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Rheumatology deals with arthritic disorders, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis causes painful swelling in multiple joints, while osteoarthritis is characterized by the breakdown of cartilage. Loss of muscle mass and mobility is a concern, and treatments include pain relief and anti-inflammatories. A cure for arthritis is not yet available.
Rheumatology is the branch of medicine that deals with arthritic disorders, mainly rheumatoid and osteo-arthritic. From the Greek word rheum, which means a kind of watery buildup, rheumatoid arthritis, once commonly called rheumatism, was believed to be caused by a buildup of fluid in the joints, the so-called “water on the joints”. This was probably because inflamed joints swell, and the ancients attributed this to fluid buildup. Now, any discipline that studies joint and cartilage diseases and dysfunctions falls into the general category of rheumatology.
Rheumatology divides cases of arthritis into osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis is characterized by the general breakdown of articular cartilage over time. This causes inflammation and pain in the joint in question, which is treated with anti-inflammatories.
Rheumatoid arthritis is more systemic, a painful swelling in all or most joints at once. Because the joints are used during the day, rheumatoid arthritis symptoms decrease as the joints “warm up,” while osteoarthritis symptoms increase when the affected joints are used. If you have symptoms in one knee but not the other, for example, you probably have osteoarthritis and not rheumatoid arthritis.
Of particular concern to physicians practicing rheumatology is the loss of muscle mass and mobility associated with arthritis. It’s natural, if a movement hurts, to avoid repeating that movement. Unfortunately, this can create a vicious cycle and the particular movement may soon become impossible as the patient loses muscle and the joint stiffens with disuse. Physical therapy, especially manipulation of the limbs, is helpful in maintaining or regaining mobility.
Rheumatology treatments include analgesics for pain, anti-inflammatories for swelling, and possibly steroids such as cortisone shots in severe cases. To date, symptom management is the best that rheumatology has to offer; a cure for arthritis seems further away than ever.
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