Rheumatology
Rheumatology is a medical specialty that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of disorders and conditions related to the musculoskeletal system, as well as autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Rheumatologists are medical providers who specialize in this field. Additionally, they have expertise in diagnosing and treating a wide range of rheumatic conditions.
Moreover, the musculoskeletal system comprises bones, joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and other connective tissues that provide support and enable movement in the body. Rheumatologists deal with various conditions that can affect these structures, including:
CONDITIONS:
- Arthritis: There are many types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and juvenile idiopathic arthritis. These conditions involve inflammation in the joints, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
- Connective tissue diseases: Disorders like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), systemic sclerosis (scleroderma), and Sjögren’s syndrome affect multiple organs and tissues, including joints, skin, blood vessels, and internal organs.
- Autoimmune diseases: Rheumatologists also manage autoimmune conditions where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues, leading to inflammation and damage. Examples include rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and vasculitis.
- Crystal-related diseases: Gout and pseudo gout are conditions caused by the buildup of crystals in the joints, leading to acute episodes of joint pain and inflammation.
- Soft tissue disorders: Rheumatologists diagnose and treat conditions like tendinitis, bursitis, and fibromyalgia, which affect the tendons, bursae, and soft tissues, causing pain and discomfort.
- Musculoskeletal pain syndromes: Conditions such as polymyalgia rheumatica and myositis cause widespread muscle pain and inflammation.
TREATMENT:
Rheumatologists use a combination of patient history, physical examination, laboratory tests, and imaging studies to make accurate diagnoses. Treatment approaches may include medications, physical therapy, lifestyle modifications, and sometimes joint injections or other interventions.
Since many rheumatic conditions are chronic and require ongoing management, rheumatologists work closely with patients to develop personalized treatment plans aimed at improving symptoms, preventing disease progression, and enhancing overall quality of life.
Furthermore, early diagnosis and appropriate management by a rheumatologist can make a significant difference in managing these conditions effectively. They will also minimize their impact on a person’s health and well-being. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms related to the musculoskeletal system or have signs of autoimmune or inflammatory diseases, it’s essential to seek evaluation and care from a rheumatologist.
Our providers:
Gregory Austad, MD
Ryan Hoggan, MD
Mike Young, PA-C
WHAT IS RHEUMATOLOGY?
Rheumatology is a medical specialty that involves the diagnosis and treatment of arthritis and other diseases of the joints, muscles and bones. Those diseases include rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout, lupus, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, myositis, polymyalgia rheumatica and tendinitis.
WHAT DO RHEUMATOLOGISTS DO?
Tanner Clinic’s rheumatologists diagnosis and treat musculoskeletal diseases and systemic autoimmune conditions, which are often referred to as rheumatic diseases.
Specialties
Our providers specialize in treating conditions such as:
- Arthritis
- Joint Pain
- IBD Arthritis
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
- Anklylosing Spondylitis
- Sjogren’s Syndrome
- Gout
- Scleroderma
- Ankylosing spondylitis
- Vasculitis
- Psoriatic arthritis
- Myositis, such as polymyositis and dermatomyositis
- Polymyalgia rheumatica
- Tendinitis
- Other systemic inflammatory diseases
- Adult onset Still’s disease
WHEN SHOULD I SEE A RHEUMATOLOGIST?
Everyone experiences joint and muscle pain throughout their lives. When this pain does not resolve, becomes chronic and/or you start experiencing symptoms of arthritis (joint pain, stiffness, swelling, etc.), further evaluation may be necessary. Usually your primary care physician will give you your first examination then refer you to a rheumatologist for further diagnosis and treatment.
Our Providers
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