An internal medicine doctor with additional training in rheumatology is known as a rheumatologist. This field of medicine treats inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, as well as musculoskeletal disorders in patients of all ages. Numerous of these illnesses might run in families.A painful condition, arthritis affects almost 350 million people globally. Severe joint inflammation that makes movement difficult is the condition’s defining feature. As of right now, there are more than 100 different kinds of arthritis and associated diseases, and the list is growing. Even though there are many different types of arthritis, many of them have the potential to become severely disabling if they are not properly diagnosed and treated.
Accurate diagnosis is the first step in treating arthritis. Frequently, this route starts with a family physician or general practitioner. Some patients can get an accurate diagnosis and treatment for arthritis from their primary care physician.
Overview of Arthritis
Literally, “arthritis” means inflammation of the joints. A joint is the point where two bones come together, like in your knee or elbow.
Arthritis comes in many forms, each with unique causes and treatments. Certain types may also have an impact on other organs, including your skin, heart, or eyes.
Typical symptoms of arthritis include heat, swelling, redness, and discomfort in the joints.
It is crucial that your doctor diagnoses the precise form of arthritis you have so that you can receive the right therapy if you have it.
When to Consult a Physician
Keep an eye out for the following possible arthritis symptoms and signs:
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One or more joints experiencing pain, edema, or stiffness.
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reddish-colored or heated joints.
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stiffness or soreness in the joints
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Having trouble performing daily tasks or moving a joint.
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joint symptoms that give you pause.
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Schedule a visit with your physician if any of the following apply to you:
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joint pain that lasts three days after it first appears.
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joint pain in multiple episodes over the course of a month.
What Should I Do Before A Rheumatologist Appointment?
If you’re a new patient, it could take several weeks to get an appointment. There are actions you can take to get ready during this time. Among them are:
Assembling your documentation: The notes from prior physicians will be requested by the rheumatologist. Obtaining copies of the results of imaging and lab tests is also beneficial.
Documenting your medical history:This covers the drugs you take for additional health conditions. Include a list of all the vitamins and supplements you currently take.
Maintaining a Symptom Diary: You might feel a range of different things. They can also change quickly or appear and vanish. If you record your symptoms and the frequency of them, you can aid in your own memory of all the specifics.
Assessment
Physicians physically inspect your joints to look for swelling, redness, and warmth. Additionally, they’ll check your range of motion.
Laboratory tests: The type of arthritis you may have can be determined with the help of various body fluid analyses. Typical fluids to be analyzed are joint fluid, blood, and urine. Before drawing fluid out of the joint space with a needle, medical professionals clean and numb the affected area.
Imaging: These kinds of examinations can identify joint issues that might be the source of your complaints. . Examples include:
X-rays: X-rays, which visualize bone using low radiation, can show bone deterioration, bone spurs, and lost cartilage. X-rays are frequently used to monitor the disease’s progression even though they may not always show early signs of arthritic damage.
Computerized tomography (CT): Cross-sectional pictures of internal structures are produced by CT scanners by combining data from several X-ray angles.CT scans show both the surrounding soft tissues and the bone.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): An intense magnetic field and radio waves are combined to create more detailed cross-sectional images of soft tissues, including ligaments, tendons, and cartilage, in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Ultrasound: With the use of high-frequency sound waves, this technology can image the cartilage, soft tissues, and fluid-containing structures that are close to the joints (bursae).Ultrasound is also used to guide needle placement when injecting medication into the joint or removing joint fluid.
Treatment
According to pain physicians in Dallas, reducing discomfort and improving joint function are the main objectives of treating arthritis. It might take trying a few different treatments, or combinations of treatments, to find the one that suits you the best.
Medications
Typical drugs for arthritis include:
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NSAIDs
Pain and inflammation can be relieved by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Naproxen sodium and ibuprofen are two examples. Stronger NSAIDs may increase your risk of heart attack, stroke and irritate your stomach.NSAIDs can also be applied topically to joints as creams or gels.
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Counterirritants
Some creams and ointments contain capsaicin, often known as menthol, which is the chemical that gives hot peppers their heat. Applying these preparations to the area over your hurting joint may prevent the joint from sending pain signals.
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Steroids
Prednisone is one example of a corticosteroid medication that reduces inflammation and pain while slowing joint damage. Corticosteroids can be taken as a tablet or injected into the sore joint. Possible side effects include weight gain, diabetes, and weakening of the bones.
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Disease-modifying Antirheumatic Drugs
These drugs can stop rheumatoid arthritis from causing irreversible damage to the joints and other tissues by delaying the disease’s course. In addition to traditional DMARDs, targeted synthetic DMARDs and biologic medicines are available. Though adverse effects vary, most DMARDs increase your risk of infections.
Summary
Many complex and sometimes lifelong conditions are treated by an arthritis doctor near me. Many have no clear diagnosis, and some cause irreversible joint damage.For this reason, seeing a rheumatologist like pain management in Dallas is essential. They conduct thorough tests to pinpoint the precise reason for your symptoms. You will receive a personalized care plan from your rheumatologist. In order to keep an eye out for any changes that might indicate the need for more treatments, they might also advise monitoring.
