Rheumatology
Physicians in the field of rheumatology are trained to diagnose and treat over 100 different types of arthritic disorders. Included among these conditions areosteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic Lupus erythematosus, Sjogren's syndrome, vasculitis, gout, polymyalgia rheumatica, and many others.
Individuals who develop significant symptoms of joint pain, swelling, stiffness, fatigue, skin rash, hair loss, excessive dryness, among many other symptoms, should be evaluated by their primary care physician. Similarily, if there has been a significant loss of height, fracture, or a strong family history of osteoporosis - it is worth having a bone density (DEXA) scan to assess for the possibility of osteoporosis.
Rheumatologists work closely with primary care physicians to establish diagnoses and outline treatment plans. Over recent years there have been a number of discoveries that have lead to innovative new therapy which improves the quality of lives for those who suffer with arthritis.
Additional Links
- American College of Rheumatology
- Arthritis Foundation
- UpToDate for Patients
- Lupus Foundation of America
- Sjögren's Syndrome Foundation
- Spondylitis Association of America
- National Psoriasis Foundation
- Vasculitis Foundation
- International Scleroderma Network
- National Osteoporosis Foundation
- Fibromyalgia Information Foundation
- Gout.com - resource for gout information
- Pediatric Rheumatology Page
- American College of Rheumatology - Diseases and Conditions
- Remicade Biologic Treatment
- Rituxan for Rheumatoid Arthritis and Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma
- Orencia
- Boniva
- Treatment of Postmenopausal Osteoporosis with Reclast
- National Osteoporosis Foundation
