Rheumatology Care at Arizona Pulmonary Specialists
At Arizona Pulmonary Specialists, our board-certified rheumatologists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases that affect the joints, muscles, and connective tissues. Rheumatic diseases can cause pain, stiffness, and long-term complications if left untreated.
Whether you’re experiencing new symptoms or seeking expert management of an existing condition, our team is here to provide personalized, evidence-based care to help improve your quality of life.
Understanding Rheumatology
Rheumatology is the medical specialty that focuses on arthritis, autoimmune diseases, and musculoskeletal disorders. These conditions can cause chronic pain, inflammation, and organ involvement, requiring specialized care to prevent complications.
Common Rheumatic Diseases We Treat
- Osteoarthritis – Degenerative joint disease causing pain and stiffness
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) – An autoimmune disorder causing joint inflammation
- Gout – A form of arthritis caused by uric acid buildup in joints
- Lupus – A systemic autoimmune disease affecting multiple organs
- Osteoporosis – Weakening of bones leading to fractures
- Tendinitis – Inflammation of tendons causing pain and mobility issues
- Scleroderma – A rare autoimmune condition causing skin and organ thickening
- Sarcoidosis – An inflammatory disease that can affect the lungs, skin, and other organs
- Fibromyalgia – A chronic pain disorder causing widespread muscle pain and fatigue
- Polymyalgia rheumatica – An inflammatory condition causing muscle stiffness
- Psoriatic arthritis – A type of arthritis associated with psoriasis
- Sjogren’s Syndrome – An autoimmune disorder affecting tear and saliva production
- Temporal arteritis – Inflammation of blood vessels, often affecting the head and eyes
- Vasculitis – Inflammation of blood vessels that can cause serious complications
- Mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) – A combination of multiple autoimmune disorders
Symptoms of Rheumatic Diseases
Symptoms vary depending on the specific condition but often include:
- Joint pain, stiffness, or swelling (often worse in the morning)
- Fatigue and weakness
- Chronic muscle pain or tenderness
- Skin rashes or color changes (common in lupus and scleroderma)
- Fever and unexplained weight loss
- Dry eyes or dry mouth (seen in Sjogren’s Syndrome)
- Reduced mobility or difficulty performing daily tasks
- Numbness or tingling in hands and feet
If you’re experiencing persistent pain, inflammation, or other concerning symptoms, it’s important to seek early evaluation to prevent long-term damage.
Diagnosis of Rheumatic Diseases
Accurate diagnosis is key to developing an effective treatment plan. At Arizona Pulmonary Specialists, we use advanced diagnostic tools to pinpoint the cause of symptoms and assess disease progression. Depending on the symptoms, tools we may utilize include:
- Comprehensive physical examination
- Blood tests to check for inflammation, autoantibodies, and organ involvement
- Imaging studies (X-rays, ultrasound, MRI, CT scans) to assess joint and tissue damage
- Joint aspiration and fluid analysis to detect infections, crystals (gout), or inflammation
- Pulmonary function tests for autoimmune conditions affecting the lungs
- Biopsy of skin, muscle, or blood vessels when needed for complex cases
Our multidisciplinary approach ensures accurate diagnosis and allows for collaboration with pulmonologists, cardiologists, and other specialists when needed.
Rheumatology Treatment Options
The goal of rheumatology treatment is to reduce pain, control inflammation, prevent joint damage, and improve overall function. Treatment plans are tailored to each patient’s condition, severity, and lifestyle needs.
Non-Medication Approaches
- Physical therapy and exercise programs to improve mobility and reduce stiffness
- Lifestyle modifications including weight management and anti-inflammatory diets
- Joint protection techniques to prevent worsening damage
- Smoking cessation and heart-healthy strategies for autoimmune disease management
Medications for Rheumatic Diseases
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) – For pain and inflammation relief
- Corticosteroids – Short-term relief for severe flare-ups
- Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) – Slows autoimmune disease progression
- Biologic therapies – Targeted treatments for autoimmune arthritis and other conditions
- Uric acid-lowering medications – For managing gout
- Osteoporosis medications – To strengthen bones and prevent fractures
Advanced Treatment Options
For severe or treatment-resistant cases, we may consider:
- Infusion therapy for autoimmune diseases
- Minimally invasive joint injections (steroids or hyaluronic acid)
- Collaboration with orthopedic specialists for surgical intervention when necessary
Our team closely monitors treatment progress and adjusts therapies to optimize symptom control while minimizing side effects.
Why Choose Arizona Pulmonary Specialists?
- Expert rheumatology care – Board-certified specialist in rheumatic and autoimmune diseases
- Advanced diagnostic tools – State-of-the-art imaging and lab testing
- Personalized treatment plans – Tailored to your condition, lifestyle, and health goals
- Seamless coordination of care – Helping patients navigate treatment, medication management, and specialty referrals
Physicians Specializing in Rheumatology
At Arizona Pulmonary Specialists, our expert team is dedicated to providing high-quality care for patients with complex rheumatic diseases. We offer expertise in treating autoimmune and inflammatory disorders, and work closely with patients to develop comprehensive treatment plans designed to manage symptoms and improve long-term health.
Gabriel Colceriu, M.D.
< back to all providersAccepting new patientsMost insurance plans acceptedPhysician referral requiredAbout Gabriel Colceriu, M.D.Provides rheumatology care for diseases including: Osteoarthritis Rheumatoid arthritis Gout Lupus Osteoporosis Tendinitis Scleroderma...
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