April 2025

1. What is Rheumatology?

Rheumatology is a branch of medicine that focuses on diagnosing and treating diseases that affect the joints, muscles, bones, and immune system. These conditions are often autoimmune or inflammatory in nature.

2. Who is a Rheumatologist?

A Rheumatologist is a medical doctor who has specialized training in diagnosing and managing rheumatic diseases, including arthritis, autoimmune conditions, and systemic inflammatory disorders.

3. What conditions does a Rheumatologist treat?

Some common conditions include:

• Rheumatoid Arthritis
  
  

• Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (Lupus)
  
  

• Ankylosing Spondylitis
  
  

• Psoriatic Arthritis
  
  

• Osteoarthritis
  
  

• Gout
  
  

• Vasculitis
  
  

• Sjögren’s Syndrome
  
  

• Systemic Sclerosis (Scleroderma)
  
  

• Myositis
  
  

• Fibromyalgia
  
  

4. When should I see a Rheumatologist?

You should consider seeing a Rheumatologist if you experience:

• Persistent joint pain, swelling, or stiffness
  
  

• Fatigue, fevers, and weight loss with no clear cause
  
  

• Symptoms suggestive of autoimmune disease
  
  

• Abnormal blood test results related to inflammation or immunity
  
  

• Difficulty in mobility not explained by injury
  
  

5. How is Rheumatology different from Orthopedics?

While Orthopedics deals with surgical and mechanical treatment of bones and joints, Rheumatology is a non-surgical specialty that focuses on medical management of joint and autoimmune diseases.

6. Are rheumatic diseases curable?

Most rheumatic diseases are chronic, but with early diagnosis and proper treatment, they can be effectively managed. Many patients can lead full and active lives with long-term control of symptoms.

7. What tests might a Rheumatologist order?

These may include:

• Blood tests (e.g., ESR, CRP, ANA, RF, anti-CCP)
  
  

• Imaging tests (X-rays, Ultrasound, MRI)
  
  

• Joint fluid analysis These help confirm the diagnosis and monitor disease activity.
  
  

8. Does Rheumatology only deal with elderly patients?

No. Rheumatic diseases can affect individuals of all ages, including children (pediatric rheumatology), young adults, and middle-aged individuals.

9. Can lifestyle changes help manage rheumatic diseases?

Yes. A healthy diet, regular exercise, stress management, smoking cessation, and adequate sleep play a crucial role in disease control and overall well-being.

10. What treatments are used in Rheumatology?

Treatment options may include:

• Anti-inflammatory medications
  
  

• Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (DMARDs)
  
  

• Biologics and targeted therapies
  
  

• Steroids
  
  

• Physical therapy and rehabilitation
  
  

11. Is long-term medication necessary?

In most autoimmune and inflammatory conditions, long-term medication is necessary to keep the disease in remission and prevent joint damage or organ involvement.

12. Do Rheumatologists perform surgeries?

No. Rheumatologists do not perform surgeries. They provide medical management. However, they may refer patients to orthopedic surgeons if surgical intervention is needed.

13. Can rheumatic diseases affect organs other than joints?

Yes. Many rheumatic diseases can affect the skin, eyes, lungs, heart, kidneys, and nervous system due to systemic inflammation.

14. Is Rheumatology the same as pain management?

Not exactly. While Rheumatologists help manage chronic pain due to inflammation or autoimmune conditions, pain management as a specialty includes a broader scope of pain disorders including those from nerve, spine, or injury origins.

15. Do I need a referral to see a Rheumatologist?

This depends on the healthcare system or insurance provider. Some may require a referral from your primary care physician, while others allow direct appointments.