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Who is a Rheumatologist?

A Rheumatologist is a medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal and systemic autoimmune conditions. They mostly treat inflammatory conditions that affect the joints, bones, tendons, muscles, ligaments, and blood vessels (vasculitis).

What are the qualifications of Rheumatologist?

A 5-year medical degree [MBBS] that is recognized by the General Medical Council and a 2-year foundation course of general training are the basic requirements for an individual to be a doctor. However, following are the specialties or extra qualifications required to be a Rheumatologist:

• DM - Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology
• DNB - RheumatologyDM - Clinical Immunology
• MRCP (UK)
• PGCC - Rheumatology
• Fellowship in Rheumatology
• FRCP - Rheumatology
• DM - Rheumatology
• MD - Rheumatology

Does a Rheumatologist perform surgery?

Rheumatologists diagnose and treat rheumatic diseases and conditions, but they do not perform surgery. Treatment options used by most of the Rheumatologists are medications such as anti-rheumatic drugs and NSAIDs(nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), joint injections, and aspirations.

What conditions are treated by Rheumatologists?

Rheumatologists can treat autoimmune and inflammatory conditions that affect the musculoskeletal system. Some of the medical conditions are:

• Psoriatic arthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Scleroderma
• Giant cell arteritis
• Behcet’s disease
• Sjogren’s syndrome
• Osteoporosis
• Osteoarthritis
• Bursitis
• Tendinitis
• Inflammatory arthritis of the knees, hips, or shoulders
• Sarcoidosis
• Systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus)
• Polymyalgia rheumatica
• Reiter’s syndrome
• Paget’s disease
• Dermatomyositis
• Polymyositis
• Ankylosing spondylitis
• Reactive arthropathies
• Idiopathic juvenile arthritis

What are the risk factors of Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. It occurs due to wear and tear of the cartilage that leads to joint damage.  Genetic susceptibility is the major risk factor for Osteoarthritis. Other risk factors inclu

• Older age
• Obesity
• Mechanical or surgical trauma to a joint
• Hypermobility of joints
• Bone deformities
• Physically demanding jobs (applying too much stress on the joints)

Is there any permanent cure for rheumatoid arthritis?

There is no permanent cure for rheumatoid arthritis. But there are many effective treatment options to prevent joint destruction and disease progression. Initially, anti-inflammatory drugs are needed to slow down the inflammation. However, for the best treatment options that can be used for long term results, one should consult the Rheumatologist.

Is arthritis seen only in elderly people?

No, this is a common misbelief. Arthritis can affect any age group and even children. But it is most seen in the age group of 30-50 years and osteoarthritis majorly affects older people.

Does Rheumatologist treat gout?

As Rheumatologists are experts in treating rheumatic diseases, they can provide effective treatment for gout.