Why would you be referred to a rheumatologist?
Why would you be referred to a rheumatologist?
Common diseases treated by rheumatologists include osteoarthritis, gout, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic back pain, tendinitis, and lupus. Many rheumatologists also conduct research to find a cause of and better treatment of a rheumatic disease.
Why would your doctor refer you to a rheumatologist?
What Is a Rheumatologist? … They've had special training in diseases that affect your joints, muscles, and bones, including those known as autoimmune conditions, or rheumatic diseases. Conditions they treat include: Chronic back pain.
What autoimmune disease does a rheumatologist treat?
Rheumatologists evaluate and treat autoimmune, inflammatory or other musculoskeletal conditions like: Rheumatoid arthritis. Systemic lupus erythematosus. Systemic sclerosis (scleroderma)
How do I prepare for my first rheumatology appointment?
Arm yourself with the details of your own story. Spend some time thinking about your symptoms in as much detail as you can. These details will help your rheumatologist immensely. Some rheumatologists suggest thinking about a timeline of your symptoms.
What diseases does a rheumatologist diagnose?
Common diseases treated by rheumatologists include osteoarthritis, gout, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic back pain, tendinitis, and lupus. Many rheumatologists also conduct research to find a cause of and better treatment of a rheumatic disease.
What questions should I ask my rheumatologist?
But, when pain in your joints, muscles, neck, back and bones is severe and persistent for more than a few days, you should see your doctor. Rheumatic diseases are difficult to identify in their early stages and you can have everyday symptoms that actually are related to much more complex conditions.
What type of doctor can diagnose rheumatoid arthritis?
Your regular doctor may order blood tests and X-rays to help confirm a diagnosis. Or you may be sent to someone who specializes in diagnosing and treating RA. This type of doctor is called a rheumatologist.
What happens at a rheumatology assessment?
Your rheumatologist will also conduct a thorough exam, usually including all of your joints, from your shoulders to your toes, as well as your heart and lungs. After the physical exam, new patients may be asked for blood and urine samples, as well as imaging like X-rays, MRIs or ultrasounds.
What does rheumatologist check for?
A rheumatologist is an internal medicine doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating inflammatory conditions that affect the joints, tendons, ligaments, bones, and muscles. Rheumatologists diagnose and treat musculoskeletal conditions, but they do not perform surgery.
What does RA pain feel like?
Symmetric pain in multiple joints is what makes RA different from other types of arthritis. For example, you'll feel pain in both left and right wrists, hands, and knees. If you have RA, joint pain can range from mild to moderate or severe. Sometimes it can feel like a sprain or broken bone.
Why does someone see a rheumatologist?
Common diseases treated by rheumatologists include osteoarthritis, gout, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic back pain, tendinitis, and lupus. Many rheumatologists also conduct research to find a cause of and better treatment of a rheumatic disease.
Can an xray show the difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis?
X-rays of affected joints can show joint damage associated with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. … The results differentiate which type of arthritis is involved. Blood tests cannot definitively diagnose osteoarthritis, but may be used to rule out other conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis.
Does rheumatologist treat osteoarthritis?
OA symptoms (what you feel) can vary greatly among patients. A rheumatologist can detect arthritis and prescribe the proper treatment. The goal of treatment in OA is to reduce pain and improve function. Exercise is an important part of OA treatment, because it can decrease joint pain and improve function.
Why would you see a rheumatologist?
Common diseases treated by rheumatologists include osteoarthritis, gout, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic back pain, tendinitis, and lupus. Many rheumatologists also conduct research to find a cause of and better treatment of a rheumatic disease.
When should you see a rheumatologist for osteoarthritis?
1 As the patient, you may want to a rheumatologist if: Your pain is unrelenting. Your symptoms are persistent or worsening despite treatment. Your doctor is unable to diagnose the underlying cause.