Rheumatology, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Osteoarthritis, Lupus

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Rheumatological Care & Conditions We Treat

Unlock Relief:
Understanding Rheumatic Diseases & How We Can Help

Rheumatic diseases can be painful, frustrating, and life-altering. At Indiana Rheumatology & Infusion Center, we specialize in advanced treatments to help you regain control and improve your quality of life. Let’s break down some common conditions and how we can help.

Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes the immune system to attack healthy joint tissue, leading to pain, swelling, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Without proper treatment, RA can result in joint deformities and long-term disability. Early diagnosis and specialized care are essential to prevent joint damage and improve quality of life. If you’re experiencing persistent joint pain, morning stiffness, or fatigue, seeking expert rheumatology care can make all the difference.

Psoriasis & Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA)

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting the skin, scalp, nails, and joints. It commonly appears as scaly plaques on the elbows, knees, and scalp but can cover larger areas of the body. Up to 30% of people with psoriasis develop Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA), an autoimmune condition that causes joint pain, stiffness, and swelling. PsA frequently affects the fingers, wrists, knees, and ankles, often leading to nail pitting or crumbling.

Psoriatic Spondylitis & HLA-B27

Around 20% of PsA patients experience spinal inflammation, known as psoriatic spondylitis, which can lead to spinal fusion, similar to ankylosing spondylitis (AS). PsA and AS share a genetic link to HLA-B27, a gene that increases susceptibility to autoimmune rheumatic diseases. Without treatment, PsA can lead to progressive, irreversible joint damage.

At Indiana Rheumatology & Infusion Center, we offer advanced biologic therapies that target inflammation at its source—keeping you mobile and your skin clear.

Sjogren’s Syndrome

Dry eyes and dry mouth are just the beginning of this autoimmune disorder. Sjögren’s syndrome can cause fatigue, chronic pain, and organ damage. If your eyes burn or your mouth feels like a desert, we provide cutting-edge treatments to improve moisture production and reduce inflammation.

Sjögren’s Symptoms:

Neurological issues: Brain fog, memory loss, headaches
Oral & ocular dryness: Corneal ulcerations, recurrent sinusitis, difficulty swallowing
Joint, muscle pain and other symptoms: Arthritis, vasculitis, Raynaud’s phenomenon
Gastrointestinal & organ involvement: Liver disease, interstitial lung disease, kidney disorders

Lupus: The “Great Imitator”

Lupus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that affects joints, skin, kidneys, and heart. Symptoms range from fatigue, rashes, and joint pain to life-threatening organ damage. Our personalized lupus therapies help reduce flare-ups and protect your health.

Types of Lupus:

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) – The most common and severe form
Cutaneous lupus – Primarily affects the skin
Drug-induced lupus – Triggered by medications
Neonatal lupus – Affects newborns of mothers with lupus

Who’s at Risk?

Women ages 15 to 44
Individuals of African American, Hispanic, Asian, Native American, or Pacific Islander descent

Wegener’s Granulomatosis (GPA)

GPA (Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis) is a rare but life-threatening autoimmune vasculitis that causes inflammation of small and medium-sized blood vessels. This leads to damage in vital organs, particularly the lungs, kidneys, and sinuses. Without treatment, GPA can cause severe organ failure and become fatal.

Symptoms of GPA:

Sinus and respiratory symptoms: Chronic sinus infections, nasal congestion, nosebleeds, and hearing loss
Lung involvement: Persistent cough, shortness of breath, and lung nodules
Kidney damage: Blood in the urine, swelling, and eventual kidney failure
General symptoms: Fatigue, joint pain, weight loss, fever, and night sweats

Diagnosis and Treatment:

Early detection is critical for managing GPA and preventing irreversible damage. Diagnosis typically involves blood tests, imaging (CT scans), and biopsy of affected tissues.

At Indiana Rheumatology & Infusion Center, we provide advanced therapies. With proper treatment, GPA can be managed effectively, helping patients lead a more stable and active life.

GPA (Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis) is a life-threatening vasculitis that damages the lungs, kidneys, and sinuses. Symptoms often mimic a sinus infection or persistent cough, but early diagnosis is crucial to prevent organ failure. Our targeted therapies help control disease progression and inflammation.

Osteoarthritis (OA)

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common type of arthritis, affecting millions worldwide. It occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of bones wears down over time, leading to joint pain, stiffness, and swelling. OA most commonly affects the knees, hips, hands, and spine, causing reduced mobility and a decreased quality of life.

Key OA Symptoms:

Joint pain and stiffness, particularly in the morning or after inactivity
Swelling and tenderness in affected joints
Loss of flexibility and decreased range of motion
Bone spurs forming around affected joints

At Indiana Rheumatology & Infusion Center, we offer advanced OA treatments, including joint injections, and lifestyle modifications to help reduce pain and keep you moving comfortably.

Scleroderma

Scleroderma is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes skin thickening, lung scarring, and Raynaud’s phenomenon (cold-induced numbness in fingers and toes). It can affect connective tissues and internal organs, leading to serious complications if left untreated.

Key Scleroderma Symptoms:

Hardening and thickening of the skin
Restricted movement in joints due to skin tightening
Digestive issues, acid reflux, and difficulty swallowing
Shortness of breath and lung fibrosis in severe cases

While unpredictable, early intervention with specialized therapies can help slow disease progression and manage symptoms.

Gout: The Most Common Inflammatory Arthritis

Gout is the most common form of inflammatory arthritis, affecting millions worldwide. It is a serious, lifelong disease that requires ongoing management and lifestyle modifications. Gout occurs due to uric acid crystal buildup, leading to sudden and excruciating joint pain, commonly in the big toe, ankles, and knees.

Long-Term Risks of Untreated Gout:

Chronic joint inflammation leading to permanent damage
Kidney disease due to uric acid buildup
Severe disability and reduced quality of life, similar to advanced rheumatoid arthritis

Gout is not just a temporary inconvenience—it can lead to work loss, physical disability, and long-term complications. At Indiana Rheumatology & Infusion Center, our comprehensive gout management program includes medications, dietary counseling, and personalized treatment plans to prevent flare-ups and long-term damage.

For additional information, visit gouteducation.org or contact [email protected].

At Indiana Rheumatology & Infusion Center, we offer advanced treatments, including biologics, DMARDs, and infusion therapy, to help reduce inflammation, slow disease progression, and restore function. Don’t let these rheumatological conditions control your life.

Schedule your consultation today and take the first step toward lasting relief. Call (812) 725-0200 or book an appointment online now!

Real Stories of Care, Compassion, and Healing

What Our Patients Say

★★★★★

I am very thankful to have met Dr. Fabiola Gamarra-Hilburn she quickly assessed the situation correctly the first time instructing me well giving me only what was needed now thankfully I am on the way to regaining my original crushing grip strength before this all started. – Jonathan

★★★★★

Dr.Gamarra-Hilburn and staff are friendly and professional. I highly recommend her. She really cares for her patients. – Diana

★★★★★

She spends time with you and goes over all issues. Appointments have been on time. I will definitely be back and would recommend. – Patty

★★★★★

Dr. Hilburn is a great doctor. She has taken great care of me and I highly recommend her. – Richard

★★★★★

She has been nothing short of amazing and I’m incredibly happy with having her as a part of my care. She changed my diagnosis at my 1st appt, I was being treated for RA and PSA before, and she began a new treatment for just PSA and I have felt better over the past 2 months than I have in years. I would highly recommend Dr Gammara-Hilburn to anyone – Stephanie

★★★★★

When I saw Dr. Gamarra the first time I was in so much pain I could barely move. She was so understanding and compassionate. She did a thorough exam and was able to diagnose and treat my condition and I am now almost pain free. – Debbie

★★★★★

"I have been seeing Dr. Gamarra-Hilburn for a little over a year now. I am so grateful to her and her staff. She is one of the very few doctors who will listen to me and my concerns about my health. I feel that she genuinely cares about me and my health. I have great confidence in her and her abilities to treat my condition. I highly recommend her to anyone needing a Rheumatologist." – T.

★★★★★

"Dr. Gamarra has been so gracious and caring since my first visit. She's shown true interest in my medical issues and thoroughly reviews my test results and her findings with me. I'm seen promptly for my appointments with the efficiency of her staff." – Kathy

★★★★★

"She and her staff are amazing. Dr. Gammara-Hilburn is so kind and warm. She's very knowledgeable and takes all the time needed to explain things. It's a plus that I NEVER wait more than 15 minutes to see her. I definitely recommend!" – Maggie

Rheumatological Care & Conditions We Treat

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Osteoarthritis

Lupus

Gout

Psoriatic Arthritis

Ankylosing Spondylitis

Unlock Relief:
Understanding Rheumatic Diseases & How We Can Help