Are Rheumatologists pain management doctors?

First of all, it’s important to understand what both doctors do – specifically.

According to The American College of Rheumatology, a Rheumatologist is an internist who received further training in the diagnosis and treatment of arthritis and other musculoskeletal diseases, which affect the joints, muscles, and bones. In addition to arthritis, they treat certain autoimmune diseases (when the body comes under attack by its own immune system), musculoskeletal pain, and osteoporosis. There are other conditions they treat to include:  rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout, lupus, ankylosing spondylitis, osteoporosis, fibromyalgia, and tendinitis to name just a few.

On the other hand, a Pain Management doctor is someone who is an authority on managing pain in their field, which may include neurology, anesthesiology, or even psychiatry.

When you feel you need pain management, your first call should be to your primary care physician, who will assess which specialist would be right for your condition. In addition, you should only seek pain management for chronic pain that focuses on your ability, or inability, to function in daily living activities. Remember:  some pain medicines may be addictive.

Dr. Hulon Crayton is a board certified Rheumatologist and owner of The Arthritis & Infusion Center. Within his practice, it sometimes becomes necessary to prescribe pain medications for certain specific conditions; however, Dr. Crayton does refer patients to pain management specialists if needed. Dr. Crayton always tells his patients:  “Pain is not normal! We can help.” You can ask your primary-care physician to refer you to Dr. Crayton; or, if your insurance allows, you can self-refer to our practice.

You don’t need a referral to see Dr. Crayton!

At The Arthritis & Infusion Center, we prefer that our patients discuss their symptoms with their primary care physician and then ask for a referral to Dr. Hulon Crayton. However, if you have not received satisfactory answers to your questions, you may self-refer to our medical center.

Dr. Crayton is the most experienced, Board Certified Rheumatologist in the region, who also has his Master’s in Hospital Administration. Because of these dual certifications, he is uniquely qualified to run his medical practice as well as the adjoining Infusion Center.

Our medical practice prides itself in staying current on all the latest treatment options available for dealing with Rheumatoid Arthritis, Osteoarthritis, Osteoporosis, Lupus, Fibromyalgia, Gout as well as all connective-tissue diseases.  Never before have there been as many options for the treatment of these conditions, which include not only prescription alternatives, but the most current medical technology as well.

“I always tell my patients that pain is not normal! Early, and aggressive, treatment is necessary within the first year of diagnosis. If left untreated, Rheumatoid Arthritis can decrease a person’s life by 10 to 15 years,” said Dr. Crayton. Don’t wait … you can refer yourself to our medical practice; however, be sure you have checked with your insurance provider, before your visit, to make certain our practice is within your network of care. We can help!

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.

5 FRACTURE FACTS to KNOW regarding OSTEOPOROSIS!

At the Arthritis & Infusion Center, we always like to keep our patients informed regarding the most current information on Rheumatologic conditions.  One such disorder is Osteoporosis, a debilitating ailment that causes fracturing of the bones. 

October 20^th is “World Osteoporosis Day”, and the International Osteoporosis Foundation has provided several warnings for you to consider:

• Each year, millions of (usually older) adults will suffer a devastating hip fracture caused by a simple fall.  Millions more will suffer fractures of the wrist, shoulder, pelvis, or spine.  These fractures are no accident!  It is likely the underlying cause is Osteoporosis!

• If you are 50 years or older and have had a fracture, you should ask Dr. Hulon Crayton to do a full clinical assessment, which will include a bone mineral density test; and a fracture risk assessment with the online FRAX calculator.

• Your first fracture is a warning sign!  If you have experienced such a break, it should have resulted in an immediate screening and, if indicated, the implementation of a plan to manage and treat your osteoporosis.

• Over 80% of fracture patients are never offered screenings and/or treatment for Osteoporosis within the hospital setting, despite the fact that there are effective medications that can reduce fracture risks by as much as 30-70%.

 

Why wait for an accident to happen?  At The Arthritis & Infusion Center, we have several screening technologies that could give you a “preview” regarding your specific condition, before you experience a fracture.

As Dr. Crayton always advises – “Pain is not normal.  We can help.”  Once you’ve read the information above, don’t you think it’s time you considered your risks for Osteoporosis?  Don’t wait for a fracture to occur!  Take preventative measures by having a full clinical assessment of your tendency for Osteoporosis by calling The Arthritis & Infusion Center at 850-873-6748.

Know Your Numbers: Bone Density Testing and Osteoporosis

The Arthritis & Infusion Center and Dr. Hulon E. Crayton encourage you to take an active role in your health care. Preventive health care and screenings are essential to achieving an overall healthy life just as changing the oil in your vehicle is necessary to maintain performance. In this video blog, Dr. Crayton explains why it is important to know your numbers in regards to women and Osteoporosis.

 

Remember, Pain is Not Normal, we can help! Call The Arthritis & Infusion Center today to schedule your preventative health check-up with Dr. Crayton. 

“Don’t Wait Until You Break a Bone”

CRACK! The sound is unmistakable and echoes in your ears. A bone has broken and the pain becomes unbearable. Dr. Hulon Crayton must treat the aftermath of such injuries all too often.

“I wish people would understand that there are precautionary steps that can be taken in order to build bone mass, and tests to determine your risks for osteoporosis.”

  We recommend:

• Building stronger bones with diet and supplements 
•  Weight-bearing exercises
•  Adding new drugs, which have been very effective for the treatment of osteoporosis

At The Arthritis and Infusion Center, we recommend that women (65 or older) and men (age 70 or older) take a Bone Density Test, which is a painless way to measure bone health and determine the risks for osteoporosis and assess the risk of fracture.

         Risk factors include: 

•  Not getting enough dietary calcium 
•  Having a small frame and/or excessive thinness 
• Smoking 
• Certain medications (like long-term use of steroids)
• Ethnicity, lactose intolerance, and excessive alcohol use

Don’t wait to hear the sound that everyone dreads. Osteoporosis is a silent, progressive disease that you can’t see or feel. Unfortunately, many people don’t know they have experienced bone loss until they break a bone. Dr. Crayton always tells his patients that “Pain is not normal. Let us help.”  

Take our Virtual Tour!

The Arthritis and Infusion Center understands that when people are looking for a physician, the appearance of the office is part of that decision-making process. Dr. Hulon Crayton has made this procedure easier by making a Virtual Tour available to any of his potential patients.  Once you have taken this “tour”, if you have any additional questions about what makes Dr. Crayton so unique, contact our office. We believe you’ll find not only a pleasant and comfortable treatment area, but discover a kind and compassionate physician who truly listens to his patients. “When people tell me they hurt, I believe them!” said Dr. Crayton. “But, pain is not normal and we can help.” Call today!

Are You Experiencing a Vitamin D Deficiency?

At The Arthritis & Infusion Center, we are seeing more and more people who have a vitamin D deficiency. Why should you be concerned? Dietary Guidelines for Americans indicate vitamin D is a nutrient of concern in our diets, advising that people should choose foods that provide more vitamin D … or take supplements. Vitamin D is absolutely essential for good bone health, and it may even help with muscle strength. In addition, it is thought to protect against cancer and type 2 diabetes. Recent studies have indicated that non-Hispanic blacks seem to suffer from the highest rates of vitamin D deficiency, although further research is needed. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), ultraviolet light from the sun helps people form vitamin D in the skin. It is then transported to the liver and converted to 25-hydroxyvitamin D, so getting into the sun on a regular basis would help elevate your vitamin D levels. 

A healthy, balanced diet should include plenty of fruits and vegetables, adequate calories, and enough calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin K to minimize bone loss and maintain overall health. While calcium is the most important nutrient for preventing osteoporosis, vitamin D supplements help to preserve bone mass and prevent hip fracture. 

The National Institute of Health also advised that vitamin D is required for the proper absorption of calcium from the intestine. Only a few foods naturally contain significant amounts of vitamin D, including fatty fish and fish oils. Food fortified with vitamin D, such as milk and cereals, are a major dietary source for vitamin D. Unfortunately, vitamin D production decreases in older adults and those who are housebound. The recommended daily intake of vitamin D for adults is 600 IU and 800 IU for adults over age 70. (Note:  Doses of more than 2,000 IU per day is not advised, although larger doses can be given, initially, to those who are deficient as a way to replenish the body.)

 

Dr. Hulon Crayton always advises his patients that “Any pain is not normal. Let us help.”  Contact our office to schedule an appointment to see if you are suffering from a potential vitamin D deficiency, which can lead to osteoporosis. But remember:  A healthy diet and lifestyle are important to optimizing good bone health.

Do I Need a Bone Density Test?

Osteoporosis is a silent disease.  One in three men, and one in four women, will die within a year of a hip fracture.  Early detection is the key to preventing this silent killer.  A Bone Density Test determines whether you have osteoporosis or are at risk for this dreaded disease.  Osteoporosis is a condition that causes bones to become more fragile and therefore, break more easily.

 According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, the following people should seriously consider having a bone density test:

• Women, 65 years of age or older … or … a postmenopausal woman, under age 65, with one or more risks factors for osteoporosis … or … a postmenopausal woman who has stopped taking estrogen therapy or hormone therapy.

• Men, 70 years of age or older … or … if you’re a man between the ages of 50 and 70 with one or more risk factors for osteoporosis.

• Both men and women, over the age of 50, who have experienced a broken bone.

            Bone density tests are used to identify decreases in bone density before you break a bone, because they enable to Dr. Hulon Crayton to know your risks for breakage.  The test is quick, painless, and is the preferred method to measure your bone mineral density (BMD).

            So what are the risk factors for osteoporosis?

1.      Getting older, since bones weaken as you age.

2.      Your ethnic background: Caucasian/white women, or women of Southeast Asian descent, have the greatest risk of osteoporosis; however, all women certainly can have a significant risk of the disease, so a test to determine your BMD is in order, especially if you are postmenopausal.

3.      If you are of average height and weigh less than 125 pounds.

4.      Family history of osteoporosis or hip fractures.  Or, if you have a personal history of fractures after the age of 40.

There is no real preparation needed for this test, but it’s as simple as calling The Arthritis and Infusion Center to schedule your appointment.  Call (850) 873-6748 or go to www.DrCrayton.net for additional contact information regarding our practice.  Remember:  “Pain is not normal.  Let us help.”

“The Silent Killer” … Another Name for Osteoporosis

Unfortunately, elderly patients with osteoporosis are the most vulnerable for compression fractures, which are broken bones of the spine. This fracture normally occurs with osteoporosis, but could also be caused from trauma to the back or tumors in the bone.

Symptoms of Compression Fractures, which cause severe back pain, usually occur in the mid to lower part of the spine. Our patients have described “shooting” pains that are aggravated by walking and a stooped posture.

The tests that are recommended for Compression Fractures include a bone density test to evaluate the osteoporosis that may be present, followed by a CT or MRI scan if there is concern that the fracture was caused by the trauma or tumors (mentioned above).

Fortunately, treatment is available and healing can occur over eight to ten weeks. There are medications available to treat osteoporosis, which can help prevent future fractures, but when vertebrae have already collapsed, treatment cannot reverse the fracture.

Immediately contact Dr. Crayton at The Arthritis and Infusion Center if you have back pain and think you may have experienced a compression fracture. The sooner you seek medical help, the faster we can ease your pain and get to the bottom of what is causing your discomfort. Remember our slogan: “Pain is not normal. Let us help.”