A so-called rheumatologist is a specially trained specialist. A rheumatologist primarily treats chronic diseases, which are based on an auto-immune disease, as part of his work.
What is a rheumatologist?
A rheumatologist, as part of his or her practice, primarily treats chronic diseases that are based on auto-immune disease. The basic knowledge of rheumatology is always taught as part of continuing education. In principle, the several years of further training to become a rheumatologist builds on a successfully completed medical degree. Following their license to practice medicine, the prospective specialists take part in a so-called specialist study program. Within the framework of the specialist studies, specialization in a specific sub-specialty takes place. If specialization in the field of internal medicine is being considered, rheumatology may be taken up as a focus. Similar to the basic medical studies, the specialist studies also conclude with an examination. If interested, other additional designations can be obtained. Thus, the field of rheumatology is basically divided into the field of internal rheumatology and the field of orthopedic rheumatology.
Treatments
A rheumatologist specializes in the treatment of rheumatic diseases as part of his or her training. Basically, the field of rheumatology includes more than four hundred different diseases. It is not uncommon for a rheumatic disease to cause severe pain in the musculature as well as in the bones. Often, individual tendons or joints are also affected. Diseases of the musculoskeletal system include so-called [[osteoarthritis[[ and osteoporosis. Osteoporosis in particular leads to an increased incidence of bone fractures. Osteoporosis primarily affects women. Numerous expert rheumatologists attribute osteoporosis to a severe estrogen deficiency. Like gout, osteoporosis belongs to the rheumatic metabolic disorders. However, gout not infrequently leads to the deposition of extremely harmful uric acid in the joints and under the skin. For an experienced rheumatologist, the first priority is to alleviate acute symptoms. Only in this way can the mobility of those affected be restored as well as possible. The patients of a rheumatologist include not only older people but also young children.
Diagnostic and examination methods
In principle, a rheumatic disease is relatively difficult to diagnose. Thus, in the course of an initial interview, the respective symptomatology is specified as precisely as possible. For this purpose, the rheumatologist asks the affected person several questions. Among other things, it is important for the rheumatologist to know when exactly the patient suffers from the symptoms. Often the complaints only occur in the context of a heavy load. During the initial consultation, it is also clarified which medications the affected person is taking. Numerous knowledgeable experts attribute individual rheumatic disorders to the various ingredients in the medications. Following the interview with the affected person, the rheumatologist examines the painful areas. For a better diagnosis, blood is also taken from the affected person. The blood is analyzed in a laboratory. If a rheumatic disease is present, the so-called rheumatoid factor is significantly elevated. The rheumatoid factor is a special inflammation value. Imaging procedures such as X-ray or computer tomography are used to establish a reliable initial diagnosis.
What should the patient look out for?
To ensure that those affected are restricted as little as possible in their daily lives, the best possible therapy is essential. However, this therapy can only be carried out by a qualified specialist. Thus, those affected must already distinguish in advance between an internal rheumatologist and an orthopedic rheumatologist. Often, however, a corresponding recommendation is already made on the part of the general practitioner. In addition to the professional level, however, the personal level also plays an essential role with regard to the choice of a suitable physician. For example, extensive communication between the doctor and the patient requires a relatively good relationship.It is often extremely helpful to ask for experience among acquaintances or within the family. Those affected can also obtain detailed information regarding practicing rheumatologists in their own area from the respective health insurance companies or from the online directory of the German Medical Association.
