About rheumatology
Patients with MSK disorders often present with pain but other symptoms might include reduced mobility, swelling of a joint, muscle weakness or more generalized symptoms, such as fatigue.
There are many different causes of joint pain. Most people think of arthritis as a condition that only affects old people. Although osteoarthritis, a degenerative condition of joints, is the most common rheumatological joint disorder seen in rheumatology clinics, young adults and children can be badly affected by inflammatory forms of arthritis. If these conditions are not identified and treated promptly, they can badly damage the joints, resulting in disability.
Most of the inflammatory forms of arthritis are autoimmune conditions, many of which can affect other organ systems in the body. Much of a rheumatologist’s time is taken up with accurately diagnosing these conditions and advising on appropriate treatments. These conditions include rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and connective tissue disorders such as Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). Other important conditions causing arthritis, and important not to miss, include infection and gout.
Rheumatologists will also look after patients with localized MSK issues, such as back pain and aches and pains in any other part of the body. Rheumatologists are also experienced in managing disorders of bone, including osteoporosis.
Rheumatologists work closely with other MSK specialists including physiotherapists, occupational therapists, radiologists, and orthopaedic surgeons. They will also involve other physicians in appropriate specialties in the care of patients with multisystem disorders.
