Who are rheumatologists, and what do they do?
A rheumatologist is a pediatrician or an internist who receives additional training in diagnosing (detection) and treating disorders affecting muscles, bones, joints, ligaments, and tendons. In other words, a rheumatologist treats rheumatism, which may result in joint abnormalities, discomfort, stiffness, and edema.
These medical professionals diagnose and treat illnesses such as:
- Autoimmune disorders that occur when your immune system targets healthy tissue.
- Rheumatic (inflammatory) diseases target bones, joints, and muscles.
- Connective tissue disorders are conditions related to the skin and other organs and supporting structures like ligaments and tendons.
What kind of training do rheumatologists go through?
Rheumatologists do four years of medical school and three years of internal medicine or pediatrics residency. Next, they must do two to three years of specialized rheumatology training. Most rheumatologists who want to care for patients then pursue board certification, for which they need to pass an American Board of Internal Medicine exam.
How are rheumatologists different from orthopedists?
Rheumatologists and orthopedic surgeons treat conditions affecting the muscles, bones, and joints. However, despite their similarities, the two specialties differ in terms of the services provided.
Orthopedists can treat joint or muscle injuries, congenital diseases, and degenerative conditions. They can perform surgery and are called orthopedic surgeons. In comparison, rheumatologists cannot perform surgeries.
Rheumatologists may refer patients to orthopedic surgeons for advanced arthritis or joint replacement if previous treatment for joint pain has been unsuccessful. On the other hand, rheumatologists consider every organ system while diagnosing a musculoskeletal disease. They also possess specialized training in rheumatic conditions, i.e., musculoskeletal disorders with inflammatory and autoimmune causes.
What type of treatments do rheumatic conditions require?
In cases where surgical intervention is necessary, your rheumatologist may refer you to another specialist. However, being internal medicine specialists, they can prescribe medications and injections. Your rheumatologist may recommend the following treatment options to treat your rheumatic condition-
- Corticosteroids- Known as "steroids," these are anti-inflammatory medications used to treat rheumatologic conditions like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and vasculitis. These medicines resemble a natural hormone the adrenal glands produce—cortisol. Local steroid administration options include ear drops, skin creams, and eye & joint injections. Conversely, systemic steroids can be given orally through prescription drugs like prednisone or intravenously. Then, these steroids circulate to various other body areas.
- Immunosuppressants- The body's cells mistakenly attack healthy tissues and cells in autoimmune conditions. Immunosuppressive medications help to reduce the immune response and prevent damage and inflammation. These medications are used to treat conditions like psoriatic arthritis and lupus. Immunosuppressants can be given orally or in the form of liquid or injection.
- Occupational therapy- Certain conditions like rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can benefit from occupational therapy. People with rheumatoid arthritis may find it challenging to perform daily tasks like dressing, cooking, and working. Occupational therapy uses specific devices that can help decrease the pain resulting from rheumatoid arthritis.
Certain conditions require specific treatments. For instance, individuals with Type 1 diabetes need insulin therapy, while those with celiac disease must follow a gluten-free diet.
Reasons to visit a rheumatologist near you
If an individual is experiencing persistent pain or discomfort, seeking the expertise of a primary care physician becomes crucial. They can meticulously assess whether the pain stems from transient injuries or underlying inflammatory factors, guiding individuals to a rheumatologist when necessary.
A compelling reason to consult a rheumatologist is the pain intensity escalating within a short timeframe. If the pain exacerbates rapidly, it becomes imperative to seek the specialized insights of a rheumatology expert. Additionally, if initial treatments, such as pain medications, provide temporary relief only to witness a resurgence of symptoms upon cessation, it may necessitate the intervention of a specialist.
Several other indicators underscore the importance of seeing a rheumatologist. Individuals grappling with pain in multiple joints or experiencing new joint pain unrelated to any discernible injury should consider consulting these specialists. Moreover, a rheumatological evaluation is prudent if joint or muscle pain is coupled with symptoms like fever, fatigue, rashes, morning stiffness, or chest pain. Those over 50 who experience recurrent headaches or muscle aches should also explore the expertise of a rheumatologist.
Furthermore, individuals with chronic illnesses lacking a unifying diagnosis should not hesitate to seek specialized care.
Genetic predispositions play a pivotal role in rheumatic conditions. Thus, it is imperative to communicate any family history of autoimmune diseases, rheumatic disorders, or cancer to both your primary care physician and rheumatologist.
Timely action is paramount when confronting persistent joint, bone, or muscle pain. Evaluation is particularly crucial for joint stiffness persisting beyond 30 minutes, significantly if exacerbated in the morning after prolonged inactivity or accompanied by joint swelling. Delayed treatment can result in irreversible damage from rheumatic diseases, emphasizing the critical role of early intervention for improved outcomes, even in cases of chronic and progressive conditions.
How to prepare for your first visit to the rheumatologist?
Here are a couple of things you can do before your first visit to the rheumatologist.
- Remember to write down the timeline for your symptoms and when they changed.
- Look at your family history, and check about similar past illnesses among your family members. Your family's medical history will also come in handy to determine if the problem is genetic.
- Make a list of all the medications you have been taking until recently. Remember to mention medications for other medical conditions. Remember to note any ointments, over-the-counter medications, painkillers, supplements, herbs, and vitamins you may use. If you find writing all this down cumbersome, carry your medicines. This information will be invaluable to the rheumatologist.
- In addition, take all your medical records, X-rays, or any other test results you have undergone.
What should you ask a rheumatologist on the first visit?
It is good to prepare for your first visit to a rheumatologist. You can do this by making a list of questions to ask. It is best to write down these questions as you may need to remember to mention some of them. For example, your list of questions could look something like this:
- Can I try alternative therapy or natural treatment before starting my medication?
- How can I ensure I sleep well?
- How long will the treatment take before I can see some results?
- How far has my arthritis progressed, and how can I relieve the pain?
- Are there any side effects of the medication I will receive?
- Do I need to alter my physical activity, or do I need to change anything at my job?
- Should I be concerned that my kids will contract it?
- Will I develop a disability?
- Does arthritis have an impact on other bodily parts?
- Where can I locate a support network?
- How long will I need to take medication?
- If the discomfort worsens, what should I do?
- Are there any exercises I should do, and will physical therapy work?
- Are there foods I should avoid?
What can you anticipate during your initial rheumatologist visit?
Your visit to the rheumatologist will be much like a typical office visit. The specialist will examine you physically, especially your eyes, mouth, and skin, and look for inflammation such as rashes, nodules (under-the-skin growths), swelling, warmth, and redness.
In addition, the rheumatologist will carefully listen to your heart, lungs, and bowels while taking your pulse and check your joints for soreness by pressing on them. They may ask you to flex, bend, and stretch your joints and muscles on both sides of the body. (Rheumatic arthritis frequently affects both sides of the body and will need to be compared.) Let us warn you that this part of the examination could hurt a little, but the doctor must watch you move to make a proper diagnosis.
What are autoimmune diseases?
Autoimmune diseases occur when your immune system becomes overactive and mistakenly attacks and damages your tissues.
Typically, your immune system produces proteins called antibodies that defend against harmful substances like viruses, cancer cells, and toxins. However, in autoimmune disorders, your immune system fails to distinguish between invaders and healthy cells. Some common examples of autoimmune diseases include:
- Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
RA causes your immune system to produce antibodies that attack the linings of your joints, leading to inflammation and pain. If untreated, it can lead to permanent joint damage. Treatments often include medications that reduce immune activity.
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (Lupus)
Lupus is an autoimmune disorder that causes antibodies to target tissues throughout the body, mainly the joints, lungs, and kidneys. Daily oral prednisone is a common treatment to lower immune function.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
IBD involves your immune system attacking the intestines, causing symptoms like diarrhea and abdominal pain. The main types of IBD include ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease,
which are treated with immune-suppressing medications.
MS is characterized by your immune system attacking the nerve cells, causing symptoms such as pain and weakness. Treatment typically involves immunity-suppressing medications.
- Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS)
GBS occurs when the immune system attacks your nerves, controlling muscle movement and causing weakness. Plasmapheresis, which helps filter the blood, is the main treatment for this condition.
Does specialty care cost more?
A specialist such as a rheumatologist typically has a more significant insurance co-pay than a general care physician. In addition, receiving specialist care can reduce the severity of the disease, saving time and money in the long run. Rheumatologists can make an early diagnosis with the help of medical history, physical examination, and test findings. A rheumatologist could even eliminate needless operations and help you save money by conducting a few tests.
How to find a qualified rheumatologist near you in Denver, CO?
Lupus, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), gout, and fibromyalgia are just a few of the autoimmune and rheumatic diseases that rheumatologists specialize in treating. They undergo considerable training and education to diagnose and treat patients with these illnesses. You may quickly arrange a consultation with an experienced and board-certified rheumatologist through Zocdoc. Our comprehensive directory for Denver, Colorado, includes a list of the best service providers in your area. You can also look through thousands of customer reviews before making a decision.
If your insurance plan is not listed on Zocdoc, try uploading a photo of your medical insurance card (this option isn’t available for vision or dental cards). We will scan the image and display the most suitable plan. If you are experiencing problems uploading a picture of your card, please contact our service team. Moreover, for any insurance-related questions, reach out to Zocdoc's patient help center.
Simply adding "rheumatologist" to your search query will display the top rheumatologists in Denver. Using Zocdoc, you can also reach a well-informed decision since the profiles we provide include details about the doctor's education, experience, and primary clinical interests. Looking through these profiles will enable you to make an informed choice. You can get prompt, high-quality care by scheduling an appointment with a rheumatologist near you through Zocdoc. With Zocdoc, every appointment is free, quick, and secure.
Statistics on arthritis in Colorado
One in four individuals in Colorado, or approximately 800,000 people, has been diagnosed with arthritis. Arthritis is the country's most frequent cause of disability, and up to 46 million adults in the United States have this condition. Of this number, the disease restricts the daily activities of 19 million Americans. Additionally, it costs the nation $128 billion yearly to treat the disease, of which Colorado spends $3 billion.
As per a recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study, arthritis affects the nation's aging baby boomer generation. It is expected to rise by 40% over the next 20 years. The survey estimates that 46 million adults in the United States, or roughly one in five, have arthritis, which will rise to 67 million by 2030.
Sources
American College of Rheumatology[1]
Cleveland Clinic[1]
Hospital for Special Surgery
The Herald Times
UMass Memorial Health
American College of Rheumatology[2]
Cleveland Clinic[2]
Cleveland Clinic[3]
Cleveland Clinic[4]
PubMed Central
Healthline
WebMD
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