Rheumatologist Frequently Asked Questions
What is a rheumatologist?
A rheumatologist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal diseases and autoimmune conditions known as rheumatic diseases. These diseases cause pain, swelling, and stiffness in your joints, bones, and supporting muscles.
Some of the more common diseases Rheumatologists treat include:
- Fibromyalgia — a chronic condition that causes pain, general fatigue, and more
- Gout – a buildup of uric acid that causes pain and swelling in the joints
- Osteoporosis — a condition that causes the bones to lose strength and density
- Psoriatic arthritis — combines swollen and sore joints with red, itchy skin patches
- Rheumatoid arthritis — an autoimmune disease that causes joint damage and pain
- Tendinitis — inflammation of the tendons that causes acute pain and tenderness
For a more comprehensive list of conditions treated, we recommend contacting your rheumatologist.
Most of the procedures a rheumatologist performs help to alleviate the pain and inflammation you may be experiencing with your body’s connective tissues. Included are procedures that diagnose and treat rheumatic diseases, such as:
- Bone scans
- Cortisone shots
- Hip replacement
- Knee replacement
- MRIs
- Ultrasounds
To learn the complete list of procedures your rheumatologist performs, we recommend contacting the hospital or clinic where they provide care.
If you’re experiencing severe and persistent pain or discomfort in your joints, living with a chronic condition, or having difficulty sleeping or moving around comfortably, you may benefit from a visit to a rheumatologist. It might be time to seek care if any of these symptoms interfere with your ability to live your life comfortably.