Ozark Rheumatology, Chesterfield, Missouri

09/07/2026

If you live with rheumatoid arthritis, a sudden and intensely painful joint flare may not always be your RA acting up. A new review in Arthritis Research & Therapy suggests that rheumatoid arthritis and gout can show up in the same person more often than doctors once believed. The two were long treated as separate conditions, but researchers say the overlap may be underrecognized. That matters, because the two are managed very differently. Gout often comes on fast and starts in one joint, such as the big toe, while RA tends to affect matching joints on both sides of the body.

Not sure what's behind your joint pain? Ozark Rheumatology in Chesterfield is here to help — call to schedule a visit.

Background Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and gout are traditionally considered distinct diseases with differing pathogenic mechanisms, making their coexistence controversial. Emerging evidence suggests this overlap may be underestimated. This study aimed to evaluate their epidemiological association, ge...

09/06/2026

👁️ Constantly dry eyes and dry mouth? It might be more than dehydration.

Sjögren's syndrome is an autoimmune condition that attacks the glands that make tears and saliva — and it often goes undiagnosed for years. Dr. Nivedita Nagam, MD, provides comprehensive evaluation and care for Sjögren's and other autoimmune conditions.

Answers start with the right specialist. Ozark Rheumatology, Chesterfield · 📞 (314) 377-0070 · By appointment.

09/02/2026

💪 Sudden aching and stiffness in your shoulders and hips — especially in the morning? If you're over 50, it could be polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR).

PMR can make everyday tasks like getting dressed feel impossible, but it responds very well to proper treatment. Dr. Nivedita Nagam diagnoses PMR and builds a tailored plan to relieve pain and restore mobility.

Ozark Rheumatology, Chesterfield · 📞 (314) 377-0070 · By appointment.

09/01/2026

Could the air outside affect your joints? A new study published this month in Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases followed more than 1,000 people with rheumatoid arthritis across thousands of clinic visits. Researchers found that months with higher levels of fine particle pollution — the tiny bits in smoke, soot, and dust — were linked to more disease activity and a higher chance of a flare. The connection was strongest when higher pollution lasted more than a couple of weeks. This does not mean pollution causes RA, but it is a reminder that things outside your body can play a role in how you feel, and that tracking your flares is worth doing. On poor air-quality days, staying indoors and keeping windows closed is a reasonable step.

Struggling with joint pain or frequent flares? Ozark Rheumatology in Chesterfield is here to help — call to schedule an appointment.

Tiny pollution particles from smoke, soot, and dust may worsen rheumatoid arthritis and raise the risk of painful flares, particularly after prolonged exposure. The findings suggest that avoiding poor air quality could become an important part of managing the disease.

08/30/2026

🔥 A big toe so painful you can't stand a bedsheet touching it? That's the classic sign of gout.

Gout is one of the most treatable forms of arthritis — but left unmanaged, attacks become more frequent and can damage joints. Dr. Nivedita Nagam, MD, can help you stop the attacks and get uric acid under control for good.

Ozark Rheumatology · 16216 Baxter Road, Suite 390, Chesterfield · 📞 (314) 377-0070 · By appointment.

08/26/2026

🦴 Osteoporosis is called the "silent disease" — bone loss happens without symptoms until a fracture occurs.

Women over 65, men over 70, and anyone with risk factors (family history, long-term steroid use, early menopause) should talk about bone density screening. Dr. Nivedita Nagam has extensive experience in osteoporosis screening and treatment.

Protect your bones before a break. Ozark Rheumatology, Chesterfield · 📞 (314) 377-0070 · By appointment.

08/23/2026

🖐️ Joint pain and stiffness that lasts more than an hour in the morning? That's not "just getting older" — it could be rheumatoid arthritis.

Early diagnosis and treatment can protect your joints before permanent damage occurs. Dr. Nivedita Nagam, MD, is a board certified rheumatologist who develops personalized treatment plans for RA and other autoimmune conditions.

Ozark Rheumatology · 16216 Baxter Road, Suite 390, Chesterfield · 📞 (314) 377-0070 · By appointment.

07/27/2026

Good news for anyone living with arthritis: experts at Europe's largest rheumatology meeting (EULAR 2026 in London) just updated their guidance on exercise — and it confirms that staying active is one of the best things you can do for your joints. For people with osteoarthritis or inflammatory arthritis like rheumatoid arthritis, regular movement is safe and can help ease pain and stiffness. You don't need intense workouts — walking, swimming, and gentle strength exercises all count. Every body is different, so it helps to find the activity that feels right for you.

Living with joint pain or arthritis? Ozark Rheumatology in Chesterfield is here to help — call to schedule a visit.

Source: https://www.eular.org/eular-press-releases

07/22/2026

Strong bones don't happen by accident. 🦴

Osteoporosis affects millions — and most don't know until a fracture happens. If you're over 50, postmenopausal, or have a family history, a bone density screening could protect your future mobility.

Ozark Rheumatology in Chesterfield offers osteoporosis evaluation and treatment. Call today to schedule!

Dr. Nagam is ABIM certified and fellowship trained in adult rheumatology.

07/22/2026

Good news for people with gout: treating it may protect your heart, too. A large study of more than 109,000 gout patients, published in JAMA Internal Medicine, found that people who took their gout medicine and got their uric acid down to the recommended level had a lower risk of heart attack and stroke over five years. The benefit was even bigger for people already at higher heart risk. It's one more reason to stick with your treatment plan — even when you're not having a flare.

Living with gout or joint pain? Ozark Rheumatology in Chesterfield is here to help — call to schedule an appointment.

Source: https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/news/gout-medication-and-reduced-cardiovascular-risk

A groundbreaking new study, led by experts at the University of Nottingham, has found that medicines used to treat gout can also reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke in people with gout.