Arthritis is pain, swelling, and stiffness in a joint. Rheumatic diseases are disorders of the musculoskeletal system that may involve arthritis. These diseases are very common. Approximately 15% of all patients seen by Internists or GP have an arthritis-related condition. They can cause significant loss of function and quality of life, unless they are managed by a Board-Certified Specialist.

Although joint pain is a feature of most rheumatic diseases, these disorders may present in different guises and affect all ages and genders. Rheumatic diseases affect practically every organ in the body. They can range from dermatology and skin disorders to genitourinary medicine to eye problems to cardiac problems, making this specialty a cognitive specialty requiring investigative and detective skills. The aim of Santa Cruz Rheumatology Clinic is to provide a quick but thorough diagnosis and optimal management of all musculoskeletal diseases of patients  –  from youth to the elderly. Some of the diseases that we provide evaluation/consultation include: