Rheumatologists are internal medicine specialists who have expertise in the treatment of diseases of the joints, muscles and connective tissues.
A rheumatologist focuses on cause, development, diagnosis and treatment of conditions such as inflammatory arthritis and certain other autoimmune diseases along with connective tissue and musculoskeletal pain disorders.
During your consultation, the rheumatologist will review information provided by your family doctor, take an in-depth history and perform a physical assessment of the affected area. The information gained during consultation might be supported by lab tests or X-rays. This leads to diagnosis with a recommendation and treatment options given to your family doctor.
Inflammatory arthritis is an autoimmune disorder in which the body gets confused and begins to attack the synovial lining of the joints. It is a chronic disease, which, if left untreated, causes pain, swelling, disability and deformity.
Early diagnosis and treatment of this condition by a rheumatologist can slow the progression of the disease. It is for this reason that the rheumatologist who visits the specialists clinic focuses more on inflammatory arthritis as compared to osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis is the result from wear and tear on the joint cartilage over time. Your family doctor can recommend supportive treatments to help control the pain, swelling, and disability that occur over time with this form of arthritis.
Visiting Rheumatologists
WGH has one visiting rheumatologist. A dedicated Registered Nurse in the specialists clinic works in collaboration with the family doctor and rheumatologist to provide year-round care for patients.
- Visits per year: 8
- Days each visit: 5