Rheumatology is a very specific specialty that is part of the much broader internal medicine field. Recently this field has seen rapid change due to rapid technological and scientific advancements as well as an expanded focus on researching immunology. These advancements have caused the medical field to realize that a majority of rheumotological illnesses are actually caused by an autoimmune disorder. This has opened up many new avenues of research as well as exciting ways of treating a patient in a more effective and, in many cases, less invasive methods.
IBJI Rheumatologist: The Experts In Rheumatologic Diseases
The constantly changing understanding of the specific diseases that rheumatology encompasses means that physicians have had to specialize in these disorders. Rheumatologist have not only undergone the years of education to become an MD, but they also require more years of specialized training and further certification. This specialized training not only makes a rheumatologist your best choice for treatment, but they also typically are on the cutting edge of research. This means that you not only get the best care, but may have access to newer and more effective treatment.
Types of Diseases Treated By Rheumatologists
Rheumatology actually describes any illness, syndrome or disorder that causes pain in the joints, connective tissues and soft tissues that are close to bones and joints. This definition is fairly general, which means that there are over 200 diseases that a rheumatologist can treat. The most common rheumatologic diseases diagnosed and treated are:
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
- Fibromyalgia
- Gout
- Lupus
- Osteoporosis
- Tendinitis
- Low Back Pain
- Tennis Elbow
- and Many More
How Your Chicago Rheumatology Specialist Will Help You
A rheumatologist will first diagnose your specific disease using physical, laboratory, imaging and pathological testing. Once the specific disorder has been identified, your physician will design an all encompassing treatment plan. While it is important to treat the specific disease, it is also important to ensure your psychological health is protected as well. This means that helping to minimize your pain by re-learning how to perform every day tasks, using pain killers and anti-inflammatory drugs, and physical therapy are very important parts of your treatment plan. Many physicians may also prescribe non-traditional treatments including massage therapy, exercise, yoga, diet changes, and even drugs that are usually used to treat seizures or depression.
If you are looking for a rheumatologist to diagnose and treat, or to treat an already diagnosed condition, IBJI is the right choice for rheumatology treatment. Find one of Chicago’s leading Rheumatologists near you to schedule your appointment.
This information is not intended to provide advise or treatment for a specific situation. Consult your physician and medical team for information and treatment plans on your specific condition(s).
