Arthritis Center of North Georgia

07/23/2025

Sjögren’s is a complex autoimmune disease that affects millions—and often overlaps with conditions we manage every day, like arthritis and lupus. At Arthritis Center of North Georgia, we’re proud to stand with the Sjögren’s Foundation in raising awareness, supporting our patients, and advancing understanding of this often-overlooked condition.

Learn more at sjogrens.org 💜

Today is World Sjögren’s Day. Sjögren’s disease is a serious, prevalent and complex autoimmune disease that affects millions of people, and often overlaps with conditions like arthritis. That's why we're proud to stand with the Sjögren's Foundation to raise awareness and show our support. Learn more about Sjögren's at sjogrens.org

07/17/2025

Earlier this week, our Watkinsville office celebrated a special milestone—one year in our beautiful new location and one year as part of SERA! We are so proud of the growth and teamwork that has carried us through this exciting first year.

A huge thank you to our amazing staff, patients, and the Watkinsville community for your continued support. Special shoutout to Baddies Burgers and Sippin' Sweet with Carli for helping make the celebration extra delicious! 💙🍔🍋🎉

07/16/2025

If you live with an autoimmune condition and experience dry, irritated eyes, you're not alone. Dry Eye Awareness Month is the perfect time to address this often-overlooked symptom that affects many of our patients.

𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐫𝐡𝐞𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲 𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐭 𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐤:
Autoimmune diseases can attack the glands that produce tears, leading to insufficient or poor-quality tear production. Conditions like Sjögren's syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and scleroderma all increase your risk of developing dry eye disease.

Additionally, some of the medications that help control inflammation and autoimmune activity may contribute to dry eye symptoms as a side effect.

𝐑𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐥𝐚𝐠𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐮𝐬𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐦:
🔸 Eyes that feel dry, scratchy, or burning
🔸 Sensitivity to light or wind
🔸 Mucus around the eyes
🔸 Difficulty reading or using computers
🔸 Eyes that water excessively (counterintuitive but common)

At Arthritis Center of North Georgia, we encourage our patients to communicate all symptoms, including eye discomfort. Coordinated care between your rheumatologist and eye specialist ensures the best outcomes for your overall health.

For more information, visit ➡️ bit.ly/4kFLQQY

07/10/2025

Living with a chronic condition can feel isolating, but today we celebrate the community that surrounds those managing arthritis, autoimmune diseases, and other long-term health challenges.

Every day, our patients show us what true bravery looks like - getting up despite pain, pushing through fatigue, and never giving up hope for better days ahead.

Behind every person with chronic illness is a network of supporters: spouses who understand bad days, children who give extra hugs, friends who check in, and healthcare teams who believe in their healing.

Who motivates you to be your strongest self? Snap a pic and share it with !

At Arthritis Center of North Georgia, we're grateful to be part of your care team and witness to your daily acts of courage.

You are seen. You are valued. You are never alone.

07/10/2025

A new clinical test may help predict which biologic treatment will work best for people with rheumatoid arthritis—marking a step toward more personalized, effective care. Research like this holds promise for improving outcomes and reducing the trial-and-error of RA treatment.

🔗 Learn more:

A new clinical test may be able to predict which biologic may be the most effective for each individual with rheumatoid arthritis and help take the guesswork out of treatment, a new study suggests.

07/07/2025

𝐒𝐔𝐍 𝐒𝐀𝐅𝐄𝐓𝐘 𝐈𝐒 𝐒𝐄𝐑𝐈𝐎𝐔𝐒 𝐁𝐔𝐒𝐈𝐍𝐄𝐒𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐋𝐔𝐏𝐔𝐒 𝐏𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐒

UV Safety Awareness Month reminds us that for people with lupus, sun protection isn't optional - it's essential healthcare. Ultraviolet radiation can trigger lupus flares that impact far more than just your skin.

𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙡𝙪𝙥𝙪𝙨 𝙥𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙨 𝙣𝙚𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬:
🔸Sun exposure can cause butterfly rashes across the face and other skin lesions
🔸UV radiation may trigger systemic flares affecting kidneys, heart, or nervous system
🔸Photosensitivity can develop even in patients who previously tolerated sun well
🔸Some autoimmune medications increase sun sensitivity

𝙔𝙚𝙖𝙧-𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙩𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙖𝙡𝙨:
🔸Use sunscreen every day, not just at the beach
🔸Reapply every 2 hours or after sweating/swimming
🔸Look for "broad spectrum" on labels to block both UVA and UVB rays
🔸Don't forget often-missed spots: ears, lips, feet, and hands

At Arthritis Center of North Georgia, we help patients create personalized sun safety plans that fit their lifestyle while protecting their health.

Because your lupus management extends beyond medication.

07/04/2025

Today we celebrate the courage, sacrifice, and vision of those who founded our great nation. We're honored to be part of a community that values freedom, health, and caring for one another.

May your 4th of July be filled with joy, gratitude, and precious moments with family and friends.

Stay safe and enjoy the celebration!

07/01/2025

As Southeastern Rheumatology Alliance celebrates its first anniversary, we are reflecting on what a meaningful year it has been here at Arthritis Center of North Georgia. From adapting to changes to building stronger care teams, we are proud of what we have accomplished together.

We are especially thankful to our incredible patients for their trust and to our staff for their dedication. Here’s to continued collaboration and compassionate rheumatology care in North Georgia.

🎉 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐄𝐑𝐀! 🎉

As we mark our first anniversary, we want to take a moment to reflect with deep appreciation.

To our 𝐩𝐡𝐲𝐬𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬—thank you for your unwavering commitment to patient-centered care and your support of one another as colleagues.

To our 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐟𝐟—your grace, grit, and dedication through this year of transition have been nothing short of inspiring.

To 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐑𝐡𝐞𝐮𝐦, your guidance has been key in helping us deliver high-quality care in today’s complex healthcare landscape.

And to our 𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬—this is all for you. Thank you for trusting us, adapting with us, and continuing to be the heart of our mission.

Here's to a year of growth, collaboration, and compassionate care—and to the future we are building together.

06/25/2025

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐃𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐚 𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐀𝐍𝐀 𝐓𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐌𝐞𝐚𝐧? 🧬

An ANA (antinuclear antibody) test can sound alarming, but a positive result doesn’t always point to an autoimmune disease. ANA are autoantibodies—proteins that mistakenly target your own tissues—and the test is often used when evaluating conditions like lupus, Sjögren’s syndrome, or scleroderma.

Key take-aways:
✅ A positive ANA is just one piece of the diagnostic puzzle.
✅ Many healthy people—especially over age 65—can test positive without disease.
✅ Your full medical history, physical exam, and additional labs are essential for accurate interpretation.

If you’ve had an ANA test, talk with your rheumatology provider about what the result means for you and whether any follow-up is needed.

🔗 Learn more from the American College of Rheumatology: bit.ly/3TDxBB4

06/20/2025

Welcome summer! As we celebrate the summer solstice, it's the ideal time to embrace seasonal eating for better health.

Managing rheumatoid arthritis goes beyond medication - what you eat matters too! Summer brings an abundance of anti-inflammatory foods that can support your health naturally.

From vitamin C-packed parsley to fiber-rich fresh beans, seasonal produce offers targeted benefits for RA patients. This Everyday Health guide explains why stone fruits are antioxidant powerhouses and how fresh turmeric can help turn down inflammation.

Ready to eat your way to better health this summer?

Visit the article to learn more: bit.ly/3ZEpTu6

06/17/2025

June is National Migraine & Headache Awareness Month, and we want to highlight something many of our patients experience: the overlap between chronic headaches and autoimmune conditions.

If you have lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, you may have noticed that headaches become more frequent during flares or when your sleep is disrupted.

The evening challenge: Pain and inflammation can make it difficult to fall asleep, leading to sleep deprivation that triggers both headaches and worsens autoimmune symptoms.

At Arthritis Center of North Georgia, we understand that managing chronic conditions means addressing all aspects of your health, including sleep and headache patterns.

Sweet dreams lead to better days.

06/15/2025

Wishing a Happy Father’s Day from everyone at Arthritis Center of North Georgia!

Today we recognize all those who lead with love—dads, grandfathers, stepdads, uncles, and father-like figures. Your presence and care mean the world to your families and communities.

Here’s to a day of well-deserved appreciation.