Who Should See A Rheumatologist, And When?

Revived by  Dr. Ahmed Abogamal

What is Rheumatology?

Rheumatology involves several conditions that impact on bones, muscles, synovial soft tissues, joints and other connective tissues of the body. Rheumatoid arthritis poses a diagnostic challenge at all times because its symptoms are alike as those of others and most frequent diseases. Diseases are not discriminating, they can attack at any age, which greatly impacts a person’s life quality. These doctors know the real Couse of joint pain

What does a rheumatologist do?

Rheumatologists is the ones dealing with joint pain and osteoarthritis and they can evaluate, interpret and determine an extensive list of symptoms which enable them to reach a correct diagnosis and create effective treatments that fit individual patients’ needs. Besides being experts in diagnosing and treating arthritis, rheumatologists also handle musculoskeletal diseases, back and neck pain, tendinitis and other allied problems. Their expertise spans from rheumatism updates and non-surgical treatment options to up-to-date rheumatic research findings.

If a rheumatoid arthritis is identified, consider a rheumatologist consultation. These are autoimmune diseases where one’s immune system mistakes the own body for foreign, triggering unintentional inflammatory responses on several organs and leading to various unspecific symptoms.

Typical reasons for seeing a rheumatologist:

The following are Typical reasons for seeing a rheumatologist:

1. Rheumatoid Arthritis
2. Lupus
3. Osteoarthritis
4. Gout
5. Psoriatic Arthritis
6. Sjogren's Syndrome
7. Fibromyalgia
8. Vasculitis

To more accurately differentiate osteoarthritis, other joint disorders, and “conventional” rheumatoid arthritis treated, one also needs to understand of specifics of the latter: OA joint pain presents itself due to weakened joint structures primarily resulting Whereas, arthritis is characterized by heavy swelling of joints all over the body, which occurs as a result of internal inflammation.

Why Should You See a Rheumatologist?

Rheumatoid arthritis might affect many parts and organs of the body leading to various types of symptoms.

The patients suffer not only from bone fractures but also other disorders that affect kidneys, lungs, neurological systems, etc. Particularly often affected joints. The symptoms manifest wherever the immune system is affected. 

The following are some typical signs and symptoms of Rheumatoid arthritis:

• Joint Discomfort: Pain, stiffness, or swelling in more than one joint.
• Fatigue: A constant sense of weakness and exhaustion.
• Generalized Weakness: A sense of reduced strength and energy.
• Skin Manifestations: Skin rashes or lesions may occur.
• Hair Loss: Thinning or loss of hair can be a symptom.

If you note any of these symptoms, it’s important to start with a talk to your rheumatologist

A Rheumatologist will assist you in discerning whether a symptom stems from an inflammation of an autoimmune nature or is not associated with inflammation, say, for example, discomfort in the joints which has resulted from osteoarthritis. A simple blood test to find inflammatory markers is often requested if there are signs of an autoimmune disorder. 

What to Expect at Your First Rheumatologist Appointment?

Rheumatologists conduct a thorough examination process during your initial visit. Here is what usually happens:

• Comprehensive Testing: Be prepared for an array of examinations, possibly including X-rays and thorough blood tests. These examinations help to pinpoint and rule out possible sources of your symptoms.
• Blood Tests: Blood tests are essential in determining the severity of rheumatoid arthritis. Increased levels of inflammatory substances in the blood can offer crucial information about the illness.
• Diagnostic Clarity: Blood testing can provide a clear diagnosis for many autoimmune diseases by detecting elevated inflammatory markers. Understanding what's happening inside your body is made easier by this.
• Problems with Diagnosis: Blood tests alone may not always be able to determine the aetiology of rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. One such instance is fibromyalgia, which causes individuals to have chronic joint pain despite having negative results from inflammatory tests. Such cases are mainly diagnosed according to general observation.

Conclusion: Indeed, the physician will perform a thorough physical examination; several tests and assessment of your complaints at your first visit to a rheumatologist. Blood tests prove quite useful in reaching diagnosis but some conditions like fibromyalgia necessitate clinical diagnosis due to lack or negativity of inflammatory markers on blood tests.

Faq

1. When should I consider seeing a rheumatologist?

     If you experience symptoms such as joint pains, edemas, stiffness, unexplained rash, chronic fatigue, and muscle pain, a rheumatologist should be consulted.

2. What is normal or usual pain among rheumatologist patients?

     This is because rheumatic pains are known to be extremely severe aches.

3. Are all conditions connected to the joints treated by rheumatologists?

    Rheumatologists primarily focus on autoimmune and inflammatory joint conditions. Orthopaedic experts may treat conditions like fractures or structural joint defects even though they treat many joint-related conditions.

4. Is rheumatism contagious?

     Arthritis is not a communicable or contagious illness. 

5. How can I prevent rheumatoid arthritis from damaging my joints?

     Weight loss, remaining active, giving up smoking, Picking equipment that gives your joints a rest, Not putting stress on one Joint, Maintaining good posture and eating well.