Signs You Need a Check-up With a Rheumatologist

If you have been experiencing some of these symptoms, it is time to get a check-up with a rheumatologist. Your primary care physician can order blood tests, giving a rougher diagnosis. But if blood tests don’t help, your physician may refer you to a rheumatologist for a more specific diagnosis.

Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis

If you are experiencing joint pain, redness, swelling, or fever, it may be time to see a rheumatology doctor. Search “rheumatologist near me catonsville” online to find a doctor quickly. This type of doctor will also notice if your joints are warm to the touch. Patients with RA may also experience joint stiffness and pain worse in the morning. Some patients may have a family history of RA or another autoimmune disease. The doctor may also request that you undergo your hands and feet X-rays. Other diagnostic tests, such as ultrasound, may be prescribed to help determine the severity of your condition.

Rheumatoid arthritis can also lead to a more severe form of a condition called Sjogren’s syndrome. This condition causes inflammation of the lacrimal gland. It also leads to decreased saliva production. Patients with this condition often need additional medication to treat the condition. They also have a higher risk of developing lymphoma.

If you are experiencing joint pain that persists for more than two weeks, it may be time to see a rheumatology doctor. This doctor will be able to determine if the pain is due to rheumatoid arthritis. Early diagnosis and treatment are important for patients to have a good outcome.

A rheumatologist will be able to diagnose a patient’s rheumatoid arthritis by performing a physical exam. Once a diagnosis has been made, a treatment plan will be recommended. During the first visit, the doctor will examine and talk to you about your symptoms and overall health. They will also keep your treatment on track and help you manage your condition.

Symptoms of Lupus

Lupus can have a variety of different symptoms. The most common is fatigue. It is one of the most severe effects of the disease, as it can impair a person’s quality of life and make it difficult to take care of a family. The severity of the symptoms varies, but a rheumatologist can perform several tests to diagnose SLE. These tests may include chest X-rays, echocardiograms, and a kidney biopsy.

Apart from looking for physical signs, a rheumatologist can perform tests to see the extent of organ involvement. This may include a biopsy, which involves taking a small piece of skin or kidney and examining it under a microscope. In addition to this, a doctor may also order various blood and urine tests to determine the severity of the disease.

Because the symptoms of lupus are vague, it is important to get a check-up from a rheumatologist to be sure that you’re not suffering from a more serious disease. A rheumatologist can identify whether or not you have lupus and can refer you to appropriate specialists.

Symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis

Although the symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis vary from one person to another, they usually begin with low back pain, usually in the morning hours or after a long period of rest. The pain usually gets better with physical activity. Eventually, the condition can also affect the buttocks and cause a hunchback appearance.

Physical therapy may provide relief for pain and improve physical strength and flexibility. Exercises for the back and neck may be recommended by a physiotherapist, including stretching and range-of-motion exercises. Physiotherapists may also suggest hydrotherapy, an exercise program for the hips and shoulders, in which you do specific exercises in a warm pool. While many people can continue doing these exercises, some people may require surgical hip or knee replacements, a process that can improve pain and mobility.

In addition to stiffness, ankylosing spondylitis can also cause difficulty bending, twisting, and breathing. Patients may also experience rib pain or tenderness. In addition, bowel inflammation can lead to bowel problems, including sneezing or coughing. The disease can be quite debilitating, and it’s important to visit a rheumatologist to make sure that you’re not developing any additional complications.