It is normal to experience minor aches and pains in our joints from time to time. This can happen when we work hard all day, when we sit incorrectly, or when we get a minor injury. But if this pain persists for days or weeks without decreasing, if the joints are swollen, red, and stiff when we get out of bed in the morning, then it is not normal. This is when we need the help of a 'Rheumatologist' .
Who exactly is a 'Rheumatologist'?
Simply put, a 'Rheumatologist' is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases related to our joints, muscles, bones, and connective tissues (ligaments, tendons). He or she focuses particularly on autoimmune diseases and diseases caused by inflammation .
Now you may be wondering what these autoimmune diseases are. Imagine that your body's defense system, your immune system , mistakenly starts attacking your own healthy cells, such as those in your joints, skin, and eyes. That's what happens. This attack causes symptoms like swelling, pain, and redness (inflammation) in the affected areas.
Your family doctor (primary care doctor) may refer you to a rheumatologist based on your symptoms. He or she will perform the necessary tests, determine the exact cause of your condition, and provide the best treatment plan.
What are the main conditions treated by a rheumatologist?
A rheumatologist treats more than 100 diseases of the joints, muscles, and bones. The table below lists some of the most common conditions.
| Medical condition | A simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Rheumatoid Arthritis | Pain and swelling caused by the immune system attacking the joints. |
| Osteoarthritis | A condition caused by the wear and tear of the cartilage between the joints with age or due to overuse. |
| Gout | Severe pain caused by elevated uric acid levels in the body and the deposition of small pieces of it in the joints. |
| Lupus | A disease that affects the immune system in various organs, such as the joints, skin, kidneys, and brain. |
| Fibromyalgia | A condition that causes pain throughout the body, fatigue, and sleep problems. |
| Osteoporosis | Bones become weak and break easily. |
Because these diseases can often affect more than one area of the body, a rheumatologist will work with other specialists, such as dermatologists, cardiologists, and physical therapists, to treat you if necessary.
Why should you see a Rheumatologist?
If you have had one or more of the following symptoms for a long time, it is very important to first see your family doctor and, on their advice, see a rheumatologist.
- Persistent pain, swelling, or stiffness in one or more joints.
- Stiffness in the joints that lasts more than 30 minutes upon waking in the morning.
- Unexplained persistent fever, fatigue, or weight loss.
- If someone in your family has an autoimmune disease (e.g. Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus) and you also have the above symptoms.
It is very important to diagnose and treat these conditions early, as otherwise, permanent damage to the joints can occur over time.
What happens when you go to see a rheumatologist?
There's nothing to be afraid of when you see a rheumatologist. The goal is to take the necessary steps to properly diagnose your condition.
1. Talking to you and getting details
First, the doctor will talk to you carefully and ask you about your symptoms. He will ask you many questions, such as when the pain started, when the pain is worse, does doing anything make the pain worse, and whether anyone in your family has this condition. It is very important to tell everyone you know without hiding anything.
2. Physical Exam
Next, the doctor will examine your body, especially the painful joints. They will check to see if the joints are swollen, red, or warm to the touch. They will also ask you to bend and stretch joints such as your arms, shoulders, and hips. This will help you determine how much movement is limited in your joints.
3. Laboratory and radiological tests
You may be asked to undergo several tests to accurately diagnose the disease and determine its severity.
| Test type | What are you looking at? |
|---|---|
| Blood tests | It tests for markers of inflammation in the body (ESR, CRP) and antibodies related to diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (Rheumatoid Factor - RF) . |
| Imaging Tests | X-rays can show damage to bones. MRI or ultrasound scans can clearly show damage and swelling to soft tissues such as joints, muscles, and cartilage. |
| Other tests | Sometimes a sample of joint fluid is taken for testing (to diagnose gout ). If necessary, a small sample of skin or muscle tissue (biopsy) may also be taken for testing. |
4. Prescribing treatment
After considering all of this, your doctor will begin the treatment that is right for you. He or she may recommend one or more of the following:
- Medications: Medications that reduce pain and swelling (corticosteroids), medications that control the activity of the immune system, etc.
- Joint injections: Injecting medication directly into the joint to quickly reduce pain and swelling.
- Physical Therapy: Teaching exercises and techniques to reduce pain, increase joint mobility, and increase muscle strength.
- Occupational Therapy: Teaching how to perform daily tasks easily and safely and recommending necessary assistive devices (e.g. splints).
Many of these diseases are chronic, meaning they are difficult to completely cure. However , with continued treatment and following your doctor's instructions, you can successfully control the disease and live a normal life without pain .
Take-Home Message
- A 'Rheumatologist' is a doctor who specializes in treating diseases of the joints, muscles, and bones, especially autoimmune diseases.
- Don't ignore persistent joint pain, swelling, and morning stiffness as normal.
- By diagnosing and treating the disease at an early stage, permanent damage to the joints can be prevented.
- If you have these symptoms, don't hesitate to see your doctor for advice. He or she will refer you to a rheumatologist if necessary.
- Although many of these are chronic diseases, with proper treatment, they can be successfully controlled and a comfortable life can be lived.
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