Rheumatologists are doctors who specialize in treating diseases of the joints, muscles, and bones, including various types of arthritis. They may also be involved in research and provide non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy and medication. Arthritis is the most common disorder treated by rheumatologists, affecting over 46 million adults in the US.
A rheumatologist is a doctor of internal medicine or pediatrics who has undertaken specialized training in diseases of the joints, muscles, and bones, often including various types of arthritis. In addition to diagnosing and treating arthritis and similar conditions, many rheumatologists tend to be involved in research to advance our understanding of these types of disorders. Rheumatologists may act as consultants to a primary care physician or, in some cases, manage an individual’s healthcare team to provide an interdisciplinary care approach due to the chronic nature of the patient’s disorder.
An individual in the US will likely be referred to a rheumatology physician by their primary care physician. This referral usually occurs when a patient has severe or ongoing bone, joint, or muscle pain. Rheumatology specialists often treat individuals who have a type of arthritis. Many rheumatologists also treat a wide variety of systemic conditions and autoimmune disorders, including lupus, vasculitis, scleroderma, sarcoidosis, fibromyalgia, and polymyositis. Other examples of diseases affecting the joints or bones that may be treated by a rheumatologist include rickets, achondroplasia, tendinitis and Marfan syndrome.
A rheumatologist provides non-surgical means of treating bone, joint and muscle disorders. An individualized treatment plan coordinated by a rheumatologist may include elements such as physical therapy, occupational therapy and the use of certain medications. Depending on the disease being treated, these medications may include pain relievers, steroids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or special medications designed for specific disorders.
In the US, a rheumatologist typically undergoes up to three years of special training, after approximately seven years of general medical training. Many rheumatologists also follow a rigorous process to gain board certification. A rheumatism physician’s credentials will indicate that he is a member of the American College of Rheumatology, or FACR, or an osteopathic rheumatologist, a member of the American Osteopathic College of Rheumatology, or FAOCR
As the disorder most often treated by rheumatologists, arthritis affects more than 46 million adults in the U.S. as of 2011. Two common types of this disorder are osteoarthritis, which involves the wear and tear of joints over time as cartilage wears down. breaks down and rheumatoid arthritis, which involves an abnormal inflammatory response. Osteoarthritis usually affects weight-bearing joints such as the hips and knees. Rheumatoid arthritis usually presents with stiffness and swelling in various joints accompanied by systemic symptoms including fever, pain or fatigue.
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