Reumatologen

Reumatologen are physicians who specialize in rheumatology, the branch of medicine that focuses on diseases of the joints, muscles, bones and connective tissue, as well as systemic autoimmune and inflammatory disorders that can affect multiple organs. They diagnose and treat conditions that cause pain, swelling and disability, and they manage long-term care for chronic rheumatic diseases.

Training and qualifications: Reumatologen complete medical school, pursue specialization in internal medicine, and undertake a further fellowship in rheumatology. Certification and licensing requirements vary by country but typically include board certification or equivalent credentials.

Clinical practice: They use patient history, physical examination, laboratory tests and imaging studies to establish diagnosis. Treatments may include disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), biologic or targeted therapies, corticosteroids and NSAIDs, as well as non-pharmacological approaches such as physical therapy and lifestyle advice. The goal is to control inflammation, prevent joint damage, reduce pain and maintain function.

Common diseases: rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, systemic lupus erythematosus, gout, osteoarthritis and other inflammatory or autoimmune disorders. Reumatologen often work as part of multidisciplinary teams with physiotherapists, orthopedists and other specialists.

Settings: They practice in hospitals, outpatient clinics and academic centers, and there are pediatric specialists for children.

Impact: Through early diagnosis and appropriate therapy, reumatologen help improve quality of life and long-term outcomes for people with rheumatic diseases.