What kinds of problems run in your family? To make an appointment call 888.720.1982 or visit www.hss.edu. Mayo Clinic rheumatology experts provide personalized care for a wide range of rheumatic conditions. When to See a Rheumatologist Most of the time muscle aches, pains, or injuries are not serious. Gathering the clues and helping patients figure out what’s going on is one of my favorite things about being a rheumatologist. You’ll find them mostly in outpatient clinics. First, visit your primary care physician (PCP) for a physical exam and to discuss your symptoms. You have been told you have certain abnormal blood test results. Typically, the primary care physician is seen for the first evaluation. You want to be diagnosed and treated by someone who … Are there any natural or complementary treatments I could try? List your meds. When to See a Rheumatologist Most everyone has experienced muscle and joint pain from time to time. Find out if you should see a rheumatologist for treatment of rheumatic diseases affecting joints, tendons, ligaments and muscles like arthritis, RA gout. (All the time, daily, weekly, every now and then? It’s also good to see a rheumatologist if you notice symptoms of autoimmune or rheumatic disease and you have a family history of these conditions. These medicines put the brakes on your immune system so it stops attacking your joints. Elevations occur in a variety of situations including but not limited to infection, … A primary care doctor may refer someone to a rheumatologist when: they have made a diagnosis of or suspect that a person has a systemic inflammatory condition, and they want a second… Dr. Alana B. Levine is a rheumatologist at Hospital for Special Surgery. But, when pain in your joints, muscles, neck, back and bones is severe and persistent for more than a few days, you should see your doctor. She specializes in rheumatic autoimmune diseases including systemic lupus erythematosus, antiphospholipid syndrome, undifferentiated connective tissue disease and rheumatoid arthritis. Your doctor may suggest that you meet with one or both of these health professionals. Rheumatologists treat complex diseases that are often difficult to diagnose. Your rheumatologist will use all of this information to decide what to do next. Rheumatology is a sub … They’ll compare the joints on one side of your body with those on the other, because RA often affects both sides. If there is concern for an underlying rheumatic condition, he/she will refer you to rheumatology for evaluation. They’re an internist (a doctor who specializes in internal medicine for adults) or a pediatrician (a doctor who treats children from birth to young adulthood). But if your joints hurt and especially if the signs of inflammation (redness, swelling, pain, … Your doctor may also tell you to take over-the-counter medicines for pain or prescribe low-dose corticosteroids to ease swelling. If the Pain in Your Joint (s) is Severe and/or isn’t Improving. You get recommendations from your primary care doctor, which is usually required when … Because RA is a long-term disease, you'll see this doctor often. Where can I find resources to help me learn more about living with the disease? A look at the problem's … We take care of many other rare diseases as well. Your primary care doctor can refer you to a rheumatologist. (Dull, sharp, stabbing, throbbing, burning, aching, cramping, radiating? Your primary care doctor can also prescribe medications to relieve pain and other arthritis symptoms. And you’ll have a new valuable partner on your health care team. Physical therapists can teach you exercises to help you move your joints and make them stronger. Or they might send you to a lab for these tests. How can I prevent those side effects? Ask your other doctors for copies of your records and any test results or X-rays, and take them with you, too. “A rheumatologist is an internist who specializes in treating many different types of disorders of the body caused by an immune system gone awry, causing what is called autoimmune disease,” says Dr. Stephanie Kydd Dondero, a rheumatologist … There are over 100 types of arthritis and rheumatologists specialize in the care of many of these conditions. Seeing a rheumatologist early on can help patients avoid waiting months to years before receiving a diagnosis. Your rheumatologist will probably prescribe methotrexate, which is a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD). What to Expect at the Rheumatologist Osteoarthritis vs. Rheumatoid Arthritis: What’s the Difference? Mayo Clinic rheumatologists see in excess of 31,000 unique patients each year, evaluating more than 100 types of arthritis and all forms of vasculitis, autoimmune connective tissue diseases, … Occupational therapists can show you how to ease the strain on your joints during daily activities. Go back as far as you can remember. They'll keep your treatment on track and work with you to manage your condition. Rheumatologists don’t perform surgery. After test results come back and enough time has passed to evaluate how you are doing o… Over time, you and your rheumatologist will find the right mix for you. Studies show that the earlier you’re treated for your rheumatoid arthritis, the more likely you are to feel better sooner and stay active longer. Will I have to take RA drugs for the rest of my life? If you think you may have rheumatoid arthritis and are about to see a rheumatologist for the first time, you're on the right path. They can order X-rays, blood tests, or any other diagnostic tests needed to support his initial assessment. If your RA is further along, you may need stronger medications called biologic response modifiers. Here are some reasons to see a rheumatologist: You have been diagnosed with arthritis or a rheumatic disease. What Are the Best and Worst Supplements and Herbs for Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)? Please do not share personal health information on this site. One of the first questions the doctor will ask is, "What brings you here?" What are the potential side effects of RA medicines? On the other hand, a rheumatologist is usually the go-to specialist when you're dealing with a disease that affects a joint. Everyone experiences muscle and joint pain from time to time. Its important to learn if changes in sleep and eating are related to some of RAs most devious effects, depression and anxiety. 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