rheumatologist

What is Rheumatology? Rheumatology is a medical specialty focused on diagnosing and treating rheumatic diseases — conditions that affect joints, muscles, bones, and sometimes internal organs. These diseases often involve inflammation, autoimmune reactions, and chronic pain. What Does a Rheumatologist Do? Diagnoses and manages autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Helps control symptoms like joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and fatigue. Uses medications like anti-inflammatories, steroids, immunosuppressants, and biologics. Works with patients on lifestyle changes, physical therapy, and monitoring disease progression. Common Conditions Treated by Rheumatologists: 1. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Chronic autoimmune arthritis causing joint inflammation, pain, and damage. Treatment: DMARDs (disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs), biologics, steroids. 2. Osteoarthritis (OA) Degenerative joint disease causing cartilage breakdown. Treatment: Pain relief, physical therapy, sometimes joint injections or surgery. 3. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) Autoimmune disease affecting skin, joints, kidneys, and other organs. Treatment: Immunosuppressants, steroids, lifestyle management. 4. Ankylosing Spondylitis Inflammatory arthritis affecting the spine. Treatment: NSAIDs, biologics, physical therapy. 5. Gout Sudden attacks of severe joint pain due to uric acid crystal buildup. Treatment: Pain relief, medications to lower uric acid. 6. Sjögren’s Syndrome Autoimmune disease causing dry eyes and mouth. Treatment: Symptom relief, immunosuppressants. 7. Vasculitis Inflammation of blood vessels. Treatment: Steroids and immunosuppressive drugs.