Rheumatology Diseases

Rheumatology diseases are those that involve the body's tissues and joints. Rheumatologists address such health issues as arthritis, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, as well as musculoskeletal diseases. All autoimmune conditions are a primary concern for rheumatologists. The diagnosis and treatment are complicated by the fact that hundreds of diseases are considered to be rheumatology diseases.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

• With rheumatoid arthritis, the lining of an individual's joints become inflamed; that person may experience a loss of function as well as extreme pain that is difficult to relieve.

Osteoarthritis

• With osteoarthritis, the cartilage in the patient's joints have broken down; as a result, the bones rub together, inhibiting movement because of pain as well as stiffness.

Soft Tissue Issues

• Problems such as tendonitis, repetitive stress injury and carpal tunnel syndrome are all types of musculoskeletal disorders that are often treated by rheumatologists.

Lupus

• The skin, joints and blood cells, as well as internal organs, can be affected by the inflammatory autoimmune problem called lupus.

Sjögren's Syndrome

• Sjögren's syndrome can affect joints as well as internal organs; it is an autoimmune disease that affects mainly older women and can be difficult to diagnose.