What symptoms does a rheumatologist look for

Here’s the textbook definition of a rheumatologist from the American College of Rheumatology:

“A rheumatologist is an internist or pediatrician who received further training in the diagnosis (detection) and treatment of musculoskeletal disease and systemic autoimmune conditions commonly referred to as rheumatic diseases.

These diseases can affect the joints, muscles, and bones causing pain, swelling, stiffness, and deformity.”

After they receive their MD or OD, rheumatologists spend three years training to become an internist or pediatrician, followed by two to three more years in a rheumatology fellowship.

Like all physicians, they are lifelong learners who take continuing medical education to keep up to date in their field — especially with the emergence of new and complex treatments such as biologics.

Rheumatologists treat many similar joint diseases as orthopedists, but they don’t do surgery.

Many common diseases that they treat include rheumatoid arthritis, gout, lupus, osteoarthritis, and chronic

when should i go see a rheumatologist

when should you see a rheumatologist for osteoarthritis