What is rheumatology?
A rheumatologist is a doctor who specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the joints, muscles and bones as well as a range of systemic autoimmune conditions.
What conditions do rheumatologists treat?
Common diseases that rheumatologists treat include:
osteoarthritis
gout
inflammatory arthritis - including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis
back and neck pain
tendonitis and muscle/tendon injuries
connective tissue disease - including systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, myositis and vasculitis
fibromyalgia
Where can I go for more information?
The Australian Rheumatology Association has a good collection of patient information sheets covering a wide range of rheumatological conditions and commonly used drugs.