What is a Rheumatologist? A rheumatologist is an internal medicine physician or pediatrician who is qualified by additional training and experience in the diagnosis and treatment of arthritis and other diseases of the joints, muscles, bones, and connective tissue. Rheumatologists also specialize in treating conditions in which the immune system attacks the body, known as auto-immune disease.
What Do Rheumatologists Treat?
- Osteoarthritis and Regional Musculoskeletal Conditions – Rheumatologists focus on conservative, non-surgical treatment of osteoarthritis and regional musculoskeletal conditions such as bursitis and tendonitis. Treatment includes the use of medications, joint injections, and physical therapy.
- Auto-Immune Forms of Arthritis – Rheumatologists also treat auto-immune forms of arthritis including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. These conditions can be crippling and typically require the use of immune system modifying medications.
- Bone Health Issues – Rheumatologists specialize in bone health including the early diagnosis and prevention of Osteoporosis.
- Connective Tissue Diseases – Rheumatologists also treat auto-immune conditions known as connective tissue diseases, including Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Sjogren’s Syndrome, and vasculitis.
- Other Conditions – Rheumatologists treat include gout, fibromyalgia, back pain, and over 100+ other conditions.
When Should You See a Rheumatologist?
- If musculoskeletal pains in the joints, muscles or bones is severe or persists for more than a few days.
- If you have any of the conditions discussed on this website.
- If your primary care physician recommends rheumatologic consultation. This often occurs when lab work drawn at your primary care physician’s office returns abnormal, including an Anti-Nuclear Antibody (ANA), Rheumatoid Factor (RF), or an Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR).
- If you have questions or concerns about having or preventing osteoporosis.
Many types of rheumatic diseases are not easily identified in the early stages. Rheumatologists are specially trained to do the detective work necessary to discover the cause of swelling and pain. It’s important to determine a correct diagnosis early so that appropriate treatment can begin early. Some musculoskeletal disorders respond best to treatment in the early stages of the disease. Because some rheumatic diseases are complex, one visit to a rheumatologist may not be enough to determine a diagnosis and course of treatment. These diseases often change or evolve over time. Rheumatologists work closely with patients to identify the problem and design an individualized treatment program.
Contact Us (859-331-3100) For More Information to Request an Appointment
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About Tristate Arthritis and Rheumatology
Tristate Arthritis and Rheumatology is first and largest Rheumatology practice in the Northern Kentucky area. Founded by Dr. Arthur Kunath in 1986, our rheumatology practice now consists of six doctors who are board certified in both Internal Medicine and Rheumatology and a Physician Assistant. Patients see one doctor (except in emergencies), thereby assuring continuity of care and an individualized doctor-patient atmosphere giving the physician the ability to establish personalized and detailed relationships. Our doctors have received numerous awards, including being listed as “Top Doctors” in Cincinnati Magazine, receiving the Patient’s Choice Award, the Most Compassionate Doctor Award, and the American College of Rheumatology’s “My Doc Rocks” award.
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