A rheumatologist is an internist or pediatrician who received further training in the diagnosis (detection) and treatment of musculoskeletal disease and systemic autoimmune conditions commonly referred to as rheumatic diseases. These diseases can affect the joints, muscles, and bones, causing pain, swelling, stiffness, and potentially cause joint deformities.
What Does the Rheumatologist Do?
Autoimmune conditions occur when the immune system causes inflammation in areas of the body where it is not needed, causing damage/symptoms. These diseases can also affect the eyes, skin, nervous system, and internal organs. While the role of an orthopedic surgeon is to perform surgery on bones and joints (the musculoskeletal system), the role of the rheumatologist is to diagnose what type of musculoskeletal disease a person has and to treat it using nonsurgical methods. Many rheumatologists also conduct research to look for the causes of and better treatments for rheumatic diseases. Although there are more than 100 different types of arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions, common diseases treated by rheumatologists include: Osteoarthritis Gout Rheumatoid Arthritis Chronic back pain Tendinitis & Bursitis Lupus Where Does the
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