rayuma-tologist

photo downloaded from healthmetz.com 2011Dec28

A rheumatologist is an internist who specializes in the treatment of patients with arthritis, gout, osteoporosis, fibromyalgia, SLE or other autoimmune diseases.

I have joint pain (or back pain) and I was referred by my doctor to the orthopedic surgeon, rehab doctor and a rheumatologist. What do I do?

Some would recommend you see the rheumatologist first. All three specialists see patients with arthritis or musculoskeletal problems but have different focus of treatment. The rheumatologist will refer you to the others if your case needs specialized treatments (physical therapy or surgery) .

My doctor thinks I have kidney disease due to lupus and told me to see a nephrologist and a rheumatologist. Do I need to see both?

You may need to, eventually. It is a good idea to see the rheumatologist first who can check if you have lupus in other parts of your body.

 I have been having pains that do not go away. Do I have gout or arthritis?

It is best to see the rheumatologist with your complaints.