What Does a Rheumatologist Treat? Complete Guide from Referral to Treatment

Education, Featured News

Thursday, February 29 2024

For most patients, a rheumatology referral marks the beginning of a complex journey that requires them to navigate a new medical condition during an often emotional, painful, and uncertain time. However, when given accessible information about inflammatory or rheumatic diseases and the opportunity to collaborate with their providers, patients can more actively participate in their care from diagnosis to treatment and ongoing management of their condition.

What Does a Rheumatologist Treat? Understanding Your Referral

If you've been referred to a rheumatologist, you're likely wondering "what does a rheumatologist treat?" Rheumatologists are specialized doctors who diagnose and treat over 100 different conditions affecting your joints, muscles, bones, and immune system. Understanding what rheumatologists do and treat can help you feel more prepared for your appointment and actively participate in your care.

Though most people associate rheumatic conditions with persistent pain and swelling in the joints, they also can cause tendon issues, and muscle injuries and affect other body systems like the eyes, skin, heart, and lungs. Because the breadth of symptoms and conditions is so wide-ranging, an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plan depends on open patient-provider communication and shared decision-making.

The Rheumatology Care Process: From Diagnosis to Treatment

Diagnosis involves a collaborative process between patients and various healthcare professionals, focusing on capturing comprehensive medical history, physical examinations and sometimes intricate laboratory tests.

Once diagnosed, your rheumatology treatment commences, typically involving a combination of medications and, in some cases, physical therapy. Patients may encounter the need to manage complex medication regimens, potential side effects, and the need for regular follow-up appointments.

In addition to medication, lifestyle changes are essential to the ongoing management of rheumatic conditions. Exercise, rest, and nutrition are critical, as is learning about your disease so that you can take charge of your care and collaborate with your care team.

Rheumatology Overview: What Do Rheumatologists Do?

What is a rheumatology specialist and what does a rheumatologist treat?

A rheumatologist is an internal medicine doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating over 100 different autoimmune, inflammatory, and musculoskeletal conditions.

What Conditions Do Rheumatologists Treat?

When patients ask, "what do rheumatologists treat?" The answer includes a wide range of conditions affecting joints, muscles, bones, and the immune system.

Rheumatologists treat various conditions, including:

These are in addition to the other autoimmune and inflammatory disorders affecting the joints, muscles, and bones. In total, rheumatologists are trained to diagnose and treat over 100 different rheumatic diseases, making them essential specialists for complex autoimmune and inflammatory conditions.

How are rheumatologists different from other specialists, like orthopedists?

Rheumatologists specialize in conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system and often collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as physical therapists and primary care physicians, to provide comprehensive care. Although orthopedists and rheumatologists treat many of the same conditions, rheumatologists are experts in inflammatory and autoimmune diseases who consider every organ system when evaluating your symptoms. Orthopedists focus on acute injuries, congenital diseases, and degenerative conditions. Orthopedists may perform surgery, but rheumatologists do not.

When Should I See a Rheumatologist? Understanding Your Referral

Patients are typically referred to a rheumatologist by their primary care team or by another specialist. Consult a rheumatologist if you have persistent joint pain, swelling, stiffness, or other symptoms related to the musculoskeletal system, especially if you have a family history of rheumatic or autoimmune disease. If you are experiencing symptoms now, don’t hesitate; receiving care in earlier stages lowers your risk.

Common reasons why you might be referred to a rheumatologist include:

Persistent joint pain lasting more than 6 weeks
Multiple joints affected simultaneously
Morning stiffness lasting over an hour
Family history of autoimmune diseases
Abnormal blood test results suggesting inflammation
Symptoms not responding to initial treatments

What to Expect at a Rheumatology Appointment

During your appointment, the rheumatologist will ask you a series of in-depth questions to complete a detailed medical history. They will also conduct a physical examination and potentially order diagnostic tests. This information helps them find the cause of your symptoms and create a personalized treatment plan.

The first rheumatology appointment typically lasts 45-60 minutes and may include:

Comprehensive medical history review
Joint examination and mobility testing
Blood work to check for inflammation markers
Imaging studies (X-rays, ultrasound, or MRI)
Discussion of treatment options

What standard tests are used to diagnose rheumatic conditions?

Diagnosing rheumatic conditions may require blood tests, imaging studies (X-rays, MRI, ultrasound), and joint aspiration. These tests help rheumatologists evaluate inflammation levels, detect specific antibodies, and assess the condition of joints and tissues.

Rheumatology Treatment Options: What Do Rheumatologists Do?

Rheumatology treatment aims to control inflammation, manage pain, and prevent long-term joint damage. Modern rheumatologist treatments include:

Disease-modifying medications (DMARDs): Slow disease progression
Biologic therapies: Target specific parts of the immune system
JAK inhibitors: Newer oral medications for autoimmune conditions
Corticosteroids: Reduce inflammation during flares
Physical therapy: Maintain joint function and mobility
Lifestyle modifications: Diet, exercise, and stress management
Joint injections: Direct treatment for affected areas

Rheumatologists work closely with their patients to manage symptoms, control inflammation, and improve overall quality of life through these comprehensive treatment approaches.

Are there lifestyle changes that can help manage rheumatic conditions?

Yes, lifestyle modifications like a healthy diet, regular exercise, stress management, and ample rest complement medical treatment and improve overall well-being for people with rheumatic conditions.

How Often Should I See a Rheumatologist? Follow-up Care

Appointment frequency varies based on the specific condition and its severity. During diagnostic and early treatment phases, patients may need to be seen more frequently. Follow-up visits are likely to be less frequent as the condition stabilizes. Most patients see their rheumatologist every 3-6 months once their condition is stable, but newly diagnosed patients may need monthly visits initially.

Can rheumatic conditions be cured?

Some rheumatic conditions can be cured, or treated to a state of remission. Many rheumatic conditions can be effectively controlled but require chronic treatment. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are critical factors in achieving positive outcomes.

Is it possible to prevent rheumatic conditions?

While not all rheumatic conditions are preventable, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, staying physically active, and managing known underlying health conditions can contribute to overall joint and musculoskeletal health.

Living with a rheumatic condition is a long-term commitment both to managing the disease and to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. That commitment - and your experience as a patient - is made easier with a holistic understanding of not only the physical aspects of the disease but also the emotional and psychological dimensions of living with a chronic condition.

If you or a loved one were referred to a rheumatologist or are experiencing symptoms of a rheumatic condition, search to see if there is an Articularis Healthcare Group practice near you.

Articularis Healthcare Group's rheumatology practices offer individualized patient care with physicians and support staff dedicated to providing an exceptional, collaborative experience during your healthcare journey.