Rheumatology is a medical
specialty that deals with all types of rheumatic conditions. The word
“rheumatology” originates from the Greek term rheuma meaning "that which flows
as a stream.” The specialty mainly dedicated to the study, treatment, management
and rehabilitation of all types rheumatological problems affecting the joints,
tendons, muscles, ligaments, bones and in some cases, various internal organs.
The study of rheumatology
consists of the full spectrum of rheumatological conditions and clinical
features of rheumatological diseases. Over one hundred different rheumatic
diseases are treated and managed in the field of rheumatology. Arthritis,
musculoskeletal syndromes, orthopedic
disorders, autoimmune conditions, osteoarthritis, lupus, gout, bursitis and
tendonitis are some of the main conditions treated and managed under this
specialty.
A specialist in
rheumatology is a rheumatologist. For practicing rheumatology, he or she
requires interdisciplinary knowledge and awareness in internal medicine,
immunology, orthopedics, neurology and pain management, rehabilitation,
psychiatry
and other professions allied to medicine.
Rheumatology mainly deals
with the complaints of rheumatoid arthritis and osteo-arthritis.
Osteoarthritis is a very common condition, caused by the breakdown of
cartilages. It can affect any joint in the body but usually affects hips,
knees, hands and spine (neck and lower back). Whereas rheumatoid arthritis is
a chronic rheumatic condition that affects body's joints or other internal
organs.
In rheumatology,
rheumatologists adopt surgical, non surgical and other means of treatment
options. Rheumatic diseases are treated with analgesics, non-steroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs, steroids, disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs,
immunosuppressants and monoclonal antibodies, such as the recently introduced
infliximab and etanercept.
Physiotherapy or Physical
therapy has a vital role in the treatment of many rheumatological conditions.
People with fluctuating diseases, impairments, functional limitations, and
disability are cured by the rheumatologists in conjunction with physical
therapists. As there are various therapeutic measures available, physical
therapy can be a vital treatment option for rheumatic patients.
