Rheumatologist: A specialist in the non-surgical treatment of rheumatic illnesses, especially arthritis.

Rheumatologists are physicians specially trained to diagnose and treat more than 100 types of arthritis and related disorders that affect the body’s joints, bones, muscles, and connective tissue. Common examples include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and crystal diseases such as gout and pseudogout.

Why See a Rheumatologist?

A patient typically makes an appointment with a rheumatologist when he or she needs:

• An accurate diagnosis for chronic symptoms affecting the musculoskeletal system
• Expertise in devising pain relief and treatment plans for a rheumatologic condition

Rheumatologists have the depth and breadth of expertise necessary to accurately diagnosis and treat a wide variety of conditions. A patient can then receive an early diagnosis and start the appropriate treatments before developing joint damage.