Rheumatology is a medical specialty focused on diseases of the joints, muscles, connective tissues and bones, as well as many chronic pain conditions and autoimmune diseases and disorders.

Rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, lupus, fibromyalgia, osteoporosis, gout and tendinitis are some of the more well-known conditions treated by rheumatologists.

Many of the conditions treated by rheumatologists can be extremely difficult to diagnose — so patients are often referred to rheumatologists by their primary care physicians when the most common diagnoses symptoms like swelling and pain have been ruled out.  This is why rheumatologists are sometimes called “the detectives of the medical profession” — since so often they’re able to track down and identify more unusual causes of disease.

If you’ve been referred to us by your primary care physician for further diagnosis or rheumatological care, please visit this page to learn about how best to prepare for your upcoming visit.  (And, if you don’t yet have an appointment, please contact us.)

To learn more about rheumatology and rheumatologists, you might also visit the American College of Rheumatology website.