Rheumatology

Find solutions that relieve your pain and inflammation when you use Rheumatology services at North Kansas City Hospital & Meritas Health. You’ll team up with expert rheumatologists who specialize in treating arthritis and other rheumatic conditions.

First, we help you understand your condition. Then we work with you to develop a personalized care plan, which may include services at our Pain Management Clinic and Rehabilitation Services. Your treatment is designed to get you back to living the life you love.  

Rheumatic Conditions We Treat

Our rheumatologists help treat a variety of rheumatic conditions, such as:

• Arthritis – Inflammation or swelling of a joint or joints
• Bursitis – Inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs that support areas near the joint, such as the knee, foot and shoulder
• Fibromyalgia – Long-term (chronic) condition that causes pain in muscles and bones throughout the body
• Gout – A type of arthritis caused by uric acid buildup in the joints
• Joint pain – Discomfort at the spot where two or more bones meet
• Lupus – An autoimmune disorder that causes the immune system to attack the body
• Osteoporosis – Bone disease that weakens the bones, making them more likely to break
• Spondylitis – A type of arthritis that leads to inflammation in the spine
• Tendinitis – Inflammation of the tendons, which attach bones to muscle, including in the ankle, wrist and elbow

When to See a Rheumatologist

Occasional muscle and joint aches are normal. But when pain is severe or lasts more than a few days, you should see a doctor.

Start with your primary care provider. If they suspect you have a rheumatic condition, they’ll likely refer you to a rheumatologist. Your rheumatologist helps confirm the diagnosis and treatment. Many conditions respond best to treatment in the early stages, so it’s important to get an accurate diagnosis as soon as possible.