If you are suffering from conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, you might need the help of a specialist to manage the symptoms and prevent these conditions from getting worse. This is where a rheumatologist can be helpful for you, as he/she can help with effectively controlling the symptoms associated with such conditions.
A rheumatologist will be specialized in the diagnosis and treatment of systemic autoimmune disorders and musculoskeletal diseases. These conditions are collectively called rheumatic diseases and they can lead to pain, swelling, inflammation, stiffness, and deformities in your bones, joints, and supporting muscles.
If you experience pain, swelling, and other symptoms in your joints, it is important to visit your nearest rheumatology clinic for diagnosing the condition and taking effective and specialized treatment.
Some of the conditions that a rheumatologist can treat are:
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Gout
- Osteoarthritis
- Osteoporosis
- Musculoskeletal pain disorders
- Fibromyalgia
- Back pain
- Lupus
- Myositis
- Scleroderma
- Vasculitis
- Muscle strainers
- Other autoimmune diseases
A rheumatologist will analyze your medical and family history and run some tests for analyzing the specific condition you are suffering from. The symptoms of various musculoskeletal conditions can be the same in most cases. So more than one test will be required to diagnose your disease. They can include blood tests, imaging tests, etc.
If you cannot get relief from your symptoms even after frequently visiting your primary healthcare provider, then you might need the assistance of a rheumatologist.
When To See A Rheumatologist?
There are certain circumstances where seeing a rheumatologist can be greatly beneficial for you. Some of them are listed below:
If You Are Diagnosed With Some Rheumatology Diseases: If you are suffering from any rheumatology disease, then seeing a rheumatologist is important. A rheumatologist can treat more than a hundred types of conditions including various forms of arthritis. So if you are diagnosed with a musculoskeletal disorder or an autoimmune disorder, then a rheumatologist can help you manage its symptoms.
If You Are Suffering From Severe Pain And Inflammation In The Joints: If you are suffering from intense pain and inflammation in the joints or muscles, that does not go away, then seeing a rheumatologist is important, as your primary healthcare provider may not be able to help you.
If Your Blood Tests Are Abnormal: If certain compounds like rheumatoid factor, antinuclear antibodies, etc. are found in your blood test results, then you might need the help of a rheumatologist.
If you experience any of these problems, then seeing a rheumatologist can be helpful for you, as the professional can diagnose the particular condition you are suffering from and suggest the proper treatment.
