Rheumatologist |
Rheumatologists treat arthritis, certain autoimmune diseases, musculoskeletal pain disorders and osteoporosis.
Difference between arthritis and other rheumatic diseases?
Arthritis, itself a group of more than 100 different diseases, is one category of rheumatic diseases. Rheumatic diseases may cause pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints and other supporting body structures, such as muscles, tendons, ligaments, and bones. However, rheumatic diseases can affect other areas of the body, including internal organs. Some rheumatic diseases involve connective tissues (called connective tissue diseases), while others may be caused by an autoimmune disorder, which means the body's immune system attacks its own healthy cells and tissues.
About Rheumatologists
A rheumatologist is a physician who specializes in the treatment of arthritis and other rheumatic diseases that may affect joints, muscles, bones, skin, and other tissues. Most rheumatologists have a background in internal medicine or pediatrics and have received additional training in the field of rheumatology .They are specially trained to identify many types of rheumatic diseases in their earliest stages, including arthritis, many types of autoimmune diseases, musculoskeletal pain, disorders of the musculoskeletal system, and osteoporosis.
Ultrasounds
A small instrument which is attached to a large ultrasound machine moves over the part of your body being examined. This transducer sends out high frequency sound waves and receives the return echoes which then produce pictures on the screen of the ultrasound machine. These images help the Radiologist and your doctor to make a diagnosis so that your doctor may decide upon the appropriate treatment. You will be asked to lie on a table on your back, abdomen or side, depending upon which part of you is to be examined. Clear gel is applied to your skin to provided better contact between the Ultrasound machine and your body. This gel wipes off easily after the test.
X-Rays
An x-ray is produced when a small amount of radiation passes through the body. This radiation is captured on film, video, or computer to produce a black-and-white image to be viewed by a radiologist. X-rays may be used to detect bone fractures, find foreign objects in the body, demonstrate pathology, and demonstrate the relationships between bone and soft tissue. A chest x-ray is the most common type of x-ray producing an image of the heart and lungs.
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