A rheumatologist is a doctor with specialized training in inflammatory (rheumatic) disease.Rheumatologists commonly come to mind when discussing arthritis. They also deal with a wide range of other illnesses, such as injuries to the muscles and tendon, as well as uncommon inherited disorders. Numerous illnesses, some of which can be chronic and difficult to treat, are treated by rheumatologists. Many are difficult to identify, and others result in permanent joint damage. It is essential to see a rheumatologist as a result. They perform in-depth examinations to ascertain the true cause of your symptoms. Your rheumatologist will design a particular treatment plan. They might also suggest keeping an eye out for any changes that might point to the need for additional treatments.
Rheumatologists: what are they?
A doctor of internal medicine with additional training in rheumatology is referred to as a rheumatologist. This field of medicine treats autoimmune, inflammatory, and musculoskeletal conditions in patients of all ages. Numerous of these ailments might run in families.
What does a rheumatologist do?
Rheumatologists diagnose, treat and manage a broad range of conditions, including:
Rheumatic (inflammatory) diseases that affect the bones, joints, and muscles. diseases of the connective tissue that can affect the skin and other organs as well as supporting structures like your ligaments and tendons. When your immune system attacks healthy tissue, autoimmune diseases develop.
What does a rheumatologist treat?
Conditions rheumatologists treat include:
Complex and inherited disorders
Beçhet’s disease.
Osteoporosis.
Psoriatic arthritis.
Rheumatic fever.
Sarcoidosis.
Scleroderma.
Sjögren’s syndrome.
Systemic lupus erythematosus.
Joint problems
Ankylosing spondylitis.
Bursitis.
Gout.
Osteoarthritis.
Rheumatoid arthritis.
Tendon issues
Achilles tendinitis.
De Quervain’s tendinosis.
Patellar tendonitis.
Rotator cuff issues.
Tennis elbow.
Muscle conditions
Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.
Myopathies.
Myasthenia gravis.
Polymyositis.
Rhabdomyolysis.
What distinguishes an orthopaedist from a rheumatologist?
Rheumatologists and orthopaedists are specialists in diseases that affect the joints, bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. They both treat many of the same diseases, such as tendinitis and joint pain. But these medical specialties differ in a few important ways.
When determining the source of your symptoms, rheumatologists take into account each organ system. An orthopaedist concentrates on congenital anomalies, wear and tear (degenerative conditions). Rheumatologists do not perform surgery, whereas orthopaedists do. Rheumatologists have specialised training in musculoskeletal conditions with an inflammatory and autoimmune etiology, though orthopaedists also assist in the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal conditions.