Rheumatology studies and treats conditions that affect the connecting tissues of the body, including joints, tendons, ligaments and bones.

Two of the most common disorders are arthritis, which targets your joints, and musculoskeletal diseases, like carpal tunnel or tendonitis. 

What Are the Risk Factors?

Rheumatological conditions can affect any part of your body.
They can cause serious pain and even interfere with everyday activities. While there is not one specific cause of these conditions, there are many factors that could contribute to a rheumatological condition, including:  
  • Activity Level 
  • Age
  • Gender
  • Genetics
  • Infections 
  • Lifestyle
  • Occupation
  • Pollution 
  • Poor posture 
  • Sitting for long periods of time

Signs and Symptoms

Some warning signs or common symptoms of rheumatological conditions include: 
  • Inflammation 
  • Loss of motion 
  • Muscle atrophy
  • Muscle weakness
  • Pain
  • Redness 
  • Swelling

What Are Common Rheumatoid Disorders?

Our board-certified physicians and specially trained staff specialize in treating general and severe rheumatological conditions, including (but not limited to):
  • Ankylosing spondylitis (arthritis in the spine)
  • Gout
  • Immune system disorders 
  • Inflammation of the muscles (Myositis)
  • Osteoarthritis (arthritis in bones)
  • Psoriatic arthritis
  • Pseudogout
  • Rheumatoid arthritis (arthritis in joints)
  • Sjogren’s disease
  • Systemic lupus erythematosus
  • Systemic sclerosis
  • Vasculitis

Locations

The division of Rheumatology treats patients at both inpatient and outpatient settings within Cook County Health. 

Rheumatology Unit – Clinic I

John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County

1969 W. Odgen Ave.
Chicago, IL 60612
(312) 864-7268

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 7:30 am to 12 pm
Thursday from 12:30 - 4:30 pm

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