Who are rheumatologists?
Rheumatologists are medical experts in diagnosing (detecting) and advising treatments affecting the muscles, bones, ligaments, joints, and tendons. These illnesses can cause discomfort, edema, stiffness, and joint abnormalities.
Rheumatologists also treat systemic autoimmune disorders, which are a range of disorders in which the body's immune system attacks itself. It causes inflammation in some body parts, resulting in complications like pain, edema, and organ damage. Systemic autoimmune illnesses are also known as collagen vascular disorders or connective tissue diseases. These disorders can affect the eyes, skin, nerves, kidneys, lungs, heart, and other internal organs. They can induce joint inflammation or arthritis.
Rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjögren's disease, scleroderma, polymyositis, and vasculitis are systemic autoimmune illnesses. There are, however, over 100 different forms of arthritis and musculoskeletal diseases. Many rheumatologists also research to discover the causes of rheumatic disorders and develop better treatment.
How does a rheumatologist get their training?
Rheumatologists finish three to four years of medical or osteopathic school, followed by three years of a residency program in either general surgery or pediatrics. Some rheumatologists have dual degrees in general surgery and pediatrics. After residency, they have to complete a two to three-year rheumatology fellowship. It specializes in identifying and treating musculoskeletal and autoimmune conditions.
A rheumatologist who has completed medical school uses the suffix MD (medical doctor) after their name. In contrast, a rheumatologist who has completed osteopathic school uses the suffix DO (doctor of osteopathy). However, both types of doctors receive comparable coaching and provide equivalent expertise and care.
Most rheumatologists then take a rheumatology exam to prove their expertise (called a board examination). The ability to pass this exam qualifies rheumatologists as "board certified." Many rheumatologists participate in the American Board of Medical Specialties Maintenance of Certification program (MOC). Physicians who participate in this program demonstrate that they are committed to providing better healthcare to their patients by illustrating extensive knowledge and trying to commit to continuous learning in the specialty of rheumatology.
What to expect from a rheumatology appointment?
Rheumatic diseases can be challenging to diagnose. As a result, a rheumatologist will take a complete medical history and perform a physical exam to check for signs and symptoms that may point to the root of the problem. Your rheumatologist will also want to understand as much about your family background as feasible. Your family background can help diagnose inherited rheumatic diseases.
The rheumatologist will review your previous test results and request additional lab tests, X-rays, sonography, CT scans, MRI, or other tests if required. These are to look for additional clues to the reason for any musculoskeletal issue.
Some rheumatic diseases are challenging to diagnose and may require multiple rheumatologist visits. Medication, consultation with a physiotherapist, referral to other experts, or joint/tendon injections can be some recommendations for the treatment. They can also devise treatment plans that constitute anti-inflammatory injections for joint or muscle pain and medications like disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Rheumatologists consider recurring circumstances to speak with patients about prescription drugs, coping ability, disability, or regaining function, and other facets to enhance the quality of life during follow-up visits.
What procedures do rheumatologists perform?
Rheumatologists carry out or prescribe a range of procedures that help diagnose and treat different conditions. These include:
- Physical exams — are the first set of tests your rheumatologist will perform. During a physical examination, they will check your pulse, monitor your heartbeat, and check for any swollen lymph nodes. They will also thoroughly check the areas where you feel pain or soreness. The doctor can ask you to bend or stretch these areas to gain further insight into your symptoms. Finally, they might also compare the joints on both sides of your body and check for any disparities in size, inflammation, range of motion, etc.
- Diagnostic tests — for musculoskeletal or systemic autoimmune disorders help detect the root cause of the chronic health conditions. These tests also help identify and distinguish between different causes of inflammation and bone or cartilage loss.
- Imaging tests — like X-rays, CT scans, and MRI scans help assess signs of joint damage. Primary care doctors can also conduct these tests before referring you to a rheumatologist.
- Laboratory tests — involve collecting your blood, joint fluid, urine, or skin samples for further analysis. Lab testing can help detect signs of inflammation, such as high levels of white blood cells, antibodies, or inflammatory reactants.
Rheumatologists can also prescribe tests for identifying genetic determinants (such as HLA-B27, HLA-DR4, ARTS 1, and IL23R) that increase your risk of developing musculoskeletal or autoimmune diseases.
When and why should you consult a rheumatologist?
Usually, your primary care physician refers you to a rheumatologist if they feel you need specialized care for musculoskeletal or autoimmune conditions. However, you can also see a rheumatologist if you experience severe and prolonged pain in your joints, muscles, or bones.
Many rheumatic disorders are challenging to detect in their early stages. Making an accurate diagnosis in less time is critical to beginning proper therapy. Rheumatologists have training in conducting the investigative work required to determine the cause of swelling and discomfort. Some musculoskeletal problems respond best to treatment when diagnosed early.
These disorders frequently change and evolve throughout time. Rheumatologists collaborate extensively with patients to diagnose the problem and provide an appropriate treatment plan.
Locate the best rheumatologists in San Jose
Finding the best rheumatologist near you can be a painstaking process. However, with Zocdoc, you can easily find the best rheumatologists in San Jose.
Create a free account on Zocdoc. Choose the condition or specialty, location, date, and insurance plan. A comprehensive list based on your search criteria will appear. Each rheumatologist on Zocdoc has a profile that includes all the details you would want to know about them such as a brief introduction, education qualifications, practice location, visit reasons, and, most importantly, patient reviews.
The easiest way to find the best rheumatologist near you is by reading patient reviews on Zocdoc. You can also filter your search for doctors by gender, if looking for female rheumatologists, or spoken languages. Additionally, you can book video appointments on Zocdoc before an in-person visit to better understand your rheumatologist. Look for a purple video icon on the profile of the rheumatologist near you, or filter using the video appointment option.
All Zocdoc bookings are safe, secure, and free.
Statistics on rheumatologists and inflammatory disease in California
As published by the California Department of Public Health in 2015, the primary cause of disability in the United States is arthritis, impacting more than 52 million people nationwide and roughly 5.9 million California residents (20%).
One in every six adults reports having arthritis in the United States, with California at nearly 18.3%. Based on a 2020 report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, almost 20.6% of females and 15.5% of males aged 18 years or above have arthritis in California.
Osteoarthritis (OA), which affects approximately 32.5 million individuals in the US, is the most common arthritis among the more than 100 distinct types. The prevalence of symptomatic knee OA among adults 60 and older is approximately 10% in men and 13% in women. The population affected by symptomatic OA is expected to rise due to aging populations and the obesity crisis.
Sources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention[1]
American college of rheumatology[1]
American college of rheumatology[2]
Healthline
Cleveland Clinic
WebMD
American College of Rheumatology[3]
Science direct
Hospital for Special Surgery
American College of Rheumatology[4]
Osteoarthritis action alliance
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention[2]
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention[3]
MedicalNewsToday
