Coping with Chronic Health Conditions: Tips

Reasons To Visit A Rheumatologist

14 February 2022 by Freddie Cox

A rheumatologist is a medical practitioner trained to diagnose and treat arthritis and other conditions of the bones, muscles, and joints. Visiting a rheumatology specialist can help detect autoimmune diseases early and increase the chances of a positive treatment outcome. However, understand that consultations with a rheumatologist can be costly, and you should avoid unnecessary appointments. If you're planning to visit a rheumatologist, here are the reasons for doing so.

You've Been Diagnosed With an Immune Disorder

Arthritis is a common immune system condition that causes pain in the joints. If not treated, the condition may cause severe joint damage. In such cases, you may require joint replacement surgery, which is risky and costly. Hence, if your doctor establishes that you have an immune disorder, visit a rheumatologist. Rheumatologists are well-trained in diagnosing and treating arthritis, bursitis, and nerve conditions.

Your Immune Disorder is Getting Worse 

When your doctor diagnoses you with an autoimmune disorder like lupus, they may recommend some treatments. However, the treatment may not be effective, leading to the fast progression of the condition. When this happens, you should see a rheumatologist immediately. That's because rheumatologists understand the different treatments for various autoimmune disorders. Therefore, your rheumatologist will assess your condition and recommend the most effective treatment. Sometimes, if the disease is at its severe stage, your rheumatologist may recommend a combination of treatments. This prevents the progression of your autoimmune condition.

Your Doctor Can't Get To the Bottom of Your Ailment

You may be having a condition that's negatively affecting your health, but your doctor may not figure out the cause of the problem. In such cases, seeing a rheumatologist may be helpful. Remember that rheumatologists deal with autoimmune conditions which are challenging to diagnose. Fortunately, rheumatologists have the skills, experience, and equipment needed to run tests for autoimmune diseases in your body. Such a diagnosis helps you identify the existing condition early, and you can start treatment immediately.

Persistent Joint Pain and Swelling

When your joints swell or become painful, this could be a sign of a rheumatic condition. However, these symptoms may also be due to injury or joint deterioration due to aging. In this regard, you need to get medical counsel from a rheumatologist to determine whether you have a rheumatic disease or not. If you have a rheumatic condition, your rheumatologist will give you professional advice on the effective management of the disease.

You should see a rheumatologist when your doctor diagnoses you with an autoimmune disorder, or your existing autoimmune condition keeps getting worse. Additionally, visit a rheumatologist if your doctor can't figure out the current ailment in your body, or you're experiencing persistent joint pain and swelling. Consider visiting a rheumatologist for these reasons.

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

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