What Is a Rheumatologist?
A rheumatologist treats arthritis, certain autoimmune diseases, musculoskeletal pain disorders and osteoporosis. There are more than 100 types of these diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout, lupus, osteoporosis, fibromyalgia and scleroderma.
We access:
- Signs (from a physical exam) and symptoms (what you see and how you feel), including systemic (whole body) involvement by a rheumatic disease
- Joint disorders
- Overall function, including physical, mental well-being and level of independence
- Results of advanced imaging and lab tests
- Treatment options
- Need for more assessment and treatment, such as referrals to other health care providers, orthopedic aids (splint, brace, cane, etc.), corrective surgery or hospital stay
Our aim is to help patients with rheumatic disease to have the best possible quality of life.