield Drive.

Rheumatology care is part of a complete array of orthopedic services available at Hendricks Regional Health.

For more information about how to become a patient, call (317) 837-5510 or visit Hendricks Rheumatology.