Rheumatology
Clarke County Hospital is proud to expand specialty care with the addition of rheumatology services, now available through visiting specialist Mark Burdt of the Iowa Arthritis and Osteoporosis Center.
Rheumatology focuses on diagnosing and treating conditions that affect the joints, muscles, bones, and immune system. Many of these conditions are chronic and can impact daily life—but with the right care, patients can find relief, improve mobility, and maintain independence.
Conditions We Treat
Dr. Burdt provides expert care for a wide range of rheumatologic and autoimmune conditions, including:
- Arthritis (including osteoarthritis and inflammatory arthritis)
- Osteoporosis and Osteopenia
- Chronic joint pain, stiffness, and swelling
Dr. Burdt also has extensive experience managing osteoporosis and bone health conditions, along with complex autoimmune diseases.
Services Offered
Patients receiving rheumatology care at Clarke County Hospital may benefit from:
- Comprehensive evaluations and diagnosis of joint and autoimmune conditions
- Personalized treatment plans for chronic disease management
- Medication management, including advanced therapies for autoimmune diseases
- Joint injections and pain management treatments
- Bone health evaluation and osteoporosis management
- Diagnostic testing and monitoring for disease progression
Rheumatology care focuses on reducing inflammation, preventing joint damage, and improving overall quality of life.
When Should You See a Rheumatologist?
You may benefit from seeing a rheumatologist if you are experiencing:
- Persistent joint pain, stiffness, or swelling
- Morning stiffness lasting longer than 30 minutes
- Unexplained fatigue, fever, or inflammation
- Pain that affects multiple joints or moves between joints
- Muscle pain or weakness that doesn’t improve
- A diagnosis of an autoimmune or inflammatory condition
- Osteoporosis or concerns about bone health
Early diagnosis and treatment are critical—especially for autoimmune diseases—because they can help prevent long-term damage and improve outcomes.
Bringing Specialty Care Closer to Home
Offering rheumatology services locally means patients in south-central Iowa can access expert specialty care without the need to travel long distances. Clarke County Hospital remains committed to expanding services that meet the growing needs of our community while delivering excellent, compassionate, and personalized care.