Rheumatology is a branch of internal medicine that specializes in the study of diseases associated with joints, muscles, bones, and soft tissues. A doctor who focuses on studying this branch of medicine is known as a specialist in rheumatology.
The rheumatologist himself is a specialist in internal medicine who takes further education (subspecialty) in the field of rheumatology. After this educational period is completed, a rheumatologist can practice privately or work in a hospital or join a medical team to help evaluate the patient's health condition and provide treatment related to rheumatology diseases.
Diseases that Rheumatology Doctors Can Treat
There are various types of diseases that can affect joints, muscles, bones, and soft tissues, otherwise known as rheumatic diseases. The following is a list of diseases that a rheumatologist can treat, such as:
- Osteoarthritis.
- Rheumatoid arthritis.
- Gout.
- Back pain related to inflammation of the spine (spondylitis).
- Fibromyalgia.
- Rickets.
- tendinitis.
- Lupus.
- Rheumatic fever.
- Psoriasis arthritis.
- scleroderma.
- Antiphospholipid syndrome.
- Sjögren's syndrome.
- Bone and muscle infections.
- Inflammation of the blood vessels (vasculitis).
- Rheumatic polymyalgia.
Before the patient meets the rheumatologist, usually the general practitioner will carry out a possible diagnosis and initial examination. Furthermore, the general practitioner will refer the patient to a rheumatology specialist for further treatment if needed.
Medical Procedures that a Rheumatologist Can Perform
To help determine the patient's diagnosis, a rheumatologist will usually review the results of the patient's previous medical examination, then conduct a physical examination and a complete medical interview regarding the patient's complaints. After that, in order to confirm the results of the diagnosis, the rheumatologist also recommends the patient perform other supporting examinations, including:
- Radiological examination: X-ray, bone density test (bone densitometry), ultrasound, CT-scan and MRI.
- Laboratory examination: examination of bone damage due to arthritis (anti-cyclic citruallinated peptide antibody/anti-CCP), C-reactive protein assay (C-reactive protein/CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), complete blood count, and joint fluid analysis.
After making a diagnosis, the rheumatologist will determine the treatment method according to the patient's needs. Treatment methods that may be given include drug therapy, physiotherapy, and education about a healthy lifestyle. In certain cases, the rheumatologist may prescribe medications that are injected into the problematic joints and connective tissue.
For patients who need physiotherapy, usually the rheumatologist will refer the patient to a medical rehabilitation specialist. Keep in mind, rheumatology specialists do not provide surgical treatment and prefer non-surgical treatments.
The Right Time to Visit a Rheumatologist
Often the pain that arises in the joints, muscles, and bones can be treated directly by a general practitioner. Even so, in certain circumstances, you should still see a rheumatologist immediately, especially if you experience symptoms such as:
- There is severe pain in the joints or muscles.
- Feeling swelling and redness in one or more joints.
- Decreased joint function, making it difficult for you to move the joint.
- There is a change in the shape of the bones and joints.
- Feel the stiffness in the joints and muscles that limit your movement in activities.
If you experience these symptoms and do not go away for more than two days, then the patient is advised to immediately consult a rheumatologist. Quick treatment is needed so that symptoms do not get worse and reduce the risk of more serious joint damage.
What to Prepare Before Meeting a Rheumatologist
To make it easier for a rheumatologist to diagnose your condition, you need to prepare several things before meeting a rheumatologist. Here are the things you need to prepare:
- Find out a family history of illness that may suffer from rheumatic diseases or immune system disorders.
- Write down any allergies you may have and a list of medicines you are currently taking (including supplements and herbal medicines).
- Write down all the symptoms and complaints you feel in detail.
- Bring all the results of examinations that have been done before.
In addition to the things above, the cost of treatment also needs to be prepared before you see a rheumatologist. This is because treatment for diseases of the joints, muscles, bones, and soft tissues, sometimes costs a lot of money.
