Understanding Rheumatology: Diagnosis, Treatment and Management of Joint and Autoimmune Conditions

Rheumatology focuses on diagnosing and treating diseases that affect the joints, muscles and immune system. These conditions can result in chronic pain, inflammation and, in some cases, significant impairment of movement and function.

Learn more about what rheumatologists do, the conditions they treat and strategies for effectively managing these conditions and improving overall quality of life.

What is rheumatology?

“Rheumatology is a specialized field that addresses conditions that affect the musculoskeletal and immune systems,” said Erich Kurtz, PT, DPT, a physical therapist with Inspira Health Rehab Care. “These include diseases such as arthritis, lupus and other autoimmune disorders.” Rheumatologists are best known for managing arthritis, but their work also extends to a range of conditions that cause joint pain, stiffness and swelling. They also help manage systemic autoimmune diseases that affect organs and other tissues.

Conditions rheumatologists treat

Some of the most common conditions rheumatologists treat include:

• Osteoarthritis: The most common form of arthritis, which happens when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of your bones wears down over time, leading to pain, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints.
• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA): An autoimmune disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks its joints, causing inflammation, pain and, over time, joint damage.
• Lupus: An autoimmune disease that affects multiple organs. This condition causes the immune system to attack healthy tissue, leading to inflammation in joints, skin, kidneys and other organs.
• Gout: A form of arthritis that occurs when uric acid crystals accumulate in the joints, leading to sudden, severe pain, most often in the big toe.
• Scleroderma: A rare autoimmune disease that causes thickening and hardening of the skin and can also affect internal organs, leading to severe complications.

Given the often complex and systemic nature of these diseases, patients may benefit from seeing a rheumatologist early on in treatment to prevent further complications.

Diagnosing and treating rheumatologic conditions

Diagnosing a rheumatologic condition involves a comprehensive evaluation. A rheumatologist will take a detailed medical history, discuss symptoms and perform a physical examination to assess joint function and signs of inflammation. Further testing may be required to confirm a diagnosis, such as blood work to check for markers of inflammation or autoimmune activity, imaging tests to visualize joint damage, or biopsies.

“Once a diagnosis is confirmed, your treatment plan will focus on managing symptoms, controlling inflammation and preventing disease progression,” said Kurtz. “The goal is to improve your mobility and overall quality of life.” Treatment options may include:

• Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and biologics are common medications used to reduce inflammation, slow disease progression and manage pain.
• Physical therapy: “Rheumatologists work closely with physical therapists to help patients maintain mobility, strengthen muscles and improve joint function through specialized exercises,” said Kurtz.
• Lifestyle modifications: Dietary changes, regular exercise and weight management can play an essential role in reducing inflammation and alleviating symptoms.
• Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be needed to repair or replace damaged joints or to correct deformities caused by certain conditions like arthritis.

Managing rheumatologic conditions

Managing a rheumatologic condition effectively goes beyond just medications and medical interventions. A holistic treatment plan that combines skilled rheumatologic care with specialized rehabilitation services offers the best pathway to addressing the underlying condition and its physical impact.

“If you have chronic joint pain or autoimmune challenges, consider a comprehensive approach that integrates advanced medical treatments with tailored physical therapy programs,” said Kurtz. “Rehabilitation can help you build strength, restore function and mobility, minimize pain and ultimately lead a more active, pain-free life.”

Learn more about Inspira's approach to physical therapy and rehabilitation.