Why You Should Obtain a Referral to a Rheumatologist

Why You Should Obtain a Referral to a Rheumatologist By Carol Eustice According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), "rheumatoid arthritis causes premature death, disability, and lowers the quality of life in the industrialized and developing world". Pain, swelling, and redness are common joint symptoms -- and there can be systemic symptoms, including malaise and fatigue. Rheumatoid arthritis onset can occur at any age. While there is no cure, there are medications to help slow disease progression and to help prevent or lessen joint deformity and disability. Consult with a rheumatologist to determine the treatment path that will give you the best chance of living well with rheumatoid arthritis. Why You Should Obtain a Referral to a Rheumatologist  When arthritis symptoms are first experienced, most people consult their primary physician. While that is appropriate initially, people with rheumatic diseases should be cared for by a rheumatologist. READ NOW Fatigue and Rheumatoid Arthritis: What Your Doctor Should Know  Fatigue greatly impacts people with rheumatoid arthritis. Most people know that RA is associated with joint pain and joint stiffness. Mistakenly, many people think that it is simply localized to one or more affected joints with the consequence being physical limitations. In fact, it is a systemic disease. READ NOW What Is Ulnar Drift?  Ulnar drift, also referred to as ulnar deviation, is a deformity of the fingers of the hand. Specifically, ulnar drift occurs when there is ulnar deviation and volar subluxation of the metacarpophalangeal joints (MCP). It's a common deformity associated with rheumatoid arthritis. READ NOW What Is "Treat to Target" in Rheumatology?  "Treat to target" is a principle or approach that has been successful in treating certain diseases and conditions. The strategy initially was used to treat hypertension, high cholesterol, and diabetes. But, the scope has broadened and treat to target has made its way into the thinking of rheumatic disease specialists. What is it? READ NOW Is Early, Aggressive Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment Best?  Years ago, rheumatologists treated rheumatoid arthritis conservatively. But, that approach changed and early, aggressive treatment became the norm. Why the change? READ NOW Advertisement READ THESE NEXT What Kind of Parent Are You? 15 Questions About Behaviorism You Should Be Able to Answer Could You Have Psoriatic Arthritis? Self Test: How Resilient Are You? How "Type A" Are You? Could I Be Depressed? Do You Have PCOS Symptoms? This Quiz Will Tell You. Can a DAN Autism Doctor Help? AN ABOUT.COM BRAND You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the Arthritis & Joint Conditions newsletter. If you wish to unsubscribe, please click here 1500 Broadway, 6th Floor, New York, NY, 10036 © 2016 Verywell.com - All rights reserved. Privacy Policy.