Rheumatology

The Rheumatology Program at UT Southwestern Medical Center delivers advanced, evidence-based care to people with rheumatic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus.

Research-Based Care for Rheumatic Diseases

Rheumatology is the medical specialty involving the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal diseases. Some of these conditions develop when the immune system is mistakenly activated, causing inflammation (to “fight” disease or injury) in areas of the body.

Chronic inflammation can cause widespread damage, harming the joints, internal organs, muscles, bones, tendons, ligaments, nervous system, eyes, and skin.

UT Southwestern’s Rheumatology Program is widely recognized as one of the nation’s leading clinical and research centers for rheumatic diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus. Combining expert, compassionate care with state-of-the-art medical resources, our multidisciplinary specialists offer advanced diagnostic services and management strategies.

Rheumatic Symptoms and Conditions

Rheumatic diseases are characterized by pain, swelling, stiffness, and limited movement in joints, bones, and connective tissues such as muscles, tendons, and ligaments. These complex conditions include:

• Arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, psoriatic arthritis, spondyloarthritis, and juvenile arthritis
• Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE or “lupus”)
• Vasculitis (for example, giant cell arteritis, Takayasu’s arteritis, and granulomatosis  with polyangiitis)
• Gout and pseudogout
• Polymyalgia rheumatic
• Inflammatory myopathies (polymyositis and dermatomyositis)
• Osteoarthritis
• Tendonitis, bursitis, and carpal tunnel syndrome
• Relapsing polychondritis 

Rheumatology Research

UT Southwestern is committed to advancing the science of rheumatology. Our rheumatologists conduct clinical and laboratory research to provide patients with the most advanced therapies available for rheumatic diseases.

UT Southwestern researchers are at the forefront of discovering abnormalities in the immune system. Their findings are the basis of innovative, targeted treatments for conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and ankylosing spondylitis.