Painful inflammation in joints or other parts of the body can be a significant hindrance in everyday activities. Our Rheumatology services offer advanced treatment options for individuals living with rheumatoid arthritis and other joint-related or musculoskeletal conditions. Our team of experts employs a comprehensive approach to care that addresses symptoms and underlying causes of pain and inflammation in joints, muscles and tendons.
We strive to minimize discomfort and enhance mobility for our patients. With early intervention and disease management, patients can prevent long-term complications and enhance overall joint health. By staying at the forefront of research and innovation, our team is committed to providing compassionate and effective care that enables our patients to live life to the fullest.Â
Risk Factors & Causes of Rheumatic Conditions
Rheumatic diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues, leading to inflammation and pain. While the exact cause of many rheumatic conditions is not fully understood, several factors may increase risk:Â
- Family history of autoimmune or rheumatic diseaseÂ
- Age: often beginning in middle age, though some conditions affect younger individualsÂ
- Gender: women are more likely to develop certain rheumatic disordersÂ
- History of viral or bacterial infectionsÂ
- Smoking or other lifestyle factors that increase inflammationÂ
- Physical trauma or repetitive stress on jointsÂ
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Identifying risk factors supports earlier monitoring and intervention, helping to reduce long-term complications.Â
Rheumatology Treatment Options
Rheumatic diseases are often chronic, but effective treatment can reduce inflammation, protect joints and maintain mobility. Our team provides personalized care plans that may include:Â
- Medications to reduce inflammation, slow disease progression or manage pain. (For details on the medications we offer, see the list below.)
- Infusion therapies for patients requiring advanced treatment.Â
- Physical and occupational therapy to strengthen muscles, maintain flexibility and improve function.Â
- Lifestyle modifications, such as exercise, nutrition support and smoking cessation.Â
- Patient education and self-management strategies to help individuals manage symptoms day-to-day.Â
- Regular monitoring to adjust therapies and prevent long-term joint damage.Â
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With early and comprehensive care, many patients are able to maintain an active, fulfilling lifestyle while managing their condition.Â
Rheumatology Medications & Services Available
Rituxan
Rituxan is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with rheumatoid arthritis. To learn more about Rituxan, talk to your healthcare provider or click here.Â
Evenity
Evenity is used to treat adults with osteoporosis. To learn more about Evenity, talk to your healthcare provider or click here.Â
Remicade
Remicade is used to treat adults with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis and adults with active psoriatic arthritis. To learn more about Remicade, talk to your healthcare provider or click here.Â
Prolia
Prolia is used to treat postmenopausal osteoporosis and can also be used to treat men with osteoporosis, corticosteroid-induced osteoporosis and cancer treatment-induced bone loss. To learn more about Prolia, talk to your healthcare provider or click here.Â
Cimzia
Cimzia is used to treat moderate-to-severe rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis. To learn more about Cimzia, talk to your healthcare provider or click here.Â
Reclast
Reclast is used to treat or prevent osteoporosis and other bone-related conditions. To learn more about Reclast, talk to your healthcare provider or click here.Â
Orencia
Orencia is used to treat moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis in adults. To learn more about Orencia, talk to your healthcare provider or click here.Â
Simponi Aria
Simponi Aria is a prescription medication used to treat moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis, active psoriatic arthritis and active ankylosing spondylitis in adults. To learn more about Simponi Aria, talk to your healthcare provider or click here.
Actemra
Actemra is used to treat moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis as well as several other conditions. To learn more about Actemra, talk to your healthcare provider or click here.Â
Krystexxa
Krystexxa is used to treat uncontrolled chronic gout. To learn more about Krystexxa, talk to your healthcare provider or click here.Â
Stelara
Stelara is used to treat patients with active psoriatic arthritis. To learn more about Stelara, talk to your healthcare provider or click here.Â
Dexa Scans
DEXA scans are routinely used in rheumatology to assess bone density. It uses low-dose X-rays to determine the amount of calcium and other minerals in a patients bones. DEXA scans are used to detect osteoporosis, monitor the effectiveness of rheumatology treatments and evaluate fracture risk in patients.Â
Meet Our Team
Richa Dhawan, MD
Valerie Scott, NP
At Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center Specialty Services in Shreveport, our Rheumatology team is committed to delivering compassionate, patient-centered care for individuals living with joint pain, autoimmune conditions, and other musculoskeletal disorders. With a personalized approach and a focus on early diagnosis and long-term management, our experts work to reduce inflammation, manage symptoms, and improve overall quality of life. Whether you’re navigating a new diagnosis or seeking ongoing support, our team provides advanced treatment options in a comfortable, convenient setting, close to home.
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Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center Specialty Services in Shreveport is designed to expand access to expert care beyond cancer treatment. This location focuses on specialty services such as rheumatology and endocrinology, providing patients with high-quality, individualized care in a supportive and accessible environment. Our team is committed to helping patients manage chronic conditions, improve daily function, and enhance overall health and well-being through tailored, evidence-based treatment plans.
While this facility specializes in services outside of oncology, Mary Bird Perkins also operates a dedicated cancer center in Shreveport. For those seeking comprehensive cancer care, including advanced treatment options, clinical trials, and a compassionate, patient-centered approach, we welcome you to visit our Shreveport Cancer Center, where we support patients through every step of their cancer journey.