For the treatment of arthritis and autoimmune diseases, the Menlo Medical Clinic offers state-of-the art treatment in a highly personal and friendly environment. The Department of Arthritis and Rheumatic Diseases is committed to involving patients in their own care and in actively following patients throughout their treatment over time.

The Department commonly sees patients with conditions such as:

• Lupus
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Autoimmune diseases of the spine (including Ankylosing Spondylitis)
• Infectious diseases that affect the immune system
• Vasculitis
• Osteoporosis

Dr. Cathy Riker, who is board certified in Medicine and Rheumatology, treats adult and geriatric patients at the Clinic as well as teaches medical residents from Stanford University Medical School. She discusses difficult medical problems with Rheumatology colleagues during weekly meetings. This combination of patient care, professional consultation and academic involvement ensures that care provided at Menlo Medical Clinic is of the highest quality and employs the latest technology and medical advancements in the field.

Through our Arthritis and Rheumatic Diseases Department, patients receive modern therapy on-site, such as joint injections, aspirations to withdraw and analyze fluid from the joints and crystal analysis of fluid. We also perform medication infusions. If surgery is necessary, care is coordinated withStanford University Hospital. At Menlo Medical Clinic we use new medications such as TNF inhibitors for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. If desired and appropriate, patients can be referred to participate in current research studies atStanford University Medical Center.

Prior to your appointment, it is helpful to prepare a list of medications you have taken in the past, if applicable, and any reaction you may have had to the treatment.

Department Practitioners

Cathy L. Riker, M.D.