Rheumatologists: Specialists for In Arthritis & Other Diseases of Joints Treatment
Written by Dr. Abhishtita MudunuriLast Updated on 10th February 2022Who is a Rheumatologist?
A rheumatologist is a doctor who specializes in arthritis and other musculoskeletal disorders and systemic autoimmune diseases. The diseases that are related to systemic autoimmune causes pain, swelling, and stiffness in the muscles, joints, bones and systemic disorders. Rheumatologists help in diagnosing and treating such autoimmune diseases. They also conduct research for a better understanding of rheumatic diseases.
What does a Rheumatologist do?
In rheumatology, doctors study the conditions that affect the connective tissues. Usually, doctors are trained in any one part of the body. However, in the case of rheumatology, doctors are trained to look after the entire body as the connective tissues and autoimmune diseases affect the entire body.
What are common Procedures performed by a Rheumatologist?
There are more than 100 rheumatic diseases that a rheumatologist can treat. The following are a few of them:
- Rheumatoid arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis or RA is an autoimmune and inflammatory disease in which the immune system attacks the joints, usually many joints are attacked at once. RA commonly affects the joints in the hands, wrists, and knees. The joint tissue is damaged due to the inflammation in the lining of the joint. The pain could be long-lasting and lead to deformity and unsteadiness. RA can also affect other organs such as the heart, lungs, and eyes.
- Osteoporosis: Osteoporosis means “porous bone”. In this disease, the bone weakens and there are high chances of bone fracture. If you are suffering from osteoporosis, then the bone mass and strength is less than a healthy person. This disease has no symptoms and therefore identifying the disease becomes difficult. It is discovered only when there is a minor fall that causes painful fractures. These fractures are common in the wrist, hip, and spine.
- Tendinitis: Tendinitis is a painful condition in which the connective tissue between the muscle and bone becomes inflamed. This condition is a result of repetitive activities. It is common on the shoulder, elbow, hip, knee, the base of the thumb, and Achilles tendon. Tendinitis is also known as tendonitis.
- Fibromyalgia: The problems associated with fibromyalgia are body pain, sleep problems, emotional, and mental distress. The symptoms are similar to that of arthritis, however, the soft tissues are affected because of fibromyalgia.
- Gout: A gout is a complex form of arthritis that affects the big toe. Intense joint pain, inflammation and redness, limited range of motion, and lingering discomfort are the symptoms of gout.
- Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is a common form of arthritis that occurs when the protective cartilage at the ends of the bones wears out over some time. Bone spurs, grating sensation, loss of flexibility, swelling, and pain are some of the symptoms of osteoarthritis.
- Psoriatic arthritis: Psoriatic arthritis is a form of arthritis that affects people with psoriasis. Psoriasis is a condition in which red itchy patches are formed on the skin along with silvery scales. There is no cure for psoriatic arthritis. Treatments are focused on the prevention and control of joint damage.
How often should you go to the Rheumatologist?
If you experience pain either in the muscles or in the joints that lasts for weeks, it is advised to visit a rheumatologist.
It is difficult to identify different types of rheumatic diseases in their early stages. However, these diseases are easy to cure when treated at early stages. Doctors are trained to identify the reason for swelling and pain in any joints, muscles, or bones. Also, there are types of musculoskeletal disorders that respond to the treatment during their early stages.
What degrees do you need to be a Rheumatologist?
The following 3 steps are the ways through which one can get a degree to become a rheumatologist:
Step 1: Entering a medical school
After completing +2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as main subjects, a medical entrance test is conducted by various states as well as independent bodies.
Step 2: Postgraduate medical entrance exam
After attending medical school for four to five years, one must take training for M.D.(Medicine) Internal medicine. For this, you need to appear for the postgraduate medical entrance exam. After this, a super specialisation has to be done in Rheumatology.
Step 3: Residency in rheumatology fellowship
Residency in rheumatology fellowship is for two to three years. During these years, you will study autoimmune diseases and musculoskeletal conditions and how to treat them. After the completion of the course, it is mandatory to get a registration from the Medical Council of India.
How to find a good Rheumatologist?
Finding a good rheumatologist is easy with the help of the MFine app. Select your location and search for the best rheumatologist near you on the MFine app or website. There is an availability of an instant consultation via chat, call, or video call with the top rheumatologist. If the condition is severe, then you might be called for an appointment by your doctor.
How to choose a Rheumatologist?
The selection of a rheumatologist becomes easy based on the doctor’s years of experience. If commuting is your concern then please select a rheumatologist nearby on the MFine app and get the consultation done with ease.
Frequently Asked Questions Rheumatologist
What is autoimmune disease?
Autoimmune disease is a health condition in which the immune system mistakes a part of your body as a foreign invader and attacks it. Joints, skin, and a few organs are treated like foreign invaders.
The following are a few examples of autoimmune diseases:
- Type 1 diabetes is an example in which the immune system attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
- Rheumatoid arthritis is another autoimmune disease example in which the immune system attacks the joints. When the attack happens, there will be redness, soreness, and stiffness in the joints.
- Pernicious anaemia is a condition in which the absorption of vitamin B12 becomes difficult. Without vitamin B12, a person will develop anaemia and the body loses its ability to synthesize DNA.
What are rheumatic diseases?
What are the symptoms of rheumatic diseases?
Rheumatic disease can affect any part of the body. However, the following are the common symptoms of rheumatic diseases:
- Swelling in the joints
- Stiffness around the joints
- Inflammation
- Joint pain
- Systemic symptoms based on which organ is affected
What are some of the misconceptions about rheumatic disease?
- Rheumatic disease is about just the aches and pains. It happens when you start growing old. However, studies show that the affected people are under the age of 65 years. Also, this disease is not just about aches and pains. If left untreated it may lead to crippling, deformity, and life-threatening.
- Children are safe from rheumatic diseases. But, there are cases in the world that show that rheumatic disease can also strike children.
- The rheumatic disease impacts only women. However, this is a misconception as men are equally in danger as women. Gout, which is an example of rheumatic disease, commonly occurs more in men than in women.
The above are the common misconceptions about rheumatic diseases that are neglected most of the time.
What is the difference between a rheumatologist and an orthopaedic surgeon?
What are the causes of rheumatological diseases?
Only old people are affected with rheumatoid arthritis.
Is there any special diet for arthritis?
Does exercising help my joints?
How can rheumatologists help their patients?
Rheumatologists help their patients by:
- Evaluation and proper diagnosis of the joint complaints and autoimmune disorders
- Planning of the required treatment
- Monitoring the patient for any side effects and other complications
- Prevention of joint damage
At-Home Lab Tests
- Vitamin B12 Test
- CBC Test
- CRP Test
- Pregnancy Test
- Liver Function Test
- Lipid Profile Test
- ESR Test
- Hba1c Test
- Urine Test
- TSH Test
Popular Health Packages
Health Package | No. of Tests Included |
Advanced Full Body Check | 75+ Tests (Diabetes, Vitamins & more) |
Full Body Check | 52+ Tests (Thyroid, CBC & more) |
Basic Full Body Check | 34+ Tests (Thyroid, CBC & more) |
Comprehensive Full Body Check (Men) | 85+ Tests (Iron Levels, Vitamins & more) |
Comprehensive Full Body Check (Women) | 85+ Tests (Iron Levels, Vitamins & more) |
References
Complications of rheumatoid arthritis:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6oZj6d-Jnew
- Anxiety and depression in rheumatoid arthritis patients:
https://advancesinrheumatology.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s42358-021-00223-2
- How rheumatoid arthritis is increasing the risk of interstitial lung disease:
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanrhe/article/PIIS2665-9913(21)00250-2/fulltext
- Effect of COVID-19 vaccine on patients with autoimmune diseases:
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanrhe/article/PIIS2665-9913(21)00222-8/fulltext