Rheumatologist

A rheumatologist is a physician who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and long-term management of joint, muscle, and connective tissue diseases. Rheumatologists diagnose and treat patients with a wide spectrum of rheumatic conditions, including:

1. Degenerative joint diseases such as osteoarthritis;
2. Inflammatory arthropathies – rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis (Bechterew’s disease), psoriatic arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis;
3. Systemic connective tissue diseases – systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis, polymyositis, etc.;
4. Vasculitides – autoimmune inflammation of blood vessel walls;
5. Soft tissue rheumatism – localized conditions affecting joints and surrounding tissues: tendons, ligaments, capsules, muscles, and bones (e.g., stress fractures).

Both genetic and environmental factors play a significant role in the development of rheumatic diseases. Therefore, it is advisable to review family medical history to determine whether relatives have been affected by rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, or other similar conditions.

Patients often consult a rheumatologist with complaints such as:

1. Joint pain and swelling;
2. Prolonged low-grade fever;
3. Unexplained weight loss and general fatigue;
4. Muscle pain;
5. Skin rashes or other dermatological manifestations.

Rheumatic diseases are complex and often require a multidisciplinary approach, involving immunologists, infectious disease specialists, nephrologists, hepatologists, cardiologists, neurologists, trauma and orthopedic surgeons, as well as physical therapy and physiotherapy specialists.

Diagnostics rely heavily on laboratory testing – biochemical, hematological, and immunological parameters – along with imaging techniques that help to establish an accurate diagnosis and assess disease progression.