Our foremost goal at SBH Health System is to provide better health and a greater quality of life for the people who live and work in the Bronx. Rheumatology is no exception. Our team understands that many rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases go undetected and untreated. We are committed to providing access to specialized care for people in the community, to help them prevent health-related problems down the road.

We diagnose and treat more than 100 types of arthritis, as well as complex conditions like lupus, scleroderma, Sjögren’s syndrome, vasculitis and inflammatory muscle diseases.

Because rheumatoid conditions often occur together, so do our services. We take a multidisciplinary approach to your care, incorporating the expertise of providers from specialties including nephrology, pulmonology and nephrology. We also put you, the patient, first, treating not just your condition, but your whole person.

We offer integrated, comprehensive care, from screening and diagnosis to advanced treatment options for rheumatoid and rheumatoid-related conditions.

Here is an overview of the conditions we treat:

• Arthritis
• Gout
• Inflammatory muscle diseases, like myositis
• Lupus
• Scleroderma
• Sjögren’s syndrome
• Spondyloarthropathy
• Uveitis
• Vasculitis

Diagnosing a rheumatic or musculoskeletal disease involves a combination of blood tests to identify markers of inflammation and autoantibodies, imaging studies such as X-rays, MRIs and musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSKUS) to evaluate joint damage and inflammation, and joint aspiration to analyze fluid for signs of infection or crystals.

We may also use diagnostic tools like biopsies and genetic testing to confirm specific conditions and tailor an appropriate treatment plan.

Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (DMARDs) and biologics play crucial roles in controlling disease progression and inflammation. DMARDs, such as methotrexate and sulfasalazine, help slow the disease and prevent joint damage. Biologics, including TNF inhibitors and IL-6 inhibitors, target specific immune system components to reduce severe inflammation and improve symptoms.

Additionally, targeted synthetic DMARDs, such as JAK inhibitors, offer a more focused approach to managing disease activity by blocking specific inflammatory pathways. Corticosteroids provide rapid relief from acute inflammation, while physical and occupational therapies support joint function and daily living activities.

For persistent issues, we may consider joint injections and surgical interventions, such as arthroscopy or joint replacement, to alleviate pain and restore joint function. These treatments are tailored to each patient’s needs, aiming to improve overall quality of life and manage the complexities of rheumatic diseases.

In addition, we’re working to set up a dedicated clinic for articular injections to treat joint pain and inflammation.

At SBH Health System, our rheumatology team works with community primary care doctors to prioritize patients who need faster treatment.

Patients who need rheumatologic care urgently can typically see a rheumatologist at SBH within a week or two. We strive to accommodate patients and local providers as much as possible and serve as a resource in the community to help increase education and awareness.

At SBH Health System, our goal is to provide much more to our patients than just a cure for diseases. As a patient, you have access to dietitians and behavioral health specialists, as well as the SBH Teaching Kitchen, which offers healthy cooking classes, and the Healthplex Fitness Center at SBH Health & Wellness Center. In addition, we have resources to help patients with issues that affect their overall well-being, such as housing and access to medications.

Plus, our providers reflect the diversity of the community they serve, which means we speak your language and can help you navigate any cultural or spiritual concerns.