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RHEUMATOLOGY

Rheumatology involves the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal disease and connective tissue disorders (autoimmune diseases). These conditions affect the bones, joints and tendons, and commonly cause symptoms like pain, swelling, stiffness, and deformity. Parkview Orthopaedic Group’s board-certified rheumatologist can evaluate for these disorders and offers a variety of options to treat them. If the conservative treatment options are exhausted and surgery is the next step, Dr. Bonaminio will transition the patient to one of our expert surgeons. Read on to learn more about some common rheumatic conditions and their treatment.

Rheumatic diseases affect the joints, muscles, and bones, and they may also cause problems with the eyes, skin, nervous system and internal organs. Patients may experience symptoms including joint pain, stiffness, inflammation and joint deformity. Most of these diseases are caused by the immune system attacking your own tissues. The cause for these attacks is relatively unclear, although factors that may contribute include genetics and even environmental factors like smoke or pollution.

If you are experiencing consistent muscle and joint pain, you may want to be evaluated by a rheumatologist. This is especially true for those with autoimmune or rheumatic diseases in their families, as many of these conditions can be hereditary. Many patients will be evaluated first by their primary care physician, and he or she will refer the patient to a rheumatologist if necessary.

Diagnosis of these diseases can be difficult, but your rheumatologist will help guide you through the process. He or she will evaluate your personal medical history and your family history and will also use physical examination to look for signs and symptoms of inflammation. Bloodwork is another key to evaluating for these conditions, as lab tests can measure inflammation and other markers of disease. Additionally, imaging tests such as x-rays, CT scans, or MRIs may be ordered to assess your musculoskeletal system.

After diagnosis, your rheumatologist will develop a treatment plan for you that may include medication, injections, physical therapy, or possibly a referral to one of our orthopaedic surgeons. Lifestyle factors including exercise, diet and stress management may also be suggested for long-term management of your disease.


ABOUT DR. BONAMINIO

Dr. Bonaminio joined Parkview Orthopaedic Group in April 2016. She is board-certified in the medical subspecialty of Rheumatology. Her specific areas of clinical interest include osteoarthritis or degenerative joint diseases; inflammatory arthritis including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and inflammatory bowel disease-related arthritis such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis; bone thinning disorders such as osteoporosis or osteopenia and any related fracture; and crystal-related arthritis such as gout.

Dr. Bonaminio’s ultimate goal is to utilize all means possible to preserve and regain function, prevent long-term damage when possible, and maintain autonomy and independence for a happy and healthy joint life. She sees patients in our Palos Heights, Mokena and Oak Lawn office locations.

Learn more about Dr. Bonaminio here.

COMMON CONDITIONS EVALUATED BY OUR RHEUMATOLOGIST

TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR RHEUMATIC CONDITIONS

    • Ultrasound-Guided Viscosupplementation or “Gel Shots,” such as Supartz, Orthovisc and Euflexxa
    • Ultrasound-Guided Cortisone (Steroid) Injections
    • Various Disease-Specific Oral or Injectable Medications
    • Intravenous Infusion Medications

All information provided on this website is for information purposes only. Please consult a healthcare professional for medical advice.

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