What is a Rheumatologist?
An internist or pediatrician with additional training in the diagnosis (detection) and treatment of illnesses that affect the muscles, bones, joints, ligaments, and tendons is referred to as a rheumatologist. These conditions may result in joint deformities, discomfort, stiffness, and swelling. A "rheumatologist" is a doctor who specializes in treating rheumatism, which is an outdated term for these issues.
Rheumatologists also treat a group of disorders known as "systemic autoimmune diseases." Other terms for systemic autoimmune diseases that you may hear or read include "collagen vascular diseases" and "connective tissue diseases." This is a group of diseases in which a person's immune system attacks the person's own body. As a result, inflammation develops in parts of the body where it is not required, leading to issues including discomfort, edema, and organ damage.
Any organ in the body, including the kidneys, lungs, heart, eyes, skin, nerves, and kidneys, might be impacted by these illnesses. All systemic autoimmune illnesses have the potential to result in arthritis or joint inflammation. So, when it comes to treating this particular category of illnesses, rheumatologists are regarded as the experts.
Cases
Subspecialty
Pediatric Rheumatology
A pediatric rheumatologist is a clinician who has received specific training in diagnosing and treating autoimmune diseases in children.
Your kid may need to see a pediatric rheumatologist for a variety of conditions, including joint stiffness and swelling, recurring unexplained fevers, rashes, weakness, and chronic inflammation.
Metabolic Bone Disease
Metabolic bone diseases are bone strength disorders caused by imbalances in minerals (such as calcium or phosphorus), vitamin D, bone mass, or bone structure, the most prevalent of which is osteoporosis.
Autoimmune Multisystem Connective Tissue Diseases
Systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, and polymyositis are three separate connective tissue disorders. The rare autoimmune condition known as mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) shares traits with all three of these conditions. Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms may also be present in some affected individuals.
Centers & Institutes
Healthcare Delivery by Rheumatologists in the US
It might be difficult and complex to detect rheumatic disorders. Therefore, a rheumatologist will obtain a thorough medical history and conduct a physical examination to look for signs and symptoms that may provide information about the problem's origin. Rheumatic disease diagnosis may benefit from knowledge of your family history. Your rheumatologist will request the most information possible regarding your family history.
Most of the time, rheumatologists practice in outpatient clinics. You may be referred to a rheumatologist for a diagnosis by primary care physicians or other medical professionals. Appointments with many rheumatologists can be made without a recommendation from another doctor. Some rheumatologists work in hospitals and assess patients who are there for rheumatologic issues.
Rheumatologists' employment is predicted to expand at a slower-than-average rate during the next decade.
Due to the fact that primary care doctors and orthopedic surgeons also treat patients with rheumatic diseases, the demand for rheumatologists will be constrained. However, because these professionals are necessary for the diagnosis and treatment of rheumatic disorders, the demand for rheumatology services is predicted to remain strong.
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The material presented above is only meant to be informative and is not intended to take the place of advice from your doctor or another health care practitioner. We advise you to talk to your provider about any questions or issues you may have.
