Practice Focus - Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus, Vasculitis, Sjögren's Syndrome, Gout, Psoriatic Arthriti...
Our team of specialists uses medical and family history, physical exams, x-rays, and lab tests to diagnose rheumatic disorders. Preventative treatments may include patient education, physical programs, and lifestyle changes. Treatment options for rheumatic disorders, like the conditions themselves, vary widely in style and scope. Our physician uses the most modern techniques and treatments available to help patients reduce pain, cope with the physical and mental effects of rheumatic disease, and lead full and active lives.
The term rheumatic disease describes more than 200 unique health conditions that affect more than 50 million people in the United States. Much confusion and misinformation exist about rheumatic disease for this reason. Partnering with you and your physicians who manage your health, we take a collaborative approach to helping treat complex rheumatic conditions. Our goal is to help improve your quality of life through the comprehensive management of rheumatic conditions that may be causing pain or discomfort.
Inflammatory and immune diseases can affect joints, muscles, ligaments and even many vital organs, but when they stand in the way of being able to enjoy your life, it’s time to find help.
Some of the Most Common Symptoms of Rheumatoid Diseases Include:
• Swollen or painful joints
• Chronic pain and stiffness in the joints
• Chest pain
• Unusual weight loss or gain
• Rashes, eye inflammation
• Pain when moving
• Limited ability to move
• Hard nodules forming on the joints
• Muscle weakness
Rheumatic Conditions and Diseases of the Musculoskeletal System May Include:
• Ankylosing Spondylitis and other Spondyloarthropaties
• Antiphospholipid Syndrome
• Behcet’s Disease
• Bursitis
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Dermatomyositis
• Giant Cell Arteritis (Temporal Arteritis)
• Gout and other crystal arthropaties
• Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (Wegener’s Granulomatosis)
• Mixed Connective Tissue Disease
• Osteoarthritis
• Osteoporosis/Osteopenia
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR)
• Polymyositis
• Psoriatic Arthritis
• Raynaud’s Phenomenon
• Reactive Arthritis
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
• Sjogren’s Syndrome
• Systemic Lupus Erythematosis (Lupus)
• Systemic Sclerosis (scleroderma)
• Takayasu’s Arteritis
• Tendonitis
• Undifferentiated Connective Tissue Disease
• Uveitis
Osteoporosis is a common, yet often silent condition that weakens bones and increases the risk of fractures—especially in older adults. At Paradigm Health, we believe early detection and expert management are key to preventing serious complications and maintaining long-term bone health.
Dr. Jonathan Schouest, one of southeast Louisiana’s most respected rheumatologists, leads our osteoporosis care with a focus on personalized, evidence-based treatment. With advanced training in bone health and metabolic disorders, Dr. Schouest evaluates risk factors, monitors bone density, and develops tailored treatment plans that may include lifestyle guidance, supplements, and medications to help strengthen bones and prevent fractures.
Whether you’ve been diagnosed with osteoporosis, have experienced a fracture, or simply want to understand your risk, Dr. Schouest and the Paradigm Rheumatology team are here to guide you every step of the way—with the compassion, expertise, and attention to detail you deserve.