What is Rheumatology?

What is Rheumatology?

Rheumatology is a medical specialty that focuses on diseases of the joints, muscles, tendons, and bones. At Flow Rheumatology Clinic, we categorize the conditions treated into six distinct categories:

• Autoimmune Diseases: This includes conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, where the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues.
• Crystal Arthritis: The most common condition in this category is gout, caused by the accumulation of crystals in the joints.
• Degenerative Joint Diseases: Conditions such as osteoarthritis fall into this category, characterized by wear and tear and overuse of the joints.
• Soft Tissue Disorders: This includes tendonitis (inflammation of the tendons) and bursitis (inflammation of the bursa, a small fluid-filled sac that cushions the bones, tendons, and muscles).
• Bone Diseases: Osteoporosis is a key condition here, marked by decreased bone density and increased fracture risk.
• Fibromyalgia: This condition involves widespread musculoskeletal pain and is often diagnosed and recognized by rheumatologists, although treatment is typically managed by a primary care doctor.

How Does a Rheumatologist Treat These Conditions?

At Flow Rheumatology, our rheumatologists follow a thorough approach to diagnose and treat these conditions:

• History and Physical Examination: Comprehensive patient history and physical examinations are the first steps in understanding the symptoms and their impact.
• Diagnostic Tests: This includes blood work, X-rays, MRIs, and procedures like joint aspiration, where fluid is taken from the joint space for analysis.
• Medications: Rheumatologists prescribe medications, which may include pills, injections, or intravenous treatments to reduce inflammation and manage symptoms.
• Therapies: Referrals to physical and occupational therapy are common, helping patients regain function and manage pain.
• Collaborative Care: Rheumatological conditions often involve multiple body systems, requiring coordination with other specialists to provide holistic care.

At Flow Rheumatology, we are dedicated to providing personalized and compassionate care. Whether you are dealing with arthritis, osteoporosis, or any other rheumatological condition, our team is here to support you through every step of your treatment journey.

Contact Flow Rheumatology Clinic today to get started with your treatment plan.