Rheumatology
OVERVIEW
Rheumatic disorders are mainly autoimmune conditions that cause inflammation in the connecting and supporting parts of the body. An autoimmune disease is a disorder where your immune system mistakes parts of the body, like the joints or skin, as foreign, attacking it like a virus or bacteria. The cause of many autoimmune disorders is unknown, with research being conducted to explore why they develop and discover future potential treatments.
Most commonly found in the joints, rheumatic disorders encompass hundreds of conditions that span from various types of arthritis to osteoporosis to connective tissue diseases. Rheumatic disorders can also be classified as musculoskeletal diseases; this is because they can be described as causing pain, inflammation, and swelling in one or more parts of the body, greatly impacting an areas function and range of motion.
Rheumatology
Rheumatology is the medical field that focuses on disorders that impacts the function of the joints, ligaments, tendons, bones, and muscles.
RELATED INFORMATION
Common Rheumatic Disorders
Arthritis
Carpal Tunnel
Fibromyalgia
Gout
Lupus
Lyme Disease
Osteoarthritis
Osteoporosis
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Tendinitis
Potential Causes for Rheumatic Disorders
Age
Autoimmune factors
Environmental factors (i.e. cigarette smoke, pollution, infection)
Gender (Women are affected more than men)
Genetics
Note: Like many other autoimmune diseases, doctors are unsure as to why rheumatic disorders occur. Research is continuously conducted to investigate why these diseases develop, and to explore potential new and improved treatment options.
Common Treatments Available
Biologics (target immune system to decrease inflammation)
Corticosteroids (strong anti-inflammatory medications)
Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) (slow progression of rheumatic diseases)
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (pain and inflammation reducers)
Oral & Topical analgesics (painkillers)
Note: With many different kinds of medications and treatments on the market, it is important to work with your healthcare team to find a solution that works best for you, and your specific rheumatic needs.