Blog | Rheumatologist In San Antonio & Windcrest, TX | Rheumatology Solutions (2024)

FAQs

What do rhuematologists do? ›

Rheumatologists diagnose, treat and manage a broad range of conditions, including: Inflammatory (rheumatic) disorders that affect muscles, joints and bones. Connective tissue diseases that affect supporting structures like your ligaments and tendons, and may involve the skin and other organs.

While rheumatologists treat diseases of your musculoskeletal system, immunologists focus on your immune system. Both rheumatologists and immunologists can help if you're dealing with an autoimmune disease that affects your muscles, bones, or joints.

Rheumatologists are specialists in arthritis and diseases that involve bones, muscles and joints. They are trained to make difficult diagnoses and to treat all types of arthritis, especially those requiring complex treatment. You may be referred to an orthopedist if you have a type of degenerative arthritis.

Here are some reasons to see a rheumatologist: You have been diagnosed with arthritis or a rheumatic disease. You have joint pain and/or swelling. You have been told you have certain blood test results.

Primary health care providers should consider referring patients to a rheumatologist if: You diagnose or suspect an inflammatory type of arthritis (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, psoriatic arthritis), or to confirm a diagnosis. A patient needs a management plan for a type of inflammatory arthritis.

The most common rheumatic diseases include osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Both cause inflammation, swelling, and pain in joints.