Ask The Experts 2022
RHEUMATOLOGY
ROBERT E. GOODMAN, M.D.
Robert E. Goodman, M.D. is a Board Certified Rheumatologist at the Arthritis & Rheumatology Clinic in Shreveport. He combines his specialized training and 36 years of experience with personalized care to provide patients with the latest treatment options.
WHAT SORT OF CONDITIONS DO RHEUMATOLOGISTS TREAT?
Rheumatologists diagnose and treat diseases that affect the body’s connective tissue, including more than 100 different diseases that can cause arthritis or inflammation of the joints and bones. Rheumatologists also specialize in diagnosing and treating certain autoimmune diseases and offer continuing care for patients with musculoskeletal disorders. Some of the diseases and conditions I diagnose and treat include rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, psoriatic arthritis, fibromyalgia, gout, lupus, ankylosing spondylitis, polymyalgia rheumatica, polymyositis, scleroderma, Sjogren’s syndrome, & osteoporosis.
WHAT IS YOUR TREATMENT APPROACH?
I work closely with each patient to personalize a plan that blends the most innovative approaches in rheumatology and arthritis treatments. There have been many advances and breakthroughs in the field of rheumatology that have led to better treatment options and continually improving outcomes for patients. For example, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder that occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s tissues. It affects the lining of the joints causing painful inflammation, which can damage other parts of the body as well. The goal of treatment for RA is to reduce or stop inflammation as quickly as possible, and slow or stop disease activity. This will achieve remission, meaning minimal or no signs or symptoms of active inflammation. With today’s available treatment options for RA, remission is more achievable than ever before. Although there is currently no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, remission sure feels like one.
WHAT ELSE WOULD YOU LIKE FOR PATIENTS TO KNOW ABOUT ARTHRITIS AND RHEUMATIC CONDITIONS?
You are not alone. An estimated 50 million people in the United States of all ages and genders have arthritis or other rheumatic conditions. Since rheumatic disease affects everyone differently, the key to the best outcome is to work with your rheumatologist to learn what works best for you. Together we can make a big difference in how much your condition affects your quality of life so that you can continue to say yes to the things that are important to you and live your best life!
For more information, or to make an appointment with Dr. Goodman, call 318-424-9240, or find us on the web at www.arthdoc.com, and on Facebook at facebook.com/arthdoc.
