What Do Rheumatologists Treat?

According to the American College of Rheumatology, "a rheumatologist is an internist or pediatrician who is qualified by additional training and experience in the diagnosis and treatment of arthritis and other diseases of the joints, muscles and bones." There are more than 100 rheumatologic conditions, some of which are very serious and can be life-threatening. Below is a list of some of the most common things that rheumatologists treat.

Arthritis

• The term arthritis describes more than 100 conditions that affect the joints and areas around them. Some of the symptoms include pain, swelling and reduced range of motion in the affected joint. Certain forms of arthritis can cause permanent damage to joints and it is a leading cause of disability.

Fibromyalgia

• Fibromyalgia is a pain disorder that causes widely distributed pain throughout the body. Without defining medical tests, fibromyalgia is diagnosed by evaluating symptoms, such as multiple tender points in certain muscle areas, sleep disorders and even digestive problems. The disorder can be debilitating and treatment often consists of finding the right combination of medications, physical therapy and coping skills.

Gout

• Gout is part of the 100 or more arthritic conditions, usually thought to affect the big toe, that causes intense pain and swelling. Gout can actually occur in other joints, such as ankles and wrists. Caused by uric acid crystals that form inside a joint, gout is a condition that can be triggered by the excessive use of alcohol, medical conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes, medications and genetic factors.

Lupus

• According to the Lupus Foundation of America, "lupus is a chronic, autoimmune disease that can damage any part of the body (skin, joints, and/or organs inside the body)." The disease comes in "flares," periods of illness, followed by periods of remission, in which symptoms dissipate. Lupus, like fibromyalgia, is difficult to diagnose because there is no specific diagnostic test, and symptoms can mimic many other disorders. The Lupus Foundation of America offers a symptoms checklist on their website (see Resources).

Finding a Rheumatologist

• Often, your primary physician will refer you to a rheumatologist in your area when you report symptoms that point to a disorder affecting your joints and muscles. The American College of Rheumatology also has a directory on their web page (see Resources).