You get up from the couch, and a sharp pain shoots through your hip and won’t seem to go away. Is it just a normal part of aging? Not always. At The Baton Rouge Clinic, we’ve seen many patients dismiss chronic joint pain for years, assuming it’s simply age-related, only to discover it’s something more. In fact, over 58.5 million American adults live with at least one rheumatic disease, highlighting a major chronic health burden. In recognition of Rheumatic Disease Awareness Month, we want to help you understand the signs and symptoms of rheumatic diseases and when it’s time to seek professional care for your joint pain.
When Joint Pain Means More
Joint pain isn’t always just a part of getting older. Sometimes, it can be a sign of a bigger health issue—especially when it comes with other warning signs. Look out for swelling that sticks around, often paired with warmth, redness, or joints that look larger than usual. Another red flag is morning stiffness that lasts longer than half an hour, which often points to inflammation. You might also notice overwhelming tiredness that doesn’t go away with rest, or symptoms like low-grade fevers, unplanned weight loss, or skin rashes. These aren’t the usual aches and pains of daily life—they can signal more serious conditions that should be checked out.
Common Rheumatic Diseases
“Rheumatic disease” is an umbrella term for many different conditions that affect the joints, muscles, and connective tissues. Many of these are autoimmune diseases—meaning the body’s defense system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues. For example, Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) mainly targets the joints, causing ongoing pain, swelling, and, over time, possible joint damage. Lupus is another condition that goes beyond the joints and can also affect organs like the kidneys or heart.
Other diseases fall into this group as well:
- Sjögren’s Syndrome often causes severe dryness of the eyes and mouth.
- Scleroderma makes the skin harden and tighten.
- Gout happens when uric acid crystals build up in the joints, leading to intense pain.
- Ankylosing Spondylitis causes stiffness and pain, especially in the spine.
- Psoriatic Arthritis combines skin symptoms with joint inflammation.
- Fibromyalgia leads to widespread pain and fatigue, even without obvious inflammation.
- Vasculitis involves inflammation of blood vessels.
- Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis affects children, while Polymyalgia Rheumatica tends to affect older adults.
All together, rheumatic diseases impact an estimated 350 million people worldwide. Because these conditions can look so different—and often overlap—it’s important to see a rheumatologist for the right diagnosis and treatment.
What is a Rheumatologist?
A rheumatologist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating complex autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Since many of these conditions share similar symptoms, getting an accurate diagnosis is the first—and most important—step. Rheumatologists use a mix of physical exams, bloodwork, and imaging tests to get to the root of the problem.
Once they know what’s going on, they’ll design a personalized treatment plan. This might include medications like anti-inflammatories for symptom relief, or advanced options like DMARDs and biologics to calm the immune system and slow disease progression. Rheumatologists also look at the whole picture of you and your health needs, often recommending physical therapy, lifestyle changes, and coordination with other specialists to make sure patients get the most complete care possible.
Think of a rheumatologist as a long-term partner for your health—someone who helps you manage your condition while supporting your ability to live a full, active life.
Rheumatology Care at The Baton Rouge Clinic
At The Baton Rouge Clinic, our Rheumatology Department provides comprehensive care for joint, muscle, and autoimmune conditions. We offer arthritis evaluations, advanced therapies to control inflammation, and biologic treatments like Humira and Enbrel that can help slow disease progression.
Our team also performs joint and tendon sheath injections, joint aspirations, and Carpal Tunnel injections—both to diagnose issues and to bring relief. We also provide care for osteoporosis and specialized support for fibromyalgia.
Our board-certified rheumatologists—Dr. Angele D. Bourg, Dr. Ronald P. Ceruti, Dr. Elena C. Cucurull, Dr. Hector R. Mena, Dr. Joseph P. Nesheiwat, Dr. Kelsey S. Pasch, and Dr. Stephen M. Pollet—bring years of experience and a commitment to helping patients manage these complex conditions. When you choose The Baton Rouge Clinic, you’re choosing a team dedicated to being your long-term partner in health.
Next Steps
This Rheumatic Disease Awareness Month, we want to encourage you to take that critical first step. Joint pain doesn’t have to define your life; expert care is available right here in Baton Rouge. Our dedicated team at The Baton Rouge Clinic is ready to help. You can schedule an appointment with our Rheumatology Department by calling our office, using your MyChart account, or visiting our website. Take control of your health and find the relief you deserve. Your journey toward a life with less pain starts now.