What Does a Rheumatologist Do?

What Conditions Can Be Treated by a Rheumatologist?

Rheumatologists manage conditions that affect the joints, tendons, ligaments, bones, muscles and connective tissues throughout the body. These can be broadly grouped into the following categories:

Inflammatory arthritis refers to a group of diseases that cause chronic joint inflammation, leading to pain, stiffness and potential long-term damage. Common types include:

• Rheumatoid Arthritis: An autoimmune condition that causes the immune system to attack the joints, leading to swelling, pain and deformity if untreated.
• Psoriatic Arthritis: A type of arthritis linked to psoriasis that can affect both the skin and joints, causing pain, swelling and stiffness.
• Ankylosing Spondylitis: A chronic inflammatory disease that primarily affects the spine, leading to stiffness and reduced flexibility.
• Reactive Arthritis: Joint inflammation that develops as a reaction to an infection elsewhere in the body, often affecting the knees, ankles and feet.
• Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: The most common type of arthritis in children, causing joint pain, swelling and stiffness that can interfere with growth and development.

Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own healthy tissues, resulting in inflammation, pain and sometimes organ damage. These include:

• Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE): A chronic autoimmune condition that can affect the skin, joints, kidneys, brain and other organs.
• Sjögren’s Syndrome: An autoimmune disorder that primarily targets the glands that produce tears and saliva, leading to dry eyes and mouth, along with joint pain.
• Scleroderma: A rare autoimmune disease that causes hardening and tightening of the skin and connective tissues, which can also affect internal organs.

These conditions involve injuries or chronic issues affecting muscles, tendons, ligaments and other soft tissues that support movement. Common examples include:

• Tendinitis: Inflammation or irritation of a tendon, often caused by repetitive movement or overuse.
• Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursae, the small fluid-filled sacs that cushion joints, leading to pain and swelling.
• Fibromyalgia: A chronic condition characterised by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and tenderness in specific areas of the body.

When Should You Consider Seeing a Rheumatologist?

You should consider seeing a rheumatologist if you experience joint pain, swelling or stiffness that lasts more than a few weeks, especially if symptoms are unexplained or persistent. While a general doctor may be your first point of contact, they may refer you to a rheumatologist when signs suggest an underlying autoimmune or systemic condition rather than a simple injury.

Some common reasons for a referral include:

• Persistent pain in multiple joints
• Joint pain not linked to an injury
• Unexplained rashes or skin changes
• Recurrent fevers without a clear cause
• Abnormal blood test results
• Symptoms that worsen over time or do not improve with treatment
• A family history of rheumatic or autoimmune diseases

During your first consultation with a rheumatologist, you can expect a detailed discussion about your symptoms, including when they began, how severe they are and what makes them better or worse. A physical examination will follow, where the doctor checks for joint swelling, tenderness and range of motion.

To confirm a diagnosis, blood tests and imaging studies may be ordered to detect inflammation or autoimmune activity. Together, these assessments provide the rheumatologist with a complete picture of your condition and guide the most appropriate treatment plan.

If you are experiencing symptoms that may indicate rheumatic conditions, we encourage you to visit our rheumatology clinic in Singapore. Rheumatic diseases can cause permanent damage over time if not addressed promptly. Contact us at +65 6472 4337 to schedule an appointment.