Rheumatology Information
Rheumatology is a specialty in the area of rheumatic diseases, such as arthritis, osteoporosis, fibromyalgia and lupus. A rheumatologist is a doctor who has received additional education and training in order to diagnose and treat these diseases and other conditions related to the joints, bones and muscles.
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Education/Training
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Rheumatologists complete four year of medical school, followed by an additional three years of training in the areas of pediatrics or internal medicine. After that they receive two or three years of training in the field of rheumatology. In most cases, a rheumatologist chooses to become certified by taking an exam with the American Board of Internal Medicine.
Rheumatic Diseases
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There are numerous diseases and conditions that are treated in the field of rheumatology. Some of the more common ones include fibromyalgia, gout, juvenile arthritis, lupus, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, tendonitis and bursitis, lyme disease and scleroderma. There are over 100 types of arthritis and related diseases and conditions.
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Consultant
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Your rheumatologist will work with your general practitioner or internist (and any other doctors you may have) regarding your diagnosis and treatment. In some cases, he may be a consultant to your other physicians and at times he may take the lead in the management of your condition. It is important for your doctors to communicate since these rheumatic diseases are chronic and can affect many aspects of your health, not only physically, but also psychologically.
Diagnosing
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The area of rheumatology can be complex, as many of the rheumatic diseases are very difficult to diagnose, especially in their early stages. It may take some time for your rheumatologist to determine the cause for your pain and inflammation. Since many of these conditions respond better to early treatment, it is important that you see your doctor or a rheumatologist promptly when the pain in your joints, bones or muscles has lasted more than a few days or if it is severe.
Hospitals
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U.S. News and World Report has provided a list of the best hospitals for difficult cases and medical procedures related to rheumatology. The hospitals they named received the highest recommendations from rheumatologists. The top five include Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore; Cleveland Clinic; Hospital for Special Surgery, New York; Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota; and Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles.
Research
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Research continues in the area of rheumatology. According to the American College of Rheumatology, one in three people in the United States suffers from arthritis or some other rheumatic disease. The Research and Education Foundation of the American College of Rheumatology offers funding for research and training. They awarded $11 million in grants and awards on July 1, 2009, which made them the second largest provider of funding in the U.S.
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References
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