Research-informed health explainers
Plain-language guides to conditions, treatments, and medications — each one grounded in peer-reviewed research from the specialists in our directory.
11 articles in Rheumatology
Ankylosing Spondylitis vs Axial SpA: Treatment Differences
Plain-language comparison of ankylosing spondylitis vs axial spondyloarthritis treatment. Same drug classes, different diagnostic thresholds.
Lianne Gensler, M.D. · Alan Kivitz, MD · Arthur Kavanaugh, M.D. · Eric Ruderman, MD
Combination DMARDs vs Biologic Monotherapy for RA
Evidence-based comparison of combination DMARD therapy vs biologic monotherapy for RA — what major trials show and how guidelines weigh in.
Joan Bathon, M.D. · Kenneth Saag, MD · John Tesser, MD · Alan Kivitz, MD · Charles Ludivico, MD
HRT vs bisphosphonates for osteoporosis: key differences
HRT and bisphosphonates both prevent fractures, but they work differently and carry different risks. Here is how to compare them for postmenopausal bone loss.
Kenneth Saag, MD · Chad Deal, MD · Robin Dore, MD · Paula Rackoff, MD
JAK Inhibitor vs Biologic for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Evidence-based comparison of JAK inhibitors and biologics for RA, including efficacy data, safety tradeoffs, and how rheumatologists decide between them.
Alan Kivitz, MD · Charles Ludivico, MD · Kenneth Saag, MD · Jeffrey Sparks, MD · Jeffrey Curtis, MD
Joint Pain: Rheumatologist or Orthopedic Surgeon?
Plain-language guide to choosing between a rheumatologist and an orthopedic surgeon for joint pain, grounded in clinical research on inflammatory and structural joint disease.
Marc Hochberg, M.D. · Kenneth Saag, MD · Jeffrey Curtis, MD
Limited vs Diffuse Scleroderma: Prognosis Differences
Limited and diffuse scleroderma have distinct prognosis patterns. Learn how skin involvement, organ complications, and autoantibodies shape long-term outcomes.
Laura Hummers, M.D. · Dinesh Khanna, M.D. · John Varga, MD · Kristin Highland, M.D. · Flavia Castelino, M.D.
Physical Therapy vs Medication: Early Inflammatory Arthritis
Evidence-based comparison of physical therapy and DMARDs for early inflammatory arthritis, including when each is recommended and what the research shows.
Joan Bathon, M.D. · Kenneth Saag, MD · Minna Kohler, M.D. · Paul Sutej, MD
Reactive Arthritis vs Psoriatic Arthritis: Treatment Differences
Reactive arthritis and psoriatic arthritis are often confused but treated differently. Learn how each is diagnosed and managed, and when biologics enter the picture.
Christopher Ritchlin, MD · Arthur Kavanaugh, M.D. · Norman Gaylis, M.D. · M Elaine Husni, M.D.
Biologics vs JAK Inhibitors for RA: Safety Compared
Biologic vs JAK inhibitor safety for rheumatoid arthritis: who each suits, what the major guidelines say, and what to ask your doctor.
Kenneth Saag · Joan Bathon · Jeffrey Curtis · Larry Moreland
Small vs Large Vessel Vasculitis: Treatment Differences
Small and large vessel vasculitis require different drugs and monitoring. Learn how rituximab, tocilizumab, and corticosteroids compare across these two categories.
Leonard Calabrese, DO · Carol Langford, MD · Kenneth Warrington, MD · Eli Miloslavsky, MD · Sebastian Unizony, MD
Vasculitis and Kidney Involvement: Nephrology vs Rheumatology
When vasculitis attacks the kidneys, rheumatologists and nephrologists both play a role. Learn how the two specialties divide the work and what that means for your care.
Carol Langford, MD · Eli Miloslavsky, MD · Ashima Makol, M.D. · Kinanah Yaseen, M.D. · Anisha Dua, MD