Rheumatology is a branch of internal medicine and
paediatrics that deals with joints, soft tissues, autoimmune diseases and
genetic connective tissue disorders. Specialist in rheumatology in the
diagnosis and treatment of rheumatic diseases.
Rheumatologist
The rheumatologist diagnoses and treats musculoskeletal
disorders and systemic autoimmune diseases. Unlike orthopedics, rheumatologists
do not perform any surgery to treat joint disease. In addition, it is the goal
of many rheumatologists to find the underlying cause of rheumatism and conduct
research to find better therapeutic options.
Rheumatologists usually work in ambulances. However, it is
normal for a rheumatologist to come to the hospital and work with patients with
rheumatism. For a check-up with the rheumatologist a referral from the family
doctor is required, but some allow appointments without rheumatologists.
Training as rheumatologist
The rheumatologist must first complete a 4-year medical
education or osteoporosis, followed by a 3-year training in internal medicine
or pediatrics, although some are trained in both areas. An additional two- to
three-year rheumatology grant is required to identify the causes, risk factors
and treatment of chronic immune and bone disease. The Council's certificate is
based on the existence of the Committee's audits, which are restored every 10
years.
Treatment of rheumatism
Rheumatic diseases are cases of inflammation and
self-immunity, and there are more than 200 diseases that can be treated by a
rheumatologist. Some of the diseases treated by rheumatologists are:
- arthritis;
- dermatomyositis;
- gout;
- lupus erythematosus;
- Lyme disease;
- mixed connective tissue disease;
- polychondritis;
- polymyositis;
- polymyalgia rheumatica;
- sarcoidosis;
- Sjögren’s syndrome;
- scleroderma; and
- ·vasculitis.
Rheumatism is also associated with soft tissue disorders,
and many rheumatologists treat it, including:
- fibromyalgia;
- low back pain;
- tennis or golfer’s elbow; and
- ·olecranon bursitis.
A rheumatologist may treat rheumatoid arthritis, including:
- fluorosis;
- osteoporosis;
- osteomalacia;
- renal osteodystrophy; and
- rickets.
Some genetic disorders affecting the joints can be studied
by rheumatologists, including
- achondroplasia;
- Ehlers-Danlos syndrome;
- hyperextensible joints; and
- Marfan syndrome.
- Treatment of rheumatic conditions
Treatment strategies for patients with rheumatism can range
from pharmacotherapy, physiotherapy and occupational therapy to rehabilitation
and surgery in severe cases. Medications range from anti-inflammatory drugs,
opioids and antidepressants.
Recent developments in immunology and genealogy of
rheumatoid diseases have made rheumatism a growing field of investigation.
Rheumatologists are currently investigating the relationship between
immunological and autoimmune diseases. New factors, known as biology, emerge as
a permanent treatment for patients with severe chronic motor disorders. The
study of these factors and the improvement of outcomes in patients with these
diseases are under the umbrella of rheumatic diseases.
Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system sends
inflammation to areas of the body that do not require damage / symptoms. Rheumatologists
treat joint diseases such as osteoporosis but do not perform any surgery.
Common diseases treated by rheumatologists include osteoporosis, gout,
rheumatoid arthritis, chronic back pain, tendinitis and lupus.
Many rheumatologists are also trying to better find and
treat the cause of rheumatism.
How is a rheumatologist trained?
Rheumatologists must complete a four-year medical education
or osteoporosis, followed by a three-year internship in internal medicine or
pediatrics. Some rheumatologists are trained in both fields. After the stay,
they must sign up for the rheumatic illness grant for two to three years to
learn more about gastrointestinal and chronic infectious diseases.
Subsequently, rheumatologists perform a placement test to
obtain a certificate for a rheumatic disease, which must be restored every ten
years. Doctors also have to complete a certain number of CME per year.
Where do rheumatologists work?
Rheumatologists work mainly in ambulances. General
practitioners or other physicians may refer you to a rheumatologist for
evaluation. Some rheumatologists do not need referral from another physician to
make an appointment. Rheumatologists are usually associated with the hospital
and are asked to examine patients who have been hospitalized for rheumatism.
When should I visit a rheumatologist?
Everyone suffers from muscle and joint pain from time to
time. If muscle and joint pain does not resolve as expected, additional testing
may be required. As a rule, the family doctor is the first to be assessed. If
you are worried about rheumatism, you will be referred for an evaluation of
rheumatic disease.
Early referrals should be made if you have relatives with
autoimmune diseases or rheumatism (where these cases occur in families) or if
the symptoms worsen significantly over a short period of time. Some signs and
symptoms may improve or temporarily cease when initially treated, but may recur
once the medication has been discontinued. If the symptoms persist, you may
need to investigate rheumatism. Although treatment should not be delayed while
waiting for rheumatism, some medications may improve symptoms and make
diagnosis more difficult.
Joint damage can occur if the symptoms of joint pain are
ignored or improperly treated for a period of time. This damage can be undone
by the treatment again and again. Do not delay the appropriate rating.
What can I expect from my rheumatism visit?
Rheumatology is sometimes complex and difficult to diagnose.
Rheumatologists collect a complete medical history and physical examination to
identify signs and symptoms of inflammation throughout the body and throughout
the musculoskeletal system. The family history can be of great importance for
the diagnosis of rheumatic diseases and is also evaluated.
The rheumatologist reviews the results of previous tests on
a patient and may require additional laboratory tests to assess the
inflammation and / or formation of additional antibodies in the bloodstream.
Musculoskeletal abnormalities.
All of these results are combined to determine the cause of
the patient's symptoms and to develop a personalized treatment plan. Treatment
recommendations include medications, referrals for physiotherapy, referrals to
other specialists, or injections of joints / tendons. It can be difficult to
diagnose some rheumatic diseases, and several visits to the rheumatologist may
be required to fully understand the basic process.
During follow-up visits, rheumatologists may treat recurrent
cases or talk to patients about medications, coping mechanisms, techniques for
preventing disability, or restoring jobs and ways to improve their quality of
life.
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