Welcome to My Office
Here is some information which you may find useful in understanding how I can
help in your medical care. Just because it hurts doesn't mean that you have
arthritis - or tendinitis - or bursitis - or fibrosis. Every pain isn't serious.
A lot of misery can be caused by something as simple as a tight muscle. Try this
simple experiment. Make a fist. Squeeze really hard and hold it. See how that
muscle feels after just a few minutes. Tired or tight muscles can hurt. So can
bones and joints.
The many diseases of bones and joints are commonly called arthritis. When
the softer tissues such as muscles, tendons, ligaments or a small fluid-filled
sac called a bursa are involved, this is called rheumatism. Arthritis and
rheumatism are frequently lumped together and called rheumatic diseases.
Connective tissue or collagen diseases also fall into the
arthritis and rheumatism area of medicine.
Why a Rheumatologist?
Rheumatologists are doctors who specialize in treating people who have
persisting aches and pains. The rheumatologist is specially trained to determine
whether you have a rheumatic disease and if so, what kind you have. The
rheumatologist first receives training in internal medicine and then further
specialized training in the diagnosis and treatment of more than 100 rheumatic
diseases. This treatment includes relief of pain and the prevention of
disability which can be caused by these diseases.
The Rheumatologist: A Medical Detective
Because some types of rheumatic diseases are difficult to identify, the
rheumatologist must be a medical detective who can sort through the medical
history, perform a physical examination and uncover clues that will enable him
or her to make an accurate diagnosis. For some rheumatic diseases, certain blood
tests and x-rays can help point the way.
Many of theses diseases are complex, and one visit to your rheumatologist may
not result in a firm diagnosis and definite treatment plan. By working closely
with you, the rheumatologist will soon identify your problem and an
individualized treatment program. Although some forms of arthritis and
rheumatism seem to appear overnight, most are slow to develop and slow to
respond, even to the best treatment available today. Appropriate drugs, proper
use of exercise, heat and other physical measures to relieve pain and increase
function will be used in an effort to alleviate your pain as quickly as
possible.
The Rheumatologist: A Team Leader
In providing you with total care, the rheumatologist relies on the help of many
skilled medical professionals. These team members include nurses, physical
therapists, occupational therapists and social workers. As a leader, the
rheumatologist will encourage the person with arthritis or rheumatism to become
an active partner on the team. The rheumatologist also works closely with other
doctors. Clear communication and close cooperation can help ensure that services
and expenses are not duplicated.
Rheumatologists and Surgery
Major advances have been made using surgery to treat some forms of arthritis.
When appropriate, the rheumatologist will consult with an orthopedic surgeon.
Sometimes it works the other way. Rheumatologists are often called upon by other
patients or doctors for their opinion when surgery is being considered or when a
patient with pain does not respond to medication, exercise or other forms of
medical therapy.
Is Specialized Care More Expensive?
You may be surprised to learn that specialized care may save time and money. A
rheumatologist is specially trained to spot clues in the medical history and
physical examination. The proper tests are done early, and though they may seem
costly, they may save money in the long run. Prompt diagnosis and specially
tailored treatment saves money and often buys precious time in treating
arthritis and rheumatism. Therapy which is begun earlier is often more
effective.