Rheumatologists treat patients with joint pain, muscle aches, stiffness, swelling, and other symptoms that occur when the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues. They also diagnose and manage many types of autoimmune disorders, which involve inflammation in the body.
A rheumatologist is a doctor who specializes in treating patients with joint problems
There are two main types of rheumatologists: primary care physicians (PCPs) and orthopedic surgeons. PCPs are generalists who work in family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, and obstetrics/gynecology. Musculoskeletal injuries and diseases are treated by orthopedic surgeons.
There are two main types of rheumatologists:
a) Primary care rheumatologists
Primary Care Rheumatologist (PCR) is a term used to describe a physician who specializes in treating patients with musculoskeletal disorders. These conditions include arthritis, bursitis, tendonitis, muscle strains, sprains, and bone fractures. A PCR may also treat chronic pain syndromes including fibromyalgia, myofascial pain syndrome, and neuropathy.
The primary goal of a PCR is to help patients achieve optimal function and quality of life. In addition to providing treatment for acute injuries, they work to prevent future problems. They use a combination of physical therapy, exercise, education, and medication to manage symptoms and improve function..
b) Secondary care rheumatologists specialize in treating patients with autoimmune or inflammatory diseases.
A secondary care rheumatologist will usually work at a hospital or clinic where there are specialists available to help diagnose and treat patients with complex cases. These doctors often see patients with multiple symptoms and conditions.
The most common MSD is osteoarthritis
Musculoskeletal disorders such as osteoarthritis (OA) are very common in elderly people. It affects nearly every joint in the body, causing pain and stiffness. In some people, OA can lead to disability.
Be more informed. Find out how to live a pain-free from rheumatoid arthritis specialist in Coimbatore
Types of Rheumatic Disease
There are two main types of rheumatic disease, autoimmune and degenerative. Autoimmune diseases occur when the body's immune system attacks its own cells and organs. Degenerative diseases are caused by wear and tear over time. Rheumatology doctors treat both types of disorders.
Autoimmune Diseases
The most common autoimmune disorder is arthritis. Arthritis occurs when the joints become inflamed due to inflammation. An infection is naturally defended against by inflammation.
When the body becomes inflamed, it produces chemicals called cytokines. Cytokines cause pain and swelling in the affected area. In some cases, the body may attack the cartilage that covers the ends of bones. Cartilage is a type of connective tissue that helps keep bones together. If the cartilage is damaged, bone rubbing against bone can lead to further damage.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by chronic inflammation of the synovial membrane lining the joints. RA affects about 1% of people worldwide. Symptoms of RA include joint stiffness, fatigue, fever, weight loss, and swollen hands and feet. People with RA have an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, osteoporosis, and lung problems.
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a group of childhood-onset inflammatory diseases of unknown causes. JIA symptoms include painful, stiff joints, fever, rash, and red eyes. JIA can affect any joint in the body, including the hips, knees, ankles, wrists, elbows, fingers, toes, shoulders, and neck. JIA can last for months or years. Most children outgrow their JIA by adulthood.
Other autoimmune diseases include lupus, scleroderma, Sjogren's syndrome, fibromyalgia, polymyositis, dermatomyositis, vasculitis, and others.
Degenerative Diseases
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a condition where the cartilage between joints wears down. OA often begins after age 50. As the cartilage wears away, bones rub against each other causing pain and discomfort. OA can affect any joint in your body, including the knees, hips, hands, and spine. OA can make everyday tasks difficult, such as walking, climbing stairs, and even sitting.
Arthrosis is a general term for degenerative joint disease. Arthrosis includes OA and other forms of arthritis. Other terms for arthrosis include degenerative joint disease, osteoarthritis, and osteoarthrosis.
A gout is a form of arthritis caused by uric acid crystals forming in the joints. Gouty arthritis is characterized by intense pain, tenderness, swelling, and warmth around the joints. The blood is contaminated with uric acid, which causes gout. Uric acid is produced naturally by the liver and kidneys. High levels of uric acid build up in the bloodstream and crystallize in the joints.
Spondyloarthropathy (SPA) is a group of diseases that involve inflammation of the joints and/or spine. Spinal cord compression is a serious complication of spondyloarthropathies. Spondyloarthropathies include ankylosing spondylitis, reactive arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, enteropathic arthritis, undifferentiated spondyloarthropathy, and juvenile spondyloarthritides.
Scleroderma is a rare disease that causes hardening of the skin and internal organs. Scleroderma affects the skin, lungs, gastrointestinal tract, and kidneys. Scleroderma can develop at any age, but most commonly develops in young adults. Scleroderma is classified according to the severity of symptoms.
The symptoms of fibromyalgia include widespread muscle pain and tenderness. Fibromyalgia is not a true disease; rather, it is a diagnosis given to patients who meet certain criteria. Fibromyalgia is believed to be caused by changes in the brain's control center.
Polymyositis is a rare disease that involves inflammation of muscles. Polymyositis causes weakness and pain in the arms and legs.
Takeaway from Rheumatologists
The takeaway from this section is that there are many different types of rheumatologists. The more specialized the doctor, the more they can help with a patient's specific needs.
Rheumatologists often work closely with other health care professionals to provide the best care for their patients. They often work with physical therapists and occupational therapists to help patients manage pain and improve their function. Make an appointment with a rheumatology doctor to get relief from pain.
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