It might be difficult to know when to visit a rheumatologist, especially if you have no idea what a rheumatologist does or what disorders they diagnose and treat. A rheumatologist is a medical professional who focuses on musculoskeletal problems as well as a few autoimmune diseases. These illnesses can affect the blood vessels, muscles, joints and blood, resulting in discomfort, stiffness, edema and deformity. They also deal with spondyloarthritis, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and scleroderma. The diagnosis of autoimmune illnesses is sometimes challenging and complex. However, the key to a successful patient result is a rheumatologist’s early diagnosis and effective therapy. Here are various causes for consulting a rheumatologist, or asking your primary healthcare practitioner to recommend one.
You Have Been Identified As Having Arthritis Or Another Rheumatic Condition
Rheumatologists are experts in treating many of the approximately 100 different kinds of arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), osteoarthritis (OA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), vasculitis, Sjogren’s syndrome, gout, scleroderma, antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), myositis, sarcoidosis, polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR), and temporal arteritis are a few conditions that may be treated.
You Experience Unexplained Joint Pain And Swelling
Additional testing may be required if, your muscle and joint difficulties do not go away as quickly as you would expect, or your symptoms worsen suddenly.
You Have Been Informed That You Have Received Some Unusual Blood Test Results
Some concerns or symptoms will cause primary care physicians to request blood tests that could reveal the presence of rheumatic disorders. Antinuclear antibodies (ANA), rheumatoid factor (RF), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate are a few examples of these blood tests (ESR). Whether one of these tests revealed a positive result for you, talk to a rheumatologist about scheduling a consultation to see if your symptoms might point to a more serious issue.
You Are Having Difficulty Determining What Is Wrong
Rheumatologists treat a variety of unusual, hard-to-diagnose illnesses. They frequently take on the role of detectives to aid in piecing together a challenging jigsaw of symptoms and lab results.
One of the most crucial actions you can take to either control the symptoms of your rheumatic ailment or help identify the reason for your joint pain and swelling is to work closely with a rheumatologist.
Do you believe you may have a rheumatoid condition? If you’re unsure about whether you need to see a rheumatologist, consult your primary care doctor. A rheumatology visit can result in an early diagnosis and assist you in preventing organ and joint damage that can last a lifetime.
