Conditions We Treat
Connective Tissue Disorder Treatment in Manassas, VA
Connective tissue disorder treatment in Manassas, VA covers a group of autoimmune diseases, including lupus, Sjögren’s syndrome, scleroderma, myositis, and mixed connective tissue disease. Our rheumatologists sort out overlapping symptoms, confirm a diagnosis, and coordinate long-term treatment and monitoring.
- Board-certified rheumatologists
- Most insurance plans accepted
- Mon to Fri, 8am to 5pm
Complex autoimmune care
Coordinated monitoring
What Are Connective Tissue Disorders?
Connective tissue holds the body together and supports skin, joints, blood vessels, muscles, and organs. In autoimmune connective tissue disorders, the immune system attacks this tissue, causing inflammation that can affect many parts of the body. Common examples include:
- Systemic lupus erythematosus
- Sjögren’s syndrome, which causes dry eyes and dry mouth
- Systemic sclerosis (scleroderma), which causes skin thickening and can affect internal organs
- Inflammatory myositis, which causes muscle weakness
- Mixed and undifferentiated connective tissue disease
Common Symptoms
- Joint pain and stiffness
- Fatigue
- Dry eyes or dry mouth
- Rashes or skin tightening
- Fingers changing color in the cold (Raynaud’s phenomenon)
- Muscle weakness
- Shortness of breath or swallowing difficulty in some conditions
How We Diagnose Connective Tissue Disease
Because these conditions overlap, diagnosis takes a careful look at your symptoms over time. Your clinician uses a detailed exam and blood tests such as ANA and specific antibody panels, and may order lung or heart testing. EMG can help evaluate muscle weakness, and ultrasound can assess joint inflammation.
Treatment Options
- Medications that calm the immune system, chosen based on which organs are involved
- Hydroxychloroquine for many patients with lupus and Sjögren’s
- Biologic or immunosuppressive therapy, some given through our infusion center
- Symptom care for dryness, Raynaud’s, and joint pain
- Regular lab work and coordination with other specialists
- Bone density monitoring for patients on steroids
When to Seek Care
See a rheumatologist if you have a positive ANA test with symptoms, or a combination of joint pain, rashes, dryness, color changes in your fingers, or muscle weakness. Call 911 for chest pain or severe shortness of breath.
Next steps
Get evaluated in Manassas
Call (703) 361-3255 or request an appointment online. Our Manassas office is open Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm.
Related pages
How We Help
Services Used to Evaluate and Treat Connective Tissue Disorders
These in-office services may be part of your evaluation or treatment plan.
IV medications for rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, psoriatic arthritis, osteoporosis, and more.
Nerve and muscle testing that helps evaluate numbness, tingling, weakness, and nerve compression.
Radiation-free, real-time imaging of joints, tendons, and soft tissue to look for inflammation.
DEXA scans that measure bone mineral density to screen for osteopenia and osteoporosis.
Your Care Team
Rheumatology Clinicians Who Treat Connective Tissue Disorders
Our board-certified rheumatologists and nurse practitioners care for patients with connective tissue disorders at our Manassas office.
Nurse practitioner
Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner
FAQs
Connective Tissue Disorders Questions
Answers to common questions from patients in Manassas and across Northern Virginia.
What is mixed connective tissue disease?
It is a condition with features of more than one connective tissue disease, such as lupus, scleroderma, and myositis, along with a specific antibody.
What is Sjögren's syndrome?
Sjögren’s is an autoimmune condition that targets moisture-producing glands, causing dry eyes and mouth. It can also cause joint pain and fatigue.
Are connective tissue disorders hereditary?
Genes can increase risk, but these conditions usually result from a mix of genetic and environmental factors.
Will I need to see other specialists?
Sometimes. We coordinate with your primary care provider and specialists such as pulmonologists or dermatologists when needed.
Related Conditions
Related Conditions We Treat
Many rheumatic conditions share symptoms or occur together. Learn about related conditions.
Lupus
Systemic autoimmune disease
Raynaud's Phenomenon
Color changes in fingers and toes with cold
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Inflammatory joint pain, swelling, and stiffness
Peripheral Neuropathy
Nerve-related numbness and weakness
Request an Appointment
Schedule a Visit for Connective Tissue Disorders
Request an appointment online or call (703) 361-3255 to be evaluated at our Manassas office.
