Rheumatologists treat many rare diseases that are difficult to diagnose. We often act as detectives to help put together the pieces of a complex puzzle of symptoms and lab tests. Seeing a rheumatologist early on can help patients avoid waiting months to years before receiving a diagnosis.
I absolutely love the opportunity to help my patients figure out a diagnosis, teach them what to expect from their diseases, and devise treatment plans to get them feeling better. Dealing with chronic inflammation? An anti-inflammatory diet can help.
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Updated November 25, American Association for Clinical Chemistry. Updated October 30, Front Med Lausanne. Your Privacy Rights. To change or withdraw your consent choices for VerywellHealth. At any time, you can update your settings through the "EU Privacy" link at the bottom of any page. They might ask a person to bend, flex, or stretch these areas.
They will also examine joints on both sides of the body to compare size, intensity of inflammation , range of motion, and function. People with arthritis can experience symptoms in one or more joints on one side of the body, while others may notice pain and stiffness in one or more joints on both sides of the body. Rheumatologists diagnose systemic inflammatory diseases and musculoskeletal conditions.
A rheumatologist can also diagnose conditions that cause bone or cartilage loss, including osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. A primary care doctor or rheumatologist can use different imaging tests to look for signs of joint damage. Some imaging tests they may conduct include:. Laboratory testing involves taking samples of blood, urine, or joint fluid and sending these samples to a laboratory for further analysis.
A rheumatologist can use lab test results to identify signs of inflammation and infections, such as higher-than-normal levels of inflammatory compounds, antibodies, or white blood cells. In recent years, researchers have also discovered several genetic markers associated with ankylosing spondylitis. Rheumatologists can suggest and provide treatments for many rheumatic conditions.
They can also offer consultation on many cases. A rheumatologist can treat joint inflammation and pain by either injecting an anti-inflammatory medication, such as corticosteroid, directly into the affected joint or by aspirating the joint. When a rheumatologist aspirates a joint, they use a needle attached to a syringe to remove excess joint fluid. A rheumatologist might prescribe disease modifying antirheumatic drugs, which lower immune system activity or slow down the progress of rheumatic conditions.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs — such as ibuprofen, naproxen, meloxicam, and aspirin — can also help relieve joint inflammation and reduce pain in the joints. A routine appointment with a rheumatologist varies depending on the condition or complaint they are helping treat. An arthritis specialist — called a rheumatologist — will treat your condition.
Rheumatologists have had specific training in diseases that affect the joints, muscles, and bones, including degenerative rheumatic disorders and autoimmune disorders. To help your doctor find the right treatment plan, and make sure that it works for you, take some time to prepare for your appointment.
Your first visit may be longer than subsequent visits. Expect it to last about an hour. Your doctor will want to do a thorough examination and talk with you about all of your symptoms.
You can expect a physical exam to assess your general health and any joint swelling or other symptoms that can indicate inflammation in your joints and other areas. This could include swelling, warmth, redness, rashes, or nodules a growth of abnormal tissue. They may ask you to move or stretch in certain ways to test for flexibility and mobility.
If you feel any pain, let them know. Lab tests, including urine, blood, or joint fluid tests, may be ordered to test for various factors, antibodies, and genetic markers of specific conditions. Here are a few examples for which you may be tested:.
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