“The art of medicine consists of amusing the patient while nature cures the disease.” — Voltaire
Arthritis is not a problem of old age only. It may indicate a dysfunction related to autoimmune disease. And probably, you may ask yourself: What does rheumatologists do, and how will they help me if I have been experiencing unexplained swelling, stiffness, or fatigue?
So, what exactly do rheumatologists know, how do they diagnose difficult-to-grasp conditions, and what can they offer on the treatment front? Let us find out. This guide also assists you on when to visit one.
What is a Rheumatologist?
Rheumatologists are specialist physicians who probe and treat joints, muscles, bones, and the immune system. The rheumatologic diseases may be some complex, chronic ones, or even not so easily assessable with blood tests or scans. In cases where evaluation needs to be performed, it is normally done at the point where a physician has already decided that the services of a credentialed expert will be required.
A rheumatologist studies rheumatology (rhô-muh-TOL-uh-jee); just so you know, there are many wrong rheumatology pronounciation (some are: rhomotology, rheuatologist, and reumatoligist ) but they all refer to the specialist dealing with rheumatic diseases.
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Rheumatologists definition includes that theyare experts at managing more than 100 types of diseases such as:
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
- Lupus
- Gout
- Osteoarthritis
- Sjogren’s syndrome
- Ankylosing spondylitis
- Vasculitis
Now, let’s explore what does rheumatologist do in detail.
What Does Rheumatologist Do?
Here’s what is a rheumatologist do:
- They evaluate symptoms and history
- They perform physical exams
- They order and interpret lab tests and imaging
- They confirm the diagnosis
- They develop and manage a treatment plan
Let’s unpack each step.
Patient Evaluation and History
This part consists of an extremely detailed collection of your medical history, family history, current medications, and what you are presenting as symptoms. Rheumatologic conditions can create multi-system complaints; therefore, the initial assessment is comprehensive.
Physical Examination
They examine the evidence of swollen joints, rashes, inflammation of the eyes, and other indicators of systemic inflammation or autoimmune processes.
Lab and Radiology Tests
Rheumatologists will depend on blood tests (ANA, CRP, ESR, Rheumatoid factor), and imaging scans (X-ray, MRI, ultrasound) which show any form of damage to a joint or tissue.
Support a Diagnosis
There are diseases like lupus and RA that might be easily confused with other diseases. The systematic exclusion process and pattern recognition can help rheumatologists to support the diagnosis confirmation.
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Treat and Manage
Post-diagnosis, patients will receive a detailed plan specific to their disease. Treatments may include:
- Prescription medications (DMARDs, biologics, NSAIDs)
- Joint injections
- Lifestyle modifications
- Compatible collaboration with physical therapists
“Treating autoimmune disease is like solving a mystery with invisible clues.”
Importance of Rheumatology
After knowing what does rheumatologist do? Let’s explore its importance.
Rheumatic diseases can cause substantial disability without appropriate care. Early identification and treatment can prevent joint deformities, organ damage, and possibly avoid debilitating fatigue.
For example, in the case of untreated rheumatoid arthritis can result in joint destruction within just a few months. The rheumatologist can slow down these effects and optimally maintain quality of life.
When Should You See a Rheumatologist
If you have:
- Persistent joint pain or stiffness lasting more than six weeks, and you have a good idea of where the pain is in your body.
- Generalized symptoms such as fatigue, rash, dry eyes or unexplained swelling.
- Abnormal lab tests possibly indicating autoimmune conditions such as a high CRP test or high ANA.
- You have an established diagnosis of an autoimmune disorder.
Generally, you will obtain a referral when you go to see a rheumatologist, although some insurance plans may allow you to go directly to the rheumatologist.
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How to Get Ready for a Rheumatology Appointment
Before you visit a rheumatologist, you should collect:
- Symptom journal, with dates, and flare patterns
- Previous laboratory results and x-rays
- Medication list
- Family medical history
Remember that the initial appointment is going to be longer than your average doctor visit; rheumatologists want the full story!
Common Conditions Treated by Rheumatologists
Below is a deeper dive into the conditions they treat:
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
A disease that is autoimmune, in which joints become painful and swollen. RA mostly begins in feet and hands. When it is not treated, it may destroy and disfigure the joints.
Lupus (SLE)
It is a disease whereby the body’s immune system starts attacking tissues. The symptoms may vary from joint pains and swellings to kidney or heart damage.
Gout
Gout is a condition that results when uric acid accumulates in the body. It may result in acute joint pain that may be severe, especially of the big toe.
Sjogren’s syndrome
Happens when the immune system tries to attack the glands that produce tears and saliva.
Ankylosing spondylitis
It is a form of arthritis that mostly attacks the spine. Symptoms of frozen shoulder syndrome include a hard to move spine, and restriction of movement.
What Training Do Rheumatologists Have?
Rheumatologists have:
- 4 years of medical school
- 3 years of residency in internal medicine
- Then 2 to 3 years of fellowship in rheumatology.
Most are board certified and have continuing education to stay current on treatments.
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Final Thoughts
So, what does rheumatologist do? They don’t just treat your joint pain; they help you uncover complex and invisible chronic illnesses. Their knowledge and expertise help you avoid long-term complications and improve your daily functioning. If you are waiting for a primary care doctor to help you fix your symptoms or awaiting them to connect all the dots with your symptoms, it is not ideal. The time to reach out to a specialist is when your symptoms persist, and your primary care doctor has not provided clear answers as to what is wrong. A rheumatologist could be a point of near that healing point.