A rheumatologist is a physician who has received further training in
diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal diseases and systemic
autoimmune conditions commonly referred to as rheumatic diseases.
Many types of rheumatic diseases are not easily identified in the early
stages, rheumatologist are specially trained to do the detective work
necessary to discover the cause of swelling and pain. It is important to
determine a correct diagnosis early so that appropriate treatment can
begin early. Remember early treatment can prevent deformities and
save you from disability.
Diseases diagnosed and managed by rheumatologist include :
1. Degenerative arthropathies
Osteoarthritis
2. Inflammatory arthropathies
Rheumatoid arthritis
Spondyloarthropathies
Ankylosing spondylitis
Reactive arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis
Enteropathic arthritis
3. Juvenile idiopathic arthritis
4. Crystal arthropathies :
Gout
Pseuedogout
5. Septic arthritis
6. Soft tissue rheumatism
Low back pain
Tennis elbow
Golfer’s elbow
Olecranon bursitis
7. Connective tissue diseases
Lupus
Sjogren’s syndrome
Scleroderma
Polymyositis
Polymyalgia rheumatica
Mixed connective tissue diseases
Fibromyalgia
Vasculitis