As Albany’s leading family care physicians, Urgent & Primary Care offers a myriad of medical services to cater to their patients’ unique needs. One such service is rheumatology.

Every year, this field helps thousands of New Yorkers and millions more worldwide fight specific ailments and enhance their quality of life. But how? Here, the practice’s own Dr. Dipti Bhoiwala, a certified rheumatologist and primary care doctor, explains.

The Simple Guide to Rheumatology

What Is Rheumatology?

Simply put, rheumatology is the study of rheumatism, meaning disorders of the immune and musculoskeletal systems. It is also a sub-specialty of internal medicine, meaning it deals with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disease.

Rheumatology is a relatively young practice, originating sometime in the early 1940s. The prefix “rheum,” however, dates to ancient Greece where it meant “that which flows.” This term then entered public usage in the 17th Century to describe ailments that seemingly flowed throughout the body. Eventually, these conditions would earn the proper names by which we know them today.

What Do Rheumatologists Treat?

So what diseases “flow” through your body? According to Dr. Bhoiwala, rheumatism includes over 100 disorders of the joints, muscles, and ligaments, many of which are autoimmune. For example, the family care physician explains, rheumatologists treat conditions like tendonitis, fibromyalgia, and scleroderma. But, the most prevalent – and perhaps the most recognizable – is arthritis. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, an estimated 54.4 million U.S. adults have ever been diagnosed with arthritis. And by 2040, that number is expected to grow by nearly 43 percent. Most variations of the disease do not have a cure, but with early diagnosis and proper treatment, the symptoms are manageable.

When Should I See a Rheumatologist?

Everyone experiences mild joint or muscle pain from time to time. However, if that discomfort does not resolve as expected, you should visit your family care physician for additional evaluation. Then, if they find evidence of an underlying rheumatic condition, that medical professional will refer you to a rheumatologist.

Additionally, you should consult your primary care doctor if any of your relatives have rheumatism or an autoimmune disease. These conditions have a genetic component, so having them in your family history puts you at a higher risk for arthritis, scleroderma, and more. 

It is also important to note that irreversible damage can occur if joint, muscle, and ligament pain is ignored or mistreated. Thus, patients should seek appropriate evaluation as soon as possible.

What Should I Expect From a Rheumatology Visit?

Rheumatism, like many autoimmune disorders, are often complex and difficult to diagnose. So, your rheumatologist will first gather your complete medical history as well as perform a physical exam. They may also order additional laboratory tests to assess any inflammation in your body or monitor antibody production in your bloodstream.

Together, these tests allow the rheumatologist to identify the source of your symptoms and develop an individualized treatment plan. From there, they may prescribe any combination of medication, injections, physical therapy, or specialty services. Follow-up appointments may also focus on coping mechanisms that further improve one’s quality of life.

If you have arthritis or any other rheumatic disorder, now’s the time to take control of your well-being. Call Urgent & Primary Care at (518) 463-8262 today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Dipti Bhoiwala. For more on rheumatology or the practice itself, visit their website.