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What is Rheumatology?

Jane Harmon
Jane Harmon

Rheumatology is that branch of medicine that concerns itself with the arthritic complaints, mainly rheumatoid and osteo-arthritis. From the Greek word rheum, meaning a kind of watery buildup, rheumatoid arthritis, once commonly called rheumatism, was once believed to be caused by a build up of fluid in the joints, the so-called 'water on the joints'. This was probably due to the fact that inflamed joints swell, and the ancients attributed that to fluid buildup. Now any discipline that studies joint and cartilage disease and dysfunction falls under the general category of rheumatology.

Rheumatology divides cases of arthritis into osteo-arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteo-arthritis is characterized by the general breakdown of the joint cartilage over time. This causes inflammation and pain in the joint in question, which is treated with anti-inflammatories.

Physiotherapy can be highly effective for helping some rheumatology patients regain strength and range of motion in a joint.
Physiotherapy can be highly effective for helping some rheumatology patients regain strength and range of motion in a joint.

Rheumatoid arthritis is more systemic, a painful swelling in all or most joints at once. As the joints are used throughout the day, rheumatoid arthritis symptoms decrease as joints 'warm up', while osteo-arthritis symptoms increase when affected joints are used. If you have symptoms in one knee but not the other, for instance, you are probably suffering from osteo-arthritis and not rheumatoid arthritis.

Arthritis is one of the most common diseases treated in rheumatology.
Arthritis is one of the most common diseases treated in rheumatology.

Of particular concern to doctors practicing rheumatology is the loss of muscle mass and mobility associated with arthritis. It's only natural, if a motion hurts, to avoid repeating that motion. Unfortunately, this can create a vicious cycle, and the particular motion may soon become impossible as the patient loses the muscle and the joint stiffens with disuses. Physiotherapy, particularly the manipulation of the limbs, is useful to retain or regain range of motion.

Advanced stages of arthritis can make it difficult for a person to stand, walk or live independently.
Advanced stages of arthritis can make it difficult for a person to stand, walk or live independently.

Rheumatology treatments include analgesics for pain, anti-inflammatories for swelling, and possibly steroids such as cortisone shots in severe cases. To date, managing symptoms is the best that rheumatology can offer; a cure for arthritis seems as far off as ever.

Discussion Comments

anon104766

I am suffering from pain in my left hand, starting from my neck. Also most of the time, it makes a tingling in my forehand and makes the hand strength less. Also sometimes or most of the times there is a burning sensation in my back. Please tell me what to do?

anon95958

My sister went for the RA test last month and the result was 293. Today the doctor has done a re-test and her RA is 329. The doctor has referred her to rheumatology. What does this mean?

anon61697

anon16197, it may be problem in back causing the burning sensation. I had a similar problem and my orthopedic found it was herniated disk. But I do not know about urinary tract infection.

anon27796

I am feeling a burning sensation and pain in both of my legs, the right leg more, and it feels as if somebody is injecting me with needles. Also I am having a lot of urinary tract infections.

anon16197

Hi, My father is constantly having burning sensation and pain in his hand and full leg, and he feels as if somebody is injecting him through needle. He is diabetic and having urinary tract infection too. can you tell me from which disease he is suffering, to which Doctor we should consult?

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    • Physiotherapy can be highly effective for helping some rheumatology patients regain strength and range of motion in a joint.
      By: aykuterd
      Physiotherapy can be highly effective for helping some rheumatology patients regain strength and range of motion in a joint.
    • Arthritis is one of the most common diseases treated in rheumatology.
      By: Fenton
      Arthritis is one of the most common diseases treated in rheumatology.
    • Advanced stages of arthritis can make it difficult for a person to stand, walk or live independently.
      By: Monkey Business
      Advanced stages of arthritis can make it difficult for a person to stand, walk or live independently.
    • Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic, painful swelling in all or most joints at once.
      By: designua
      Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic, painful swelling in all or most joints at once.
    • Steroid medications may be prescribed to treat arthritis pain and inflammation.
      By: Nenov Brothers
      Steroid medications may be prescribed to treat arthritis pain and inflammation.