At Grande Ronde Hospital (GRH), our rheumatology team specializes in the diagnosis, management and treatment of a wide range of rheumatic diseases and musculoskeletal disorders, providing compassionate and personalized care tailored to your needs.
Understanding Your Condition
Rheumatic diseases can significantly impact your quality of life, but with the right care, you can manage your symptoms and maintain a fulfilling lifestyle. Whether you're dealing with the pain of osteoarthritis, the complexities of rheumatoid arthritis, or the challenges of autoimmune diseases like lupus or scleroderma, our rheumatologists are here to support you every step of the way.
Our services are designed to address a variety of conditions, including:
- Autoimmune disorders: Expertise in treating systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjogren's syndrome, polymyalgia rheumatica and scleroderma
- Gout and pseudo gout: Providing effective treatment to reduce pain and inflammation
- Inflammatory back pain: Focused on relieving pain and restoring movement
- Inflammatory muscle disease and vasculitis: Providing specialized care for complex conditions
- Osteoarthritis: Helping you manage joint pain and maintain mobility
- Rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis: Offering comprehensive care to manage symptoms and improve joint function
Food and Arthritis: Quiz yourself.
Inflammation is one of the hallmarks of arthritis, and what you eat may play a role. From fats to fish and veggies to bread, certain foods can lessen the swelling (and stiffness) of arthritis—and others can make it worse. Do you know which foods are which?
True or false: The omega-6 fatty acids found in vegetable oils, mayonnaise and many types of salad dressing can help reduce inflammation if eaten in large quantities.
False. Your body needs omega-6 fatty acids for normal growth and development, but eating too many can trigger the production of pro-inflammatory chemicals that can make the disease worse. So go easy on the safflower, corn and soybean oils.
True or false: Processed carbohydrates like white bread, white rice, instant mashed potatoes and French fries can make inflammation worse.
True. These foods go through a refining process that forms high levels of chemicals called advanced glycation end products, which are known to contribute to inflammation. (They're also linked to type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and obesity.)
True or false: Eating chocolate triggers the release of chemicals called cytokines, which are natural painkillers.
False. Chocolate bars and other sugary snacks do promote the production of cytokines. But they don't lessen pain—they actually increase inflammation. The root culprit is processed sugar, not the chocolate itself. Limit foods that list sugar or any item that ends in ose (like fructose or sucrose) in the ingredients.
True or false: Spinach, broccoli, cherries, tomatoes, beets, bananas, sweet potatoes and oranges are all good additions to an anti-inflammatory diet.
True. Plant-based foods are packed with antioxidants, which can help fight inflammation.
True or false: Fatty fish, like salmon and sardines, contain healthy, anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids.
True. Some experts say people with arthritis should be eating fish 2 to 4 times a week. Other omega-3 rich foods include flaxseeds and canola oil.
There are more than 100 different types of arthritis and related conditions. If you have pain, swelling or stiffness in your joints, talk to a doctor. Other signs and symptoms can help the doctor figure out what kind of arthritis you might have.
Sources
- Arthritis Foundation. "8 Food Ingredients That Can Cause Inflammation." https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/healthy-living/nutrition/foods-to-limit/8-food-ingredients-that-can-cause-inflammation.
- Arthritis Foundation. "Best Fish for Arthritis." https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/healthy-living/nutrition/healthy-eating/best-fish-for-arthritis.
- Arthritis Foundation. "Fats and Oils to Avoid." https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/healthy-living/nutrition/foods-to-limit/fats-and-oils.
- Arthritis Foundation. "Recognizing the Symptoms of Arthritis." https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/about-arthritis/understanding-arthritis/recognizing-the-symptoms-of-arthritis.
- Arthritis Foundation. "What Is Arthritis?" https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/about-arthritis/understanding-arthritis/what-is-arthritis.
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. "Arthritis and Rheumatic Diseases." https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/arthritis-and-rheumatic-diseases.
- National Institutes of Health. "Omega-3 Fatty Acids." https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Omega3FattyAcids-Consumer.
- National Library of Medicine. "Advanced Glycation End Products in Foods and a Practical Guide to Their Reduction in the Diet." https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3704564.
Advanced Rheumatology Procedures for Your Relief
Our rheumatologists offer a range of procedures to help manage pain and improve your quality of life, including:
- Corticosteroid injections: Reducing inflammation and relieving pain in affected joints, tendons and bursa
- Visco-supplementation with hyaluronic acid: Enhancing joint lubrication to ease movement and reduce pain
Our Rheumatologists’ Approach
Our rheumatology services are not just about treating a disease; they’re about caring for the whole person. We believe in a collaborative approach, working closely with you and other healthcare providers to develop a treatment plan that fits your life. We understand that each patient is unique, and we’re committed to providing care that is as individual as you are.
Why Choose GRH’s Rheumatology Services?
Choosing GRH for your rheumatology care means choosing a team that prioritizes your well-being. We are committed to helping you manage your condition effectively so you can focus on living your life to the fullest.