Arthritis Care at University of Colorado Hospital
Why Choose Treatment for Arthritis at University of Colorado Hospital?
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At University of Colorado Hospital, individual treatment plans are designed to meet the unique needs of each patient for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and other causes of joint disease and related conditions. Medical practitioners have access to the most advanced technology and provide treatment based on current evidence-based research.
What is Arthritis?
Arthritis refers to a group of more than 100 conditions that cause pain, swelling and stiffness of the joints. These types of arthritis are loosely grouped into two main categories:
- Non-inflammatory
- Inflammatory arthritis
Non-inflammatory Arthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of non-inflammatory arthritis. It is a type of arthritis in which the cartilage that cushions bones wears down. It usually affects the knees, hips, lower back, neck and small joints of the fingers. Risk factors for osteoarthritis include injury to a joint, being overweight, and having a family history of arthritis.
Inflammatory Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is the most common type of inflammatory arthritis. It is referred to as an autoimmune disorder, a type of condition that causes the body’s own immune system to attack itself. It is one of the most disabling forms of arthritis and affects more women than men. Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include pain, joint swelling and stiffness.
Other inflammatory or autoimmune diseases that can cause arthritis include:
Featured Arthritis Doctors
Dr. V. Michael Holers is a world-renowned researcher on the role of complement in autoimmune disease, and risk factors for the development of rheumatoid arthritis.
Dr. Sterling West, named one of Denver ’s Top Doctors by 5280 Magazine, directs the fellowship program at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center. His primary research focus is in the pathophysiology and treatment of neuropsychiatric lupus.
Dr. William Arend is a renowned rheumatologist who discovered a natural anti-inflammatory molecule now used to treat arthritis.
Dr. Susan Boackle’s research focuses on finding causes for lupus and she has been funded by the NIH, the Arthritis Foundation, the Alliance for Lupus Research and the Lupus Research Institute.
Dr. Liron Caplan is a recipient of the American College of Rheumatology Research and Education Foundation Clinical Investigator Fellowship Award (2005) and the American College of Rheumatology Fellow Award (2004). His research focus is in the area of outcomes in rheumatic diseases.
Dr. Kevin Deane is investigating the role of genetics and environmental exposures on the development of rheumatoid arthritis-related autoimmunity. He has a special interest in the development of pre-clinical prediction models for autoimmune disease.
Dr. Chris Striebich directs the clinical trials program at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center and focuses on the trial of new therapies to treat rheumatic arthritis.
Dr. Walter Briney’s specializes in the treatment of general rheumatic disorders including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and osteoporosis.
Dr. David Collier, for five consecutive years, has been featured in the Consumers’ Research Council of America Guide to America 's Top Physicians and has been named a 5280 Magazine Top Doctor in Rheumatology as voted by physicians in the Denver area. His clinical expertise is in the area of general rheumatology, with a focus on scleroderma.
Arthritis Research
Some areas currently under investigation include:
- Identifying the causes for rheumatoid arthritis and lupus
- Studies utilizing new drugs for the treatment of inflammatory arthritis
- Understanding how lupus can affect the brain