What is rheumatology specialist?

Autoimmune disease: A rheumatologist is a specialist who has training directed at diseases of the joints such as arthritis. Many of these diseases are actually manifestations of autoimmune processes. Basically, this is where the body's immune system attacks itself and leads to the deposition of of antibodies. This leads to inflammation of the joints. Some of the disorders treated: rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis.

The medical detectiv: Rheumatologist deal with diseases of arthritis and related multi-system diseases we also deal with problems of the immune system.

A type of doctor: A rheumatologist is a doctor that treats rheumatic diseases. Rheumatic diseases are a set of illnesses that have inflammation as a common characteristic. The most common type of disease that we care for is arthritis (both rheumatoid and osteoarthritis). However, we also treat more rare diseases such as lupus, vasculitis, Sjogren's syndrome, scleroderma, dermatomyositis, and gout.

Definition: A rheumatologist is an internist or pediatrician who received further training in the diagnosis (detection) and treatment of musculoskeletal disease and systemic autoimmune conditions commonly referred to as rheumatic diseases. These diseases can affect the joints, muscles, and bones causing pain, swelling, stiffness, and deformity. -- American College of Rheumatology