Rheumatologist Near Me

If you’re suffering from autoimmune disorder or have recently developed what could be rheumatoid arthritis, you may want to consider making an appointment with a rheumatologist. A rheumatologist is an internist who has received extensive training in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal disease and autoimmune conditions. These diseases most commonly affect the joints, muscles, and the bones. Pain, swelling, stiffness, and deformity are all symptoms that should be assessed by a rheumatologist.

Are you interested in finding a rheumatologist near you? Simply browse rheumatologist near me on the map below and find a list of qualified rheumatologists in your area. Need a bit more information on rheumatology? Read on for facts, trivia, and more!

Rheumatologist Near Me – Find it on the Map

Rheumatologist Near Me – Rheumatologist Trivia

Why do autoimmune conditions occur?

There are a variety of reasons why autoimmune conditions occur. To those suffering from an autoimmune disorder- the symptoms and process of being diagnosed can be a confusing time, especially since many types of autoimmune can mimic one another. Autoimmune disorders generally occur when the immune system sends inflammation to areas of the body when it is not needed- this causes damage/symptoms. Because of how autoimmune operates, these diseases can affect the eyes, skin, nervous system, and internal organs. Symptoms can be debilitating, especially as the condition progresses or worsens. Rheumatologists are trained to both diagnose and treat these conditions. If you’re experiencing autoimmune symptoms, you’ll start out by visiting your family doctor and have a series of labs performed. Your doctor will then refer you to a rheumatologist. As you search rheumatologist near me, you’ll find that diseases treated by these specialists include osteoarthritis, gout, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic back pain, tendonitis, and lupus.

Rheumatologists are well versed in autoimmune conditions.

When should I see a rheumatologist?

If you’re searching rheumatologist near me- then you likely feel ready to take the next steps in diagnosing and treating your condition. But if you’re still on the fence, you may want to consider these facts. When exactly should you see a rheumatologist? When muscle and joint pain is not resolving, odds are there is some underlying issue that may be the cause. Everyone experiences joint pain from time to time, but that pain typically subsides and you go back to leading your normal quality of life. If joint pain doesn’t let up or progressively worsens, it is time to see a rheumatologist. If you’re someone who has relative s with autoimmune or a rheumatic disease, you may want to get evaluation early on, as these conditions tend to run in families. If symptoms significantly worsen over a period of time and don’t resolve on their own, you likely won’t be able to handle your condition on your own and may require medication or other therapies.

Rheumatologist Near Me – Rheumatologist Facts

What To Expect At Your Rheumatology Visit

Visiting a any kind of doctor for the first time can seem intimidating or scary- especially if you’re not sure what may be going on. As you search rheumatologist near me, consider what you can expect at your first visit. Since rheumatic disease are often complex and difficult to diagnose, your rheumatologist is going to need to gather a very complete medical history and perform an extensive physical exam in order to look for signs of inflammation throughout the body and musculoskeletal system. They’ll also want to take a look at your family history- as many rheumatic diseases can be inherited. If you’ve had any lab work or scans performed, the rheumatologist will review the results of your testing and may even order additional lab tests to assess inflammation or antibody production within the bloodstream. An x-ray, ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI may also be ordered to detect musculoskeletal abnormalities. The results of these tests will help to determine the exact cause of your symptoms and allow your doctor to create a treatment plan that is tailored just to you. Treatment recommendations may include everything from medication to physical therapy. You may also require joint/tendon injections depending on the severity of your conditions. Since these diseases are often very difficult to diagnose, it may take several visits before your doctor can accurately gauge what’s going on.

What To Bring To Your Appointment

Going into your rheumatology appointment prepared will make life easier for both you and your doctor. While you might not think you need to bring anything except yourself to your first visit, many doctors find it helpful if you bring the following things to your first rheumatology visit. Here’s what you should bring to your first appointment:

-Any kind of previous lab work and radiographic test results to be reviewed by the rheumatologist. Medical records will be sent by the referring physician, but sometimes you may need to request that this be done and sign a release form.

-An up to date list of the medications you are taking along with the specific dosages you are taking. Include a list of any medications you may have already tried to reduce the risk of duplication. Feel free to jot down any supplements you’re taking as well.

-A list of any allergies, especially regarding medicine.
-An up to date insurance card, a photo ID, and a family medical history (to be written down on your intake form).

Being prepared for your first visit allows your doctor greater insight into why you may be feeling like you are. It might seem over the top to be so prepared, but most doctors and nurses truly appreciate the effort. While searching rheumatologist near me, always keep your best interests in mind!