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Behind the Scenes - Rheumatology

Rheumatology is a specialty that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases that affect an individual’s bones, muscles, joints, ligaments, and tendons.  These diseases can cause pain, swelling, stiffness, and possibly joint deformities.  Many of these conditions are chronic and require lifelong treatment from an attentive and qualified rheumatologist.  At Licking Memorial Rheumatology, Lydia Cortes-Betancourt, M.D., and her staff provide quality and empathetic care to patients allowing them to lead happy and satisfying lives.

The American College of Rheumatology estimates more than 50 million people in the United States have a rheumatic condition, including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, lupus, Sjogren’s disease, and Paget’s disease.  These conditions cause a person’s immune system to attack normal cells in the joints, muscles, bones, and organs.  Most are usually painful, chronic, and progressive.  
Symptoms vary depending on the type of rheumatic condition; however, most patients experience:

  • Joint pain and stiffness
  • Swelling
  • Inflammation
  • Limited movement
  • Fatigue
These symptoms often make everyday tasks, such as cooking and cleaning, challenging for patients.  However, early diagnosis and treatment can slow the progression of the disease and provide relief to most individuals.  Licking Memorial Rheumatology develops personalized care plans for patients, which include medical treatments, discussions about coping mechanisms, and techniques to regain function needed to carry out their normal daily activities.

“Our goal at Licking Memorial Rheumatology is to improve the quality of life for our patients,” said Dr. Cortes-Betancourt.  “We provide them with treatments, procedures, and education to manage their illness effectively.”  

Treatment recommendations may include medications, physical therapy, occupational therapy, braces and other assistive devices, or surgery.  Licking Memorial Rheumatology offers a wide range of services, both hospital-based and within the office, including joint injections to treat conditions such as osteoarthritis.  Joint injections deliver steroids, a medication that reduces inflammation, pain, and swelling, directly into the affected joint for faster improvement.  Commonly injected joints include the knee, shoulder, ankle, elbow, wrist, the base of the thumb, and the small joints of the hands and feet.  Most injections can be performed in the office under local anesthesia.  Joints that are difficult to inject, such as hips or some small joints, may require the aid of an ultrasound or fluoroscopy for guidance.  

Based on the specific disease, a patient’s care most likely will involve a combination of treatments, including medications and lifestyle changes.  For example, stretching, low-impact aerobic, and strengthening exercises benefit patients with rheumatoid arthritis.  Additionally, finding ways to lower stress, such as taking time to rest or joining a support group, is essential in managing rheumatic disease.  Patients are also advised to streamline their approach to everyday tasks.  Creating a plan, saving energy, and dividing tasks throughout the day can help individuals achieve their goals. 

Dr. Cortes-Betancourt understands her patients’ struggles with their illnesses and aims to provide care that focuses on their overall well-being.  She recalls her time as a caregiver for two family members struggling with terminal illnesses.  During this time, she learned firsthand the difficulties that patients encounter and has used this experience to influence the care she provides her patients.  Dr. Cortes-Betancourt and the staff at Licking Memorial Rheumatology strive to provide compassionate, high-quality care that enhances the lives of their patients.  To learn more about the services offered by Licking Memorial Rheumatology, visit 

| Posted On : 11/15/2022 9:44:47 AM