Understanding Various Services Offered By Rheumatologists

Rheumatologists are board-certified doctors specializing in treating arthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions affecting bones, joints, and muscles. Rheumatologists also specialize in systemic autoimmune diseases. Arthritis is a foot-related complication that is particularly common in older adults. People need healthy and functional feet, given the importance of feet in mobility. Thus, rheumatologists focus on finding solutions to people with various conditions, including arthritis, gout, tendonitis, osteoporosis, and lupus. Rheumatic illnesses are fairly difficult to detect timely. However, regular exams from a qualified professional can identify and deal with a rheumatic problem before it worsens. Most complications respond well to early care, making it necessary for patients to undergo regular checkups. Below are a few advantages of visiting a rheumatologist:

Treat Musculoskeletal And Autoimmune Illnesses

The primary advantage of consulting a rheumatologist is that they specialize in treating musculoskeletal and autoimmune illnesses. Musculoskeletal disorders interfere with a patient's mobility by affecting their muscles, tendons, joints, and ligaments. In severe cases, musculoskeletal disorders also affect nerves, blood vessels, and discs. Rheumatic illnesses affect the musculoskeletal system by causing severe pain, swelling, and stiffness in the bones, joints, and muscles. On the other hand, autoimmune disorders result in a patient's immune system attacking or acting against the patient's body. Rheumatologists specialize in these areas and can assist patients with musculoskeletal and autoimmune disorders to get the appropriate treatment.

Specialization In Full Body Treatment

Most medical professions entail a doctor specializing in a particular part or organ of the body. For instance, cardiologists specialize in treating the heart while optometrists specialize in the eye. Thus, patients must always find medical practitioners that specialize in that specific area for better recovery chances. However, rheumatologists are fairly unique. Patients with autoimmune disorders usually experience inflammation in any part of the body. When a patient's immune system attacks their body, it can cause connective tissue problems in any part of the body, including the heart, kidney, lungs, and joints. As such, rheumatologists specialize in treating connective tissues affecting various body parts.

Nonsurgical Procedures

Rheumatologists and orthopedic surgeons specialize in treating the musculoskeletal system. The difference, however, is that while orthopedic surgeons offer surgical treatment, rheumatologists only offer medical treatment. Rheumatologists do not perform surgeries on bones and joints. Instead, the rheumatologist consults and diagnoses a patient before prescribing a medical treatment option. Thus, patients with musculoskeletal conditions who would rather have a nonsurgical treatment option should consult a rheumatologist. The rheumatologist will develop an individualized treatment plan aimed at managing their symptoms or mitigating deterioration.

To learn more, contact a facility like Sarasota Arthritis Center.

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