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For practically every disease you can think of, diagnosticians and healthcare specialists are available these days. The field of medicine is an ever-evolving trade that constantly seeks out the most effective cures for ailments. It can become a bit difficult if you’re trying to figure out who you should consult about a particular condition.
If you’re here to figure out what rheumatologists diagnose or treat? You’re in the right place. A doctor will usually ask you to see a rheumatologist when you exhibit symptoms that point to systemic immune-related conditions. The most prevalent of these ailments is arthritis. Cure your arthritis with the best rheumatologist in Dubai.
What Does A Rheumatologist Diagnose?
A Rheumatologist is involved in assessing, diagnosing, treating, and managing issues related to musculoskeletal diseases and autoimmune conditions. These specialists have been trained to,
- Identify disorders that affect the bones, joints, and muscles, which cause inflammation in the body.
- Treat health issues that affect the connective tissues in supporting structures like ligaments, tendons, etc.
- Manage diseases where the body’s own immune system attacks other healthy tissues.
What Can A Rheumatologist Treat?
A rheumatologist can treat more than a hundred known rheumatic diseases and many immune-related conditions. As the name suggests, they are the primary healthcare providers who diagnose and treat persons with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and many other illnesses.
These diseases can range from issues in your back and neck brought on by problems related to your musculoskeletal system to immune conditions like fibromyalgia, lupus, gout, Lyme disease, etc.
They are not to be mistaken for orthopedists, who are surgical specialists. A rheumatologist will treat illnesses using medication and other nonsurgical treatments. They are internists who specialize in medical care and detecting certain diseases occurring in the muscles, bones, and joints.
What Training Does A Rheumatologist Undergo?
Individuals aspiring to become a rheumatologist must undergo vigorous training to receive their degree or license. These include;
- A traditional undergraduate degree.
- Four years of medical school to receive a doctor of medicine degree (MD) or a doctor of osteopathy degree (DO).
- Three years in a residency program, either in pediatrics or internal medicine or both.
- Three or two years of fellowship in rheumatology.
- Finally, they’ll have to sit for an exam to become a board-certified practitioner.
What To Expect While Visiting A Rheumatologist?
You may visit a rheumatologist after being referred to them by a different physician. This may be because you’re exhibiting symptoms associated with immune-related health problems.
If it’s your first time consulting a rheumatologist, you’ll most likely have to sit for a few examinations and tests for them to assess your body’s condition. Some of these examinations can be
• Physical exams.
All physicians must always perform a complete physical exam during their first patient interaction. This exam will help direct the doctor’s next step in the treatment procedure.
• Diagnostic tests.
Diagnostic tests are another essential tool for all health care providers because they help identify the underlying cause of a person’s ailments.
• Lab tests.
These tests involve collecting samples such as urine, blood, skin etc from the patients. Once collected, the samples are put through rigorous trials and tests to assess a patient’s condition further.
• Imaging scans.
Tests that involve the use of ultrasounds, CT or MRI scans and x-ray images are usually used by rheumatologists to help with identifying joint and bone damage.
