What Is Rheumatology?

Rheumatology is a specialty medicine that deals with different rheumatic diseases. This type of medicine is associated with problems and diseases of the joints, vasulitis, soft tissues and some autoimmune conditions. Those who work with individuals with these types of problems are called rheumatologists.

Rheumatology classifies the different types of arthritis into two main types osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis is the condition where the cartilage in the joints breaks down over a period of time. Individuals affected by this condition notices inflammation, soreness and pain in their joints. Most often this condition can be treated with anti-inflammatory medication.

People with rheumatoid arthritis are dealing with a more systemic type of condition. They type of arthritis produces painful swelling in all the joints. The arthritis is mainly felt before the joints have a chance to warm up. Those affect with rheumatoid arthritis will not feel pain in one joint and not the other. In conditions such as that the condition is most likely osteoarthritis.

There are several different types of treatment and ways to manage conditions associated with the condition. Rheumatology treatment consists of anti-inflammatory medication, steroids, such as cortisone shots and analgesics for pain. Some people may get into different types of therapy programs to help them learn techniques to use their joints. There is no cure for the disease, the best thing most people affected by the condition can do is to learn to manage the pain associated with it.