Rheumatology

The care of a rheumatic condition requires close attention and considerable medical skill. It requires a comfortable partnership between the patient and the physician to find solutions for the best possible outcome. The physicians of Lakeside Community Healthcare Rheumatology understand this and are devoted to providing the very best care to patients with rheumatic diseases.

Rheumatic diseases can affect any part of the body and take many forms, including all types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis; autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus and scleroderma; osteoporosis; fibromyalgia; gout; and tendonitis. These diseases can cause inflammation and severe pain in the joints and muscles. The end result can be debilitating, substantially affecting the patient’s quality of life and ability to perform even the simplest activities.

The goal of Lakeside Community Healthcare Rheumatology physicians is to find the right treatment, including comprehensive disease management, as well as patient education, to restore the patient’s health and quality of life. You can have peace of mind knowing your care is in the best hands.

Lakeside Community Healthcare rheumatologists are board certified in internal medicine and have special training to diagnose and treat these complex diseases that involve the joints and the related conditions of connective tissue. They treat both adolescents and adults.

Ramesh Kesavalu, M.D.

Burbank Office

191 South Buena Vista Street

Suite 420

Burbank, CA 91505

Phone 818 557-7399

Glendale Office

222 West. Eulalia Street, Suite 200

Glendale, CA 91204

Phone 818 243-6285

Mission Hills Office

14901 Rinaldi Street, Suite 201

Mission Hills, CA 91345

Phone 818 838-6716

Click here for a list of Frequently Asked Questions regarding your care.

Click here to download patient forms.

Click here for links regarding rheumatology information.

 

 

 

 

 

Rheumatology Links

American College of Rheumatology

http://www.rheumatology.org/

RheumatologyWeb

http://www.rheumatologyweb.com/

Arthritis Foundation

http://www.arthritis.org/

The Lupus Foundation of America

http://www.lupus.org/newsite/index.html

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases

http://www.niams.nih.gov/

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • What should you take?



    Take your insurance cards and a photo I.D. so the office personnel can begin to build a medical file. Be prepared to fill out a medical history. Bring along information about medications you take, including the name of the drug, dosage and schedule. Know the dates of pertinent visits to other doctors related to your current situation (i.e., orthopedic surgeons, internal medicine doctors). Be able to describe your current symptoms and the date of onset. If you have prior X-rays that are related, acquire the X-rays and/or reports so the information can be included. Present information about past surgeries (procedures, dates and name of surgeons).

 

  • What can you expect?



    You will be taken to an examining room by a medical assistant. The medical assistant will take your vital signs and ask you to briefly explain your symptoms and why you have been referred to the rheumatologist. After making a few notes, the medical assistant will tell the rheumatologist you are ready for the consultation/examination. The rheumatologist will again ask you to explain your symptoms, in more detail, while examining you. Based on your answers and the findings during the examination, the rheumatologist may order more diagnostic tests. Expect the rheumatologist to ask some of the following questions:



    • Where and when does it hurt?
    • When did you begin to feel the pain?
    • Is the pain dull or sharp?
    • How long does the pain typically last?
    • Do you have swelling or redness of any joints?
    • Do your symptoms affect your ability to perform any daily tasks?
    • Have you injured the affected joint(s), been in an accident, or recently overused the joint(s)?
    • Do any family members have the same or similar problem?

 

  • What questions should you ask?



    Following the examination and interview by the rheumatologist, you will have the opportunity to ask questions. Have your questions pre-planned as much as possible and written down so you will be less likely to forget. Preparedness will afford you the best chance of leaving your initial visit with the rheumatologist armed with a plan. Consider asking your rheumatologist the following questions:





    • Do I have arthritis? What type of arthritis do you suspect?
    • What treatment will be tried initially?
    • What is the action of each medication prescribed? (i.e., is it a painkiller? is it an anti-inflammatory drug?)
    • When should I expect to notice an improvement?
    • If this treatment plan does not work, what would be my next option?
    • How will you monitor my progress or the possibility of adverse effects? Will I require routine blood tests?
    • What other avenues should I consider for better management of my arthritis?