“What you don’t know can hurt you. Arthritis is not just a joint disease.”

When Dr. Hulon Crayton speaks to the public, as well as to his patients, he provides them with vital information about Rheumatology.  Most people do not realize that Rheumatology is the diagnosis and treatment of more than 150 arthritic and connective-tissue disorders.

Fortunately, The Arthritis & Infusion Center provides a wide range of specialized services for arthritis. Did you know that, by definition, “arthritis” refers to any of more than 100 joint disorders characterized by pain, swelling, and limited motion or movement? Arthritis can be caused by inflammation or infection in a joint, by degeneration of a joint due to age, or by a disorder of which arthritis is a major symptom.

It might surprise you to learn that in the United States alone more than 31 million people of all ages suffer from various degrees of the disease.

Our practice deals with these three major categories of arthritis:

v  Osteoarthritis  
v  Rheumatoid Arthritis
v  Gout

Our medical practice prides itself in staying current on all the latest treatment options in dealing with arthritis, but we also deal with Osteoporosis, Lupus, Fibromyalgia, as well as all connective-tissue diseases. Dr. Crayton is the most experienced Rheumatologist in this area, and is the Medical Director of our Infusion Center.

Never before have there been as many options for the treatment of these conditions. Dr. Crayton always tells people:  “Pain is not normal. Let us help!” Not only are there prescription alternatives, but our practice provides the most current in medical technology as well. To view a complete list of conditions commonly treated in our office, go to www.DrCrayton.net.

REMEMBER:  What you don’t know can hurt you!  Early, and aggressive, treatment is necessary within the first year of the diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis. If left untreated, it can decrease a person’s life by 10 to 15 years, and can also cause paralysis. Don’t wait any longer!  Call The Arthritis & Infusion Center …today – 873-6748.

Experience and Board Certification: A Powerful Combination

Dr. Hulon Crayton has been practicing Rheumatology since 1990, which makes him the most experienced, longest tenured, Rheumatologist in this region. In addition, he is Board Certified in Rheumatology, has maintained his licenses in good standing with all state licensing boards, and also completed his Master’s Degree in Hospital Administration, which makes him specially qualified to run The Arthritis & Infusion Center.

 A Rheumatologist is an internist who received further training in the diagnosis/detection and treatment of arthritis and other musculoskeletal diseases. Also called “rheumatic” diseases, these conditions affect the joints, muscles, and bones. Rheumatologists treat arthritis, certain autoimmune diseases, musculoskeletal pain, and osteoporosis. There are more than 100 rheumatic conditions, to include (but not limited to): Rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout, lupus, ankylosing spondylitis, osteoporosis, fibromyalgia, and tendinitis.

  
In addition to his four (4) years of medical school and three (3) years of residency, and (2) year of fellowship training, Dr. Crayton has been practicing his specialty for almost a quarter of a century!  During that time, Dr. Crayton has compiled extensive training, and experience, in the successful treatment of his patients. He continues to evaluate his physician-patient communications by surveying patients, which guides the practice in quality improvement. Dr. Crayton has a commitment to life-long learning and frequently completes appropriate continuing-education courses.
   

Dr. Crayton is a much sought-after consultant who advises other doctors about a particular diagnosis and treatment plan. In other cases, Dr. Crayton acts as a manager of infusions needed by the patients of other physicians.

Teamwork is very important for doctor-to-patient and doctor-to-doctor relationships, and Dr. Crayton has a proven reputation of really listening to his patients in order to help them, and their families, cope with the changes rheumatic diseases may cause in their lives. 

Some rheumatic diseases are very serious and can be hard to diagnose and treat, which is why it is very important to choose a rheumatologist who has the most experience in the region for treating rheumatic disease … and that person is Dr. Hulon Crayton! No referral is necessary. Learn more about Dr. Crayton at drcrayton.net.

RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS vs OSTEOARTHRITIS: What’s the difference?

Most people know the term “arthritis” refers to the inflammation of the joints, which is usually accompanied by pain.  Generally speaking, when people refer to arthritis, they are often referring to osteoarthritis (OA), which is a very common ailment, and usually experienced by the elderly.

In a recent study done via rheumatoidarthritis.com, they made the following observations:

     

Rheumatoid Arthritis                                              

More severe than Osteoarthritis                                             

Caused by the immune system attacking the body               

Can affect people of any age (most common: 20-60)                            

Affects more women than men                                             

Osteoarthritis

Less severe than Rheumatoid Arthritis

Caused by wear & tear on the body

Generally affects people over age 40

Symptoms can be felt throughout the entire body

Commonly found in both men & women

What are the causes of Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis?  What symptoms point to Osteoarthritis or Rheumatoid Arthritis?  These are questions you need to have with a qualified Rheumatologist.  Dr.Hulon Crayton is the longest-tenured Rheumatologist in this region. It is very important for you to be diagnosed – accurately – so that your treatment is most effective to your condition.  Our slogan, “Pain is not normal,” refers to not only Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis … there are many other conditions that cause pain.  The Arthritis and Infusion Center should be your first call to figure out the source of your pain, and to discuss any questions you may have to clear up any confusion.  Contact us today!

Can you have an MRI when you have a Pacemaker? Find out the latest ..

According to the site www.eldercareteam.com, an MRI and Pacemaker are “a possibly dangerous combo”.  “It’s something else for seniors and caregivers to remember:  If someone has a pacemaker, newly released research indicates that an MRI might not be a safe procedure.  With potentially one of every four people receiving an MRI also having an implanted pacemaker, this raises some serious concerns.”

            Dr.Hulon Crayton is all too aware of these concerns, which is why his practice – The Arthritis and Infusion Center has made the option of Ultrasound available.  Ultrasound is a diagnostic medical procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce dynamic visual images of:

• Joints
• Muscles
• Tendons
• Organs
• Tissues, or
• Blood flow inside the body.

Unlike MRI, ultrasound has no affect on cardiac pacemakers or metallic objects in the body.  In addition, the general use of this equipment is for the detection of:

• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Rotator Cuff Tears
• Osteoarthritis
• Spleen and/or liver disease
• Biliary Tract Obstructions (i.e., gallstones)
• Thyroid Nodules
• Carotid artery blockage
• DVT (Deep venous thrombosis, which is the formation of a blood clot in a vein that is deep inside a part of the body, usually the legs.)

If you have any kind of injury, or pain, which involves tendons, ligaments, muscles, or joints, BUT you have a pacemaker, your next call should be to The Arthritis and Infusion Center.  Remember:  Pain is NOT normal, and we can help!  873-6748.