Rheumatology Specialist

What is rheumatology?

Rheumatology is a branch of medicine focused on diagnosing and treating rheumatic diseases, such as arthritis and fibromyalgia. 

What are rheumatic diseases?

Rheumatic diseases cause inflammation throughout your musculoskeletal system. Many of them are also autoimmune conditions, meaning they cause your immune system to attack and destroy healthy tissues.

Many doctors use the blanket term “arthritis” to describe rheumatic disease. There are more than 100 types of arthritis, which cause inflammation and swelling in the joints, bones, tendons, muscles, and ligaments. 

Some of the most common types of arthritis include lupus, gout, ankylosing spondylitis, and arthritis associated with colitis and/or psoriasis.

What are the symptoms of a rheumatic disease?

The symptoms of a rheumatic disease vary from person to person and depend on the underlying condition. Common signs of a rheumatic disease include:

• Aches and pains
• Swelling
• Stiffness
• Limited range of motion
• Fever
• Weight loss

If you have a rheumatic disease, you might also experience periods of fatigue or feelings of being unwell. Over time, these factors can have a negative effect on your overall quality of life. 

How are rheumatic diseases diagnosed?

To diagnose rheumatic disease, your Physicians Medical Group of San Jose provider conducts a physical exam and asks you questions about your symptoms. Your doctor also asks you to stand up and walk around the exam room to observe your gait and posture. If necessary, they might also order a series of X-rays and/or laboratory tests to rule out other potential problems. 

After pinpointing the source of your discomfort, your rheumatologist develops a custom treatment plan to ease inflammation and improve mobility. 

How are rheumatic diseases treated?

Treatment for rheumatic disease depends on the type and severity of your condition. Whenever possible, the team at Physicians Medical Group of San Jose recommends conservative, integrative treatments such as losing weight, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly.

If your pain persists or doesn’t respond to lifestyle changes, your doctor might recommend medication, such as steroids, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), or biologic agents.  

You might also benefit from physical therapy, custom orthotics, or a mobility device such as crutches or a walker. If your pain is severe and negatively affects your ability to perform routine tasks, surgical intervention may be necessary. Fortunately, many modern orthopedic surgeries are minimally invasive, meaning less risk and downtime.

Call your Physicians Medical Group of San Jose physician today.