Rheumatology at Hackensack Meridian Health

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease. Its symptoms include joint pain and inflammation, stiffness, and fatigue.

This type of arthritis is a chronic condition that affects the spine and joints. This family of diseases is often associated with psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease and certain gastrointestinal and urinary infections. It can lead to pain and stiffness. Some symptoms include joint pain and swelling, eye inflammation, skin lesions and nail pitting (small indentations on the nail's surface).  

A chronic autoimmune disease, Lupus causes inflammation in various parts of the body, including the heart, brain, joints and kidneys. 

These types of arthritis are caused by uric acid or calcium pyrophosphate crystals depositing in the joints, causing acute, severe joint pain, swelling and redness. 

Scleroderma causes skin and other tissues to thicken. In addition to joint pain, it can affect multiple organs, such as the heart, kidneys and lungs.

Vasculitis causes the swelling of blood vessels, which can restrict blood flow. Symptoms include rashes, joint pain, coughing blood, shortness of breath, fever, and fatigue.

This group of diseases causes muscle inflammation and weakness. It can result from certain infections, autoimmune conditions and medication. 

Joint pain and stiffness are the main symptoms of osteoarthritis, a common joint disease caused by the breakdown of cartilage. 

Osteoporosis occurs when bones become weak and can break easily. There are often no symptoms until a break happens.

We evaluate and confirm fibromyalgia, a long-term condition that affects various parts of the body. There is no test to diagnose fibromyalgia. It is diagnosed based on symptoms, which include widespread joint and muscle pain, stiffness, severe fatigue, and trouble with memory.  Once the diagnosis is confirmed, we work with pain medicine, rehabilitation and orthopedics to develop a treatment plan.

Hackensack Meridian Health Rheumatologists are specially trained to recognize symptoms associated with rheumatic conditions. Many rheumatic diseases (also known as autoimmune diseases) cause the body to attack healthy cells and tissue.

If you experience consistent, unexplained joint pain and swelling, especially if a fever or rash accompanies it and lasts for more than several weeks, please talk to your primary care doctor about whether you should see a rheumatologist. Hackensack Meridian Health rheumatologists collaborate with other specialists, such as dermatologists, pulmonologists and pain management experts, to ensure comprehensive care. 

Quality

Comprehensive care: We work closely with specialists across multiple fields, including pulmonology, nephrology and dermatology, to provide comprehensive care. Our co-management programs, such as the interstitial lung disease clinic, ensure patients receive seamless and coordinated treatment between a rheumatologist and pulmonologist at the same office visit. 

Specialized care: Our team includes research-driven rheumatologists with advanced certifications and unique areas of expertise, such as musculoskeletal ultrasound and lupus care. They manage routine and complex cases, ensuring high-quality care tailored to your needs.

We have a robust pediatric transition program for young adults, and some of our physicians are trained in providing care to both pediatric and adult patients

Innovation

Clinical Trials: We offer eligible rheumatology patients access to cutting-edge clinical trials exploring new treatments and therapies.

Advanced treatment options: Our specialists provide treatments ranging from medication and physical therapy to ultrasound-guided joint injections and infusions, ensuring the best possible outcomes.

Patient Experience

Access: We have multiple locations across New Jersey and providers who speak English, Spanish, Telugu, Turkish, Russian and Ukrainian. Our team ensures care is accessible and inclusive for everyone. We also have translation services to support patients who speak any other language.