Rheumatology
Joint disease medicine
Rheumatology is the branch of medicine dealing with rheumatic diseases—conditions affecting joints, muscles, and connective tissues.
This includes arthritis, lupus, gout, and autoimmune disorders.
A rheumatologist diagnoses and treats these conditions: She was referred to rheumatology for her persistent joint pain.
Inflamed joint disease
- autoimmuneBody attacks itself
- inflammationProtective tissue response
- jointsSkeletal connection points
- lupusChronic autoimmune disorder
gout · fibromyalgia · vasculitis · scleroderma · osteoarthritis · synovitis · tendinitis · bursitis
Antifolate chemotherapy agent
- biologicsDrugs derived from organisms
- DMARDsMedications altering autoimmune course
- corticosteroidsInflammation-suppressing steroid medications
- HumiraTNF-blocking biologic drug
immunosuppressants · NSAIDs · infusion · injection · colchicine · allopurinol · hydroxychloroquine · prednisone
Sudden bright burst
- remissionTemporary disease absence
- chronic painEnduring physical suffering
- fatigueWeariness from prolonged exertion
- stiffnessResistance to deformation
swelling · mobility · quality of life · disability · morning stiffness · deformity · function · self-management
Narrower focus within specialty
- internal medicineAdult organ disease specialty
- fellowshipMutual goodwill among companions
- consultationMeeting seeking expert guidance
- multidisciplinaryInvolving several academic fields
clinic · referral · board certification · geriatric · connective tissue · chronic care · longitudinal
Medical fluid analysis
- imagingProducing visual representations
- ultrasoundInaudible high-frequency waves
- MRIMagnetic body imaging
- biopsyTissue sample for diagnosis
antibodies · markers · uric acid · HLA-B27 · anti-CCP · complement · cytokines · aspirate
arthritis
Inflamed joint disease
- autoimmuneBody attacks itself
- inflammationProtective tissue response
- jointsSkeletal connection points
lupus · gout · fibromyalgia · vasculitis · scleroderma · osteoarthritis · synovitis · tendinitis · bursitis · myositis
methotrexate
Antifolate chemotherapy agent
- biologicsDrugs derived from organisms
- DMARDsMedications altering autoimmune course
- corticosteroidsInflammation-suppressing steroid medications
Humira · immunosuppressants · NSAIDs · infusion · injection · colchicine · allopurinol · hydroxychloroquine · prednisone · disease-modifying
flare
Sudden bright burst
- remissionTemporary disease absence
- chronic painEnduring physical suffering
- fatigueWeariness from prolonged exertion
stiffness · swelling · mobility · quality of life · disability · morning stiffness · deformity · function · self-management · pacing
subspecialty
Narrower focus within specialty
- internal medicineAdult organ disease specialty
- fellowshipMutual goodwill among companions
- consultationMeeting seeking expert guidance
multidisciplinary · clinic · referral · board certification · geriatric · connective tissue · chronic care · longitudinal
bloodwork
Medical fluid analysis
- imagingProducing visual representations
- ultrasoundInaudible high-frequency waves
- MRIMagnetic body imaging
biopsy · antibodies · markers · uric acid · HLA-B27 · anti-CCP · complement · cytokines · aspirate · bone scan
Rheumatologyorthopedic surgery
Musculoskeletal operative medicine
surgical intervention · surgery · orthopedics · spine surgery · trauma surgery
Rheumatologypsychiatry
Mental health medicine
neurology · cardiology · pulmonology · gastroenterology · ophthalmology