With locations in Channahon and Morris, the physicians with Morris Hospital Rheumatology Specialists are dedicated to improving the quality of life for patients suffering from rheumatic diseases, musculoskeletal disorders, and autoimmune disorders.
Rheumatologists are physicians who diagnose and treat diseases that affect the joints, muscles, bones, and immune system. Common conditions treated by rheumatologists include: rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, osteoarthritis, lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus), ankylosing spondylitis and other spondyloarthropathies, gout and other crystal-related arthritis, sjögren’s syndrome, vasculitis, polymyalgia rheumatica and giant cell arteritis, fibromyalgia, osteoporosis, and connective tissue diseases such as mixed connective tissue disease or scleroderma.
These conditions often involve chronic inflammation or immune system dysfunction and require specialized evaluation and long-term management.
What type of symptoms might a person have that leads to seeking care from a rheumatologist?
People often see a rheumatologist when they have ongoing joint or autoimmune-related symptoms that have not improved or require specialized care. Common symptoms include:
- Persistent joint pain, swelling, or stiffness
- Morning stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes
- Back or neck pain associated with inflammation
- Muscle pain or weakness
- Fatigue that does not improve with rest
- Unexplained fevers
- Skin rashes associated with autoimmune diseases
- Dry eyes or dry mouth
- Recurrent mouth ulcers
- Raynaud’s phenomenon (fingers turning white or blue in the cold)
Patients may also be referred to a rheumatologist after having abnormal laboratory test results that suggest autoimmune disease, such as positive rheumatoid factor, ANA, or elevated inflammatory markers.
What type of treatments are available for rheumatology conditions?
Rheumatology care focuses on reducing inflammation, controlling the immune system, relieving pain, and preventing joint damage. Treatment options may include:
- Anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs)
- Corticosteroids for short-term control of inflammation
- Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) such as methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine, and sulfasalazine
- Biologic medications that target specific parts of the immune system
- Targeted oral therapies
- Joint injections to reduce inflammation and pain
- Infusion therapies administered in a monitored clinical setting
- Lifestyle guidance, including exercise, weight management, and joint protection
- Coordination with other specialists when needed
The goal of treatment is to improve quality of life, prevent joint damage, and help patients remain active and independent.
Why should patients choose Morris Hospital Rheumatology Specialists for their rheumatology care?
Many patients have chronic conditions that require long-term relationships with the Morris Hospital Rheumatology team, so compassion and patience are essential. Education is a key part of care. Morris Hospital Rheumatology helps patients understand their condition and treatment options.
Coordination between clinical staff, administrative staff, and providers is also critical for efficient care. The Morris Hospital Rheumatology team emphasizes respect, teamwork, and communication to provide the best experience for patients. Their mission is to deliver expert rheumatology care while maintaining a supportive community-based practice.
How can patients reach Morris Hospital Rheumatology Specialists?
Dr. Hadi Hedayati, Dr. Dena Raval and Dr. Belal Said see patients at 1051 W. U.S. Route 6 in Morris. This is the same building as Morris Hospital Orthopedics & Sports Medicine. The phone number is 815-942-9299.
In addition, Dr. Said has office hours at the Channahon Healthcare Center of Morris Hospital, 25259 Reed Street, Channahon, phone 815-467-0555.
For more information, or to schedule an appointmnt with a Rheumatologist, click here to visit our Rheumatology page.