Arthritis is one of the most common causes of joint pain, stiffness, and swelling, but it is not a single disease. Many forms of arthritis are caused by inflammation or autoimmune activity and may require specialty care from a rheumatologist.
PACT Rheumatology provides arthritis treatment in Connecticut for patients who need diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management of inflammatory arthritis conditions.
Accepting New Patients | Serving Hamden, Guilford, Orange & Surrounding Connecticut Communities
Arthritis is an umbrella term that describes more than 100 conditions affecting the joints, connective tissue, and surrounding structures. While many people associate arthritis with aging, some forms are caused by immune system activity and can affect adults of any age.
Inflammatory arthritis occurs when the immune system triggers ongoing inflammation within the joints. These conditions may lead to joint damage if left untreated. Unlike degenerative conditions such as osteoarthritis, inflammatory arthritis often benefits from evaluation and treatment by a rheumatology specialist.
Arthritis symptoms vary by condition, but inflammatory arthritis often causes more than occasional joint discomfort.
Common symptoms may include:
Inflammatory arthritis often feels different from normal wear-and-tear joint pain. Prolonged morning stiffness, recurring swelling, and symptoms that affect multiple joints may point to an underlying rheumatologic condition.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the lining of the joints and may affect other parts of the body.
Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory condition associated with psoriasis that may affect the joints, tendons, and spine.
Ankylosing spondylitis primarily affects the spine and sacroiliac joints, often causing chronic back pain and stiffness.
Lupus is an autoimmune disease that may affect the joints, skin, kidneys, blood, lungs, and other parts of the body. Joint pain, stiffness, and swelling are common symptoms.
Mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) has features of several autoimmune disorders and may affect the joints, muscles, skin, lungs, or other organs.
Not sure which condition may be causing your symptoms?
A rheumatologist may be appropriate when joint symptoms continue despite initial treatment or when inflammation is suspected.
Consider scheduling an evaluation if:
Early diagnosis may help reduce the risk of joint damage and improve long-term symptom control.
Diagnosing arthritis involves understanding both the symptoms and the underlying cause of inflammation.
Your provider may review:
Because several forms of arthritis share similar symptoms, evaluation focuses on identifying the specific condition responsible for your joint concerns. Visits are designed to provide a thorough assessment rather than a rushed diagnosis.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may help reduce pain and inflammation.
DMARDs may be prescribed to slow disease progression and help protect joints from long-term damage.
Biologic medications target specific parts of the immune system involved in inflammation and may be appropriate for moderate-to-severe disease.
Activity modification, exercise, weight management, and joint protection techniques may support overall treatment goals.
Regular follow-up visits allow treatment plans to be adjusted as symptoms and disease activity change over time.
PACT offers treatment options, including DMARDs, biologic medications, and infusion-based therapies when appropriate.
As part of Physicians Alliance of Connecticut, patients can access coordinated care across multiple specialties when needed.
Patients can receive care in Hamden, Guilford, or Orange, making ongoing follow-up more convenient.
Persistent joint pain, swelling, or stiffness should not be ignored. PACT Rheumatology provides arthritis treatment in Hamden, Guilford, and Orange for patients across Connecticut.
Arthritis may cause joint pain, swelling, stiffness, warmth, reduced mobility, and fatigue. Inflammatory arthritis often causes prolonged morning stiffness and symptoms that affect multiple joints.
A rheumatologist specializes in inflammatory and autoimmune forms of arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, gout, and ankylosing spondylitis.
You should consider a rheumatology evaluation if joint symptoms last longer than six weeks, affect several joints, or occur alongside fatigue, rash, fever, or abnormal bloodwork.
Inflammatory arthritis is driven by immune system activity and causes ongoing inflammation within the joints. Non-inflammatory arthritis, such as osteoarthritis, is generally related to joint wear and structural changes.
The best treatment depends on the specific type of arthritis. Treatment may include anti-inflammatory medications, DMARDs, biologic therapy, lifestyle changes, and ongoing monitoring.
Yes. PACT Rheumatology provides arthritis treatment in Hamden, Guilford, and Orange for patients throughout Connecticut.
Referral requirements depend on your insurance plan. Contact PACT Rheumatology or your insurance provider for guidance before scheduling.
PACT, LLC & PACT MSO, LLC
322 East Main Street, Suite 1B
Branford, CT 06405
PACT, LLC & PACT MSO, LLC
322 East Main Street, Suite 1B
Branford, CT 06405
