Rheumatology Conditions Treated in Duluth, MN
Dr. Adam Elisha, DO is a board-certified rheumatologist at St. Luke’s Rheumatology Associates (Aspirus) in Duluth, MN. He evaluates and treats autoimmune, inflammatory, and musculoskeletal conditions that can affect the joints, muscles, bones, blood vessels, skin, eyes, mouth, lungs, kidneys, and nervous system.
This page is a starting point for patients and referring clinicians. Each condition below links to a dedicated page with symptoms, evaluation considerations, and treatment themes.
Inflammatory Arthritis
- Rheumatoid Arthritis – Chronic autoimmune arthritis that often causes swelling, prolonged morning stiffness, and pain in the small joints of the hands and feet.
- Psoriatic Arthritis – Inflammatory arthritis associated with psoriasis, nail changes, tendon pain, dactylitis, or spine symptoms.
- Spondyloarthropathy – A family of inflammatory diseases including ankylosing spondylitis, axial spondyloarthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and reactive arthritis.
- Gout – Crystal arthritis caused by uric acid, often presenting with sudden painful flares and sometimes requiring long-term urate-lowering therapy.
Autoimmune and Systemic Conditions
- Lupus (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus) – A systemic autoimmune disease that may affect joints, skin, blood counts, kidneys, lungs, heart, brain, and other organs.
- Sjogren’s Syndrome – An autoimmune disease often associated with dry eyes, dry mouth, fatigue, joint pain, and systemic complications.
- Vasculitis – Inflammation of blood vessels, including conditions such as giant cell arteritis and ANCA-associated vasculitis.
- Inflammatory Myopathy – Rare autoimmune muscle diseases including polymyositis, dermatomyositis, and immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy.
Bone Health
- Osteoporosis and Bone Health – Evaluation of low bone density, fracture risk, DEXA results, and treatment options to reduce future fracture risk.
Symptoms That May Suggest a Rheumatology Condition
- Persistent swelling in one or more joints
- Morning stiffness lasting more than 30 to 60 minutes
- Joint pain that improves with movement rather than rest
- Dry eyes or dry mouth together with joint pain or fatigue
- Rashes, mouth sores, Raynaud’s symptoms, abnormal inflammatory labs, or a positive ANA with concerning symptoms
For a broader symptom guide, read 10 Signs You Should See a Rheumatologist. Patients preparing for a visit may also find What to Expect at Your First Rheumatology Visit helpful.
Why See a Rheumatologist?
Rheumatologic diseases can be complex because symptoms may involve several parts of the body and can overlap with infection, injury, osteoarthritis, medication effects, or other medical conditions. A rheumatologist looks at the pattern of symptoms, physical exam findings, lab results, imaging, and medical history to determine whether inflammation or autoimmunity may be present.
Dr. Elisha is fellowship-trained at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC), board-certified in rheumatology, and practices at St. Luke’s Rheumatology Associates in Duluth. Learn more about Dr. Elisha.
Schedule an Appointment
Dr. Elisha sees patients at St. Luke’s Rheumatology Associates (Aspirus), 1000 E 1st St, Suite 302, Duluth, MN 55805. Call (218) 249-6960, Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 4 PM. Referral requirements and wait times may vary by insurance plan and clinical need.