Aching joints, cramping hands and stiffness in the morning are a few symptoms of a potential inflammatory arthritis condition such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, lupus or gout.

Inflammatory arthritis occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the joints and tendons, causing painful inflammation. If left untreated, this condition can lead to permanent joint damage.

For Dr. Chrysoula Pappa, a rheumatologist at Tidelands Health Rheumatology, one tool is making it possible to catch inflammation earlier than ever, potentially preventing long-term damage.

“Many times, patients with joint pain also have visible swelling in their hands,” Dr. Pappa says. “That’s an obvious sign that something’s wrong. But there are times where swelling isn’t apparent yet, and when we look at the joints with the ultrasound, we can see the inflammation.”

On average, patients are diagnosed with inflammatory arthritis months to even years after the onset of symptoms, likely due to patients ignoring early symptoms or a delay in getting care. But the use of rheumatologic musculoskeletal ultrasound is minimizing the time it takes to get a diagnosis.

“The ultrasound helps detect inflammation of the joint lining, even if it is not causing noticeable symptoms, like swelling in the joints, cramping joints or pain,” Dr. Pappa says. “We’re able to provide a diagnosis and start treatment before the disease progresses to joint damage.”

The ultrasound used at Tidelands Health Rheumatology is similar to those you may find at an OB/GYN office. It uses doppler imaging to look at blood flow within the joint lining and is non-invasive.

“I have diagnosed many patients earlier than they would have been diagnosed because of this advancement,” Dr. Pappa says.

Those with inflammatory arthritis might also have fatigue, rash, dry mouth or eyes and changes in the color of fingers when exposed to the cold.

Dr. Pappa is accepting new patients at Tidelands Health Rheumatology at Georgetown and Murrells Inlet. Call 1-866-TIDELANDS to schedule an appointment.