Rheumatology is a branch of internal medicine that specializes in studying diseases related to joints, muscles, bones, and soft tissues. A doctor who focuses on studying this branch of medicine is known as a specialist in rheumatology.
Rheumatology doctor himself is a specialist in internal medicine who took further education (subspecialty) in the field of rheumatology. After this education period is finished, a rheumatology doctor can practice privately or work in a hospital or join a medical team to help evaluate a patient's health condition and provide treatment related to rheumatology.
Diseases that can be treated by rheumatology doctors
There are various types of diseases that can affect the joints, muscles, bones, and soft tissues, also known as rheumatic diseases. The following is a list of diseases that can be treated by rheumatology doctors, such as:
- Osteoarthritis.
- Rheumatoid arthritis.
- Uric acid.
- Back pain associated with inflammation of the spine (spondylitis).
- Fibromyalgia.
- Rickets.
- Tendinitis.
- Lupus
- Rheumatic fever.
- Psoriatic arthritis.
- Scleroderma.
- Antiphospholipid Syndrome.
- Sjögren's Syndrome.
- Bone and muscle infections.
- Inflammation of blood vessels (vasculitis).
- Rheumatic polyimialgia.
Before the patient meets with a rheumatologist, usually a general practitioner will make a possible initial diagnosis and examination. Furthermore, general practitioners will refer their patients to rheumatology specialists to get further treatment if needed.
Medical Procedures that Rheumatologists Can Do
To help determine the patient's diagnosis, a rheumatologist will usually review the results of the patient's previous medical examinations, then conduct a complete physical examination and medical interview regarding the patient's complaints. After that, in order to solidify the results of the diagnosis, the rheumatologist also recommends that the patient conduct other investigations, including:
- Radiological examination: X-rays, bone density tests (bone densitometry), ultrasound, CT-scan and MRI.
- Laboratory examination: examination of bone damage due to arthritis (anti-cyclic citruallinated peptide antibody / anti-CCP), examination of C-reactive protein (C-reactive protein / CRP), examination of blood sedimentation rate (LED), examination of complete blood, and fluid analysis the joints.
After making a diagnosis, the rheumatologist will determine the treatment method according to the patient's needs. Methods of care that may be provided include drug therapy, physiotherapy, and education on healthy lifestyle. In certain cases, a rheumatologist may prescribe drugs that are injected into the problematic joints and connective tissue.
For patients who need physiotherapy, the rheumatologist will usually refer the patient to a medical rehabilitation specialist. Keep in mind, rheumatology specialists do not provide treatment that is surgical and prefer non-surgical treatment.
The Right Time to Visit a Rheumatologist
Often the pain that arises in the joints, muscles, and bones can be treated directly by a general practitioner. Even so, in certain circumstances, you should still see a rheumatology doctor immediately, especially if you experience symptoms such as:
- Severe pain arises in the joints or muscles.
- Feel swelling and redness in one or more joints.
- Decreased joint function, so you have difficulty moving the joint.
- There are changes in the shape of bones and joints.
- Feel a stiff feeling in the joints and muscles that limit your movement in the move.
If you experience these symptoms and do not disappear for more than two days, the patient is advised to immediately consult a rheumatologist. Quick treatment is needed so that symptoms don't get worse and reduce the risk of more serious joint damage.
What Needs To Be Prepared Before Meeting A Rheumatologist
To make it easier for a rheumatologist to diagnose your condition, you need to prepare a few things before meeting a rheumatologist. Here are the things you need to prepare:
- Find out a family history of diseases that may be suffering from rheumatism or immune system disorders.
- Write down allergies you might have and list the medicines that are being consumed (including supplements and herbal medicines).
- Write down all the symptoms and complaints that you feel in detail.
- Bring all the results of the examination that has been done before.
In addition to the above, medical expenses also need to be prepared before you meet a rheumatologist. This is because the treatment for diseases of the joints, muscles, bones, and soft tissues, sometimes requires no small cost.
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