Patient Guide
We believe that informed patients make the best healthcare decisions. Our resource page is designed to provide you with the tools and information you need to understand your condition and treatment options better.
How To Reach Us:
Phone: (937) 525-9350
Office Hours: Monday-Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Location: 2029 E High St, STE 102, Suite B, Springfield, OH 45505
Autoimmune Diseases
Our resources, from educational materials on autoimmune disorders to tips for managing rheumatoid arthritis, are here to support your health journey. Explore our guides, FAQs, and more to stay informed and empowered.
What is a rheumatologist?
A rheumatologist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases related to the joints, muscles, bones, skin tissues, ligaments, and immune system. These diseases can include conditions such as arthritis, gout, lupus, and autoimmune disorders. Rheumatologists use medications or suggest surgical treatments to help manage symptoms of these diseases so that patients can live comfortable lives. They also provide education about lifestyle changes that can help improve their condition further.
Ankylosing Spondylitis
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic and progressive form of arthritis that mainly affects the spine. It can cause inflammation, stiffness, and pain in the hips, neck, back, and other joints. Symptoms can include fatigue, difficulty sleeping due to pain, loss of appetite, and weight loss. Treatment of AS usually involves medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), or biologics to reduce inflammation and slow down joint damage. Additionally, lifestyle changes like exercise or yoga may be recommended to help improve mobility as well as physical therapy to manage symptoms associated with AS.
Autoimmune Disorders
Autoimmune disorders are a group of conditions where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue or cells. These disorders can affect any part of the body and lead to a wide range of symptoms depending on which organ is affected. Examples include lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren’s syndrome, type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and more. Treatment for autoimmune disorders typically involves medications such as corticosteroids or immunosuppressants to reduce inflammation and protect against further damage. Additionally, lifestyle modifications like getting enough rest, avoiding direct sunlight exposure, and quitting smoking may also be recommended to improve overall health and wellness.
Back Pain
Back pain is a common issue that can range from moderate to severe and can be caused by a variety of factors. It can be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term). Treatment for back pain typically involves medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), muscle relaxants, and opioids to help control the symptoms. Additionally, lifestyle modifications like exercise, stretching, heat therapy, massage, or acupuncture may be recommended to reduce stiffness and improve flexibility in the muscles and joints associated with back pain. In some cases, physical therapy may also be helpful for long-term relief.
Bursitis
Bursitis is the inflammation of the bursa, which are small sacs located around joints and act as cushions between bones and other tissues. Symptoms of bursitis include pain, swelling, or tenderness in a joint, which can limit movement in the affected area. Treatment for bursitis typically involves medications such as corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and protect against further damage. Additionally, lifestyle modifications, such as avoiding activities that strain the affected joint and applying cold packs, may also be recommended to improve symptoms associated with bursitis.
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and tenderness of the muscles and other soft tissues. It can also lead to difficulty sleeping and depression. The exact causes of fibromyalgia are not yet known, but it is believed to be linked to abnormal pain processing in the brain or central nervous system. Treatment for fibromyalgia typically involves medications such as antidepressants, muscle relaxants, and anti-seizure drugs, as well as lifestyle modifications such as exercise, stress management techniques, and healthy eating habits.
Gout
Gout is a form of arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the body, often near the joints. It can lead to sudden and intense pain, tenderness, and swelling in the affected area. Common symptoms include redness, warmth, stiffness of the joint, and difficulty sleeping or moving due to extreme discomfort. Treatment for gout usually involves lifestyle changes, such as reducing alcohol consumption, avoiding certain foods like organ meats and seafood high in purines, increasing water intake, and weight loss if necessary. Medications such as allopurinol, uloric, or colchicine can help control the disease.
Lupus Nephritis
Lupus nephritis is a type of kidney disease that occurs in people with lupus. It is caused by an overactive immune system attacking the kidneys, leading to inflammation and scarring, which can cause damage to other organs as well. Symptoms include fatigue, protein or blood in the urine, and swelling of extremities. Treatment for lupus nephritis typically involves a combination of medications such as corticosteroids or immunosuppressants to reduce inflammation as well as protect against further tissue damage.
Lupus
Lupus is an autoimmune disorder that can cause a wide range of symptoms, including joint pain and swelling, skin rashes, fatigue, and fever. It can also affect the heart, lungs, and other organs in the body. While its exact cause is unknown, it is believed to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Treatment for lupus typically involves medications such as corticosteroids or immunosuppressants, as well as lifestyle changes like getting enough rest or avoiding direct sunlight. Additionally, physical therapy may be recommended to help reduce joint stiffness or improve mobility.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a joint disease that leads to the gradual wearing away of cartilage. This can result in pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints, especially those that are used frequently, like hips and knees. Treatment for OA often involves medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or corticosteroids, as well as weight loss if necessary. Additionally, physical therapy may be recommended to help improve joint flexibility and reduce stiffness associated with osteoarthritis.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a condition in which bone density decreases, causing bones to become less dense and more fragile. This can lead to a higher risk of fractures and other injuries from falls or trauma. Symptoms include back pain, a hunched posture, loss of height, and fractures without traumatic injury. Treatment for osteoporosis typically involves medications such as bisphosphonates or denosumab to improve bone mineral density and reduce the risk of fractures. In addition, lifestyle modifications such as regular exercise, getting enough calcium and vitamin D in your diet, and avoiding smoking may also be recommended to improve symptoms associated with osteoporosis.
Polymyositis
Polymyositis is an autoimmune disorder that leads to muscle inflammation, resulting in symptoms such as muscle weakness, fatigue, joint pain, and skin rashes. Treatment usually involves medications such as corticosteroids or immunosuppressants to reduce inflammation and prevent further damage. Lifestyle changes, like avoiding direct sunlight, getting adequate rest, and participating in physical therapy, may also be recommended to alleviate polymyositis symptoms.
Psoriatic Arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis is a type of arthritis that causes inflammation in the joints and usually occurs in individuals with psoriasis. Symptoms may include joint pain, swelling, and stiffness, as well as fatigue, rash, or nail changes. Treatment for psoriatic arthritis typically involves medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), or biologics to reduce inflammation and slow down joint damage. Additionally, lifestyle changes such as exercise or yoga may be recommended to help improve mobility, along with physical therapy to manage symptoms associated with psoriatic arthritis.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the joints and other parts of the body. It is believed to be caused by an abnormal immune response, where the body attacks its own tissues instead of protecting them from foreign invaders like bacteria or viruses. Symptoms can include joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and fatigue. Treatment for RA often includes medications such as methotrexate, biologics, or steroids.
Sjogren’s Syndrome
Sjogren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disorder that causes dryness in the eyes, mouth, and other parts of the body. Symptoms include dry eyes and mouth, fatigue, joint pain, skin rashes, and more. Treatment for Sjogren’s syndrome typically involves medications such as corticosteroids or immunosuppressants to reduce inflammation and protect against further damage. Additionally, lifestyle modifications like using artificial tears or saliva substitutes if needed, avoiding direct sunlight exposure, and getting enough rest may also be recommended to improve symptoms associated with Sjogren’s syndrome.
Tendonitis
Tendonitis is an inflammation of a tendon, which are thick bands of tissue that attach muscles to bones. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and tenderness in a joint, which can limit movement of the affected area. Treatment for tendonitis typically involves medications such as corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and protect against any further damage. Additionally, lifestyle modifications such as avoiding activities that cause strain on the affected joint and applying heat packs may also be recommended to improve symptoms of tendonitis.
Undifferentiated Connective Tissue Disorder
Undifferentiated connective tissue disorder is an autoimmune disease that affects the body’s connective tissues, leading to inflammation of the joints and other organs. Symptoms include joint pain, skin rashes, fatigue, and muscle weakness. Treatment for undifferentiated connective tissue disorder typically involves medications such as corticosteroids or immunosuppressants to reduce inflammation and protect against further damage. Additionally, lifestyle modifications like avoiding direct sunlight exposure and getting enough rest may also be recommended to improve symptoms associated with this disorder.
Vasculitis
Vasculitis is an inflammation of the blood vessels that can affect any part of the body. It can cause a wide range of symptoms, including fever, fatigue, skin rashes, joint pain, and organ damage. The exact cause of vasculitis is not yet known, but it is believed to be due to an overactive immune system attacking healthy tissues or cells. Treatment for vasculitis typically involves medications such as corticosteroids or immunosuppressants, combined with lifestyle modifications like avoiding smoking or alcohol consumption.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Is your building wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the office building is wheelchair accessible. Ring the doorbell on the back door for easy access. -
How can I schedule an appointment?
You can schedule an appointment by calling the office at (937) 525-9350 during business hours. -
Where is the office located?
Dr. Ranginwala’s Springfield office has moved! Our office is now at 2029 E High St, STE 102, Suite B, Springfield, OH 45505. Our Dayton office is located at 5 West Wenger Road, Englewood, Ohio 45322 -
How do I schedule an infusion treatment?
You can schedule an infusion by calling our office at (937) 525-9350. Infusion appointments are available on Tuesdays and Thursdays during regular office hours.