WHAT IS RHEUMATOLOGY?
Rheumatology is a specialty of internal medicine and pediatrics devoted to the study of inflammation that occurs in the bones, muscles and joints and sometimes the internal organs (e.g. kidneys, lungs, blood vessels, brain). There are over 100 complex conditions in this field.
Rheumatic diseases include:
- Anklyosing Spondylitis
- Arthritis
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
- Systemic Sclerosis
- Sjogren’s Syndrome
- Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
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- Osteoarthritis
- Spondyloarthropathies
- Scleroderma
- Uveitis
- Vasculitis
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For a more comprehensive list and details about each condition, please visit rheumatology.org/Learning-Center/Glossary
WHAT DOES A RHEUMATOLOGIST DO?
Rheumatologists help patients with rheumatic diseases have the best possible quality of life.
- Diagnose, Treat and Manage patients with arthritis and other rheumatic diseases. These health problems are complex and affect the joints, muscles, bones and other organs so patients benefit from the care of rheumatology experts.
- Advocate for patients in all aspects of health care and in the community. As a group, doctors support laws that promote patient rights and patient-centered care.
- Teach patients, families and communities about health information and how to live with a chronic (long-term) rheumatic disease. Topics can include medications, coping mechanisms, techniques for preventing disability or regaining function, and ways to improve quality of life.
