It can be tricky to understand when to see a rheumatologist – especially if you’re unsure of what a rheumatologist is or what they treat. Like our doctors at St. Paul Rheumatology, rheumatologists are specialists who received training in diagnosing and treating rheumatic diseases.
What is a Rheumatic Disease?
Rheumatic diseases – sometimes called musculoskeletal diseases – affect the joints tendons, ligaments, bones, and muscles in the human body. At St. Paul Rheumatology, we specialize in treating a variety of rheumatic diseases like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoporosis.
What Causes Rheumatic Disease?
Most rheumatic diseases occur when the immune system stops functioning correctly and starts attacking its own tissues. Experts haven’t determined what exactly causes rheumatic disease. Sometimes genetics play a role, but there may be other environmental factors that lead to these diseases.
When Should You Schedule a Visit with a Rheumatologist?
We all get some musculoskeletal pains occasionally. However, when you experience severe and persistent pain for more than a few days in your joints, muscles, neck, back, or bones, you should talk to your primary care physician. They will determine if you need to see a rheumatologist.
In the early stages, rheumatic diseases are challenging to identify. You might have everyday symptoms and not realize they are related to rheumatic disease. Rheumatologists know it is crucial to diagnose rheumatic diseases quickly and correctly as many of the illnesses respond to treatment best in the early stages.
We offer on-site services with specialized equipment at St. Paul Rheumatology. This allows us to monitor your symptoms, evaluate your joints, bones, and tissue, and track your progress while you are in our care. You don’t have to juggle multiple appointments at different locations or see various doctors.
If you think you might have a rheumatic disease, ask your doctor to fill out the referral form on our website. (Link this website https://secureform.luxsci.com/forms/19041/18176/oQNO/form.html )
References
WebMD. (n.d.). Rheumatic Diseases: Types, Causes, and Diagnosis. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/an-overview-of-rheumatic-diseases.When should you see a Rheumatologist? Arthritis and Rheumatism Associates, P.C. (2017, September 10). https://arapc.com/see-rheumatologist/.