What Does A Rheumatologist Do?

You’ve probably heard of a rheumatologist but aren’t familiar with what they do. Although what they do is generally not very well understood in the general public, rheumatologists play an important role for individuals with joint pain and conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system. Rheumatologists are doctors with additional specialist training in inflammatory health conditions. They have specialist knowledge of the joints and the conditions that impact them and will be able to provide an accurate diagnosis and treatment for all conditions that involve the muscles, joints and bones, with a view to improving your quality of life.

Why would a doctor refer you to a rheumatologist?

Usually your first port of call for pain is the GP. Your GP will be able to help you with many different health concerns however, in certain cases they may refer you on to a rheumatologist for their expertise. This is usually because they suspect you may be suffering from an inflammatory joint condition or have chronic pain symptoms that may require specialist rheumatologist knowledge. Rheumatoid conditions are often difficult to diagnose. Unfortunately, it can take months to be seen by a rheumatologist on the NHS which can be disheartening. If you would like to put your mind at ease quickly, you may prefer to go directly to a private rheumatologist as you will be seen much quicker.

Why would someone need to see a rheumatologist and what symptoms require a rheumatologist?

In small doses, inflammation is really beneficial because it can help fight off infection. But inflammation is something that needs to be kept under control; in large amounts and/or when inflammation is chronic it can have the opposite effect and can harm healthy tissue, and trigger ongoing health problems. It is particularly important to see a rheumatologist if you suspect you may have an inflammatory form of arthritis like gout or rheumatoid arthritis. Early diagnosis is key for reducing pain and pausing the progression of the disease to prevent permanent disability. The sooner treatment begins, the quicker quality of life can be improved.

What conditions can a rheumatologist treat?

Inflammatory joint diseases

Inflammatory diseases caused by the immune system attacking the healthy tissue in the body need to be diagnosed early and managed carefully with immunosuppressant medication to prevent them worsening and causing permanent damage to the body.

Rheumatoid arthritis: Individuals with rheumatoid arthritis will usually experience joint pain that is mirrored on both sides of the body. The affected joints may feel swollen and hot to the touch, and the pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis is usually worse after periods of inactivity. Left untreated, it can lead to a number of serious complications, including cardiovascular disease.

Psoriatic arthritis: This condition causes swelling, stiffness and joint pain; it is usually accompanied by fatigue and red rashes or patches of scaly skin. Individuals with psoriatic arthritis may also experience swollen fingers and issues with vision such as blurriness. It is caused by the immune system attacking the healthy tissues in the body.

Gout: Gout flare-ups can cause excruciating pain – often in the joints of the big toe but it can occur in other joints in the body. The pain occurs as a result of crystals that build up in the joint. This is caused by an excess of uric acid in the blood. It can be triggered by a diet high in purines and sugar and it is more common in people who eat a lot of red meat. The affected joint may feel hot and tender, and may look red and swollen.

Degenerative joint diseases

When it comes to degenerative joint diseases the key is in managing the pain by strengthening the joints, and preventing further deterioration of the joint where possible to improve quality of life.

Osteoarthritis: This is a degenerative condition which causes the cartilage between the joints to break down over time as a result of wear and tear. The cartilage is what makes the joints move smoothly and so once this breaks down, the joints can feel like they grind against each other and this causes considerable pain. The pain is usually worse after rest or being inactive. Osteoarthritis usually results from repetitive emotions and it most commonly impacts the weight-bearing joints such as knees and hips. Individuals who have jobs that involve repetitive movements are more likely to experience osteoarthritis.

Bone disorders

Osteoporosis: There are often no symptoms of osteoporosis until it is very advanced and an individual may break a bone.  but the truth is that this condition takes time to develop. It is caused by a lack of bone density which means that bones can fracture and break easier than normal. Thankfully there is treatment for this condition which usually involves a combination of medications to increase bone density, adoption of a calcium and vitamin D rich diet and in some cases zoledronate IV infusions.

Autoimmune diseases

Lupus: Fatigue, fever, joint pain, skin rashes, swelling, and stiffness are some of the most common indicators of lupus. This autoimmune disease is caused by the immune system attacking itself. It can cause permanent tissue damage. Although there is no cure for lupus, it can be managed with a combination of lifestyle changes, anti-inflammatory medications, and immunosuppressants. It is really important to keep lupus under control to prevent complications such as damage to other parts of the body; damage to the heart, lungs or brain can be life-threatening.

Does joint pain always need a rheumatologist?

Rheumatologists are usually best placed to assess joint pain and provide effective treatment for any kind of joint pain that lasts longer than two weeks. If you have any of the symptoms that we have mentioned above or suspect you may have a rheumatoid condition then you may like to make an appointment with a rheumatologist for a thorough assessment. It can rule out more serious conditions and help to put your mind at ease. Nobody should have to suffer unnecessarily with joint pain. Your rheumatologist will be able to give you an accurate diagnosis so that treatment can begin and quality of life can start to improve.