What Is Rheumatology?

Unless you or a loved one have one of the over 100 types of arthritis, I doubt the word "rheumatology" is in your vocabulary. But, when arthritis enters your life, you learn quickly about rheumatology -- a subspecialty of internal medicine. Rheumatology is the medical specialty that focuses on arthritis and related rheumatic diseases. Doctors who specialize in rheumatology are referred to as rheumatologists.

Arthritis patients, especially early in the course of their disease, may question if it is necessary to go to a specialist in rheumatology. If you're already an established patient and have a good rapport with an internal medicine doctor -- can't the internist diagnose and treat arthritis? Learn when you should see a rheumatologist and why in What Is Rheumatology?

Related Resources:

• Arthritis Screening Quiz
• First Visit to the Rheumatologist
• I Think I Have Arthritis. Now What?
• Test Your Knowledge - Types of Arthritis and Rheumatic Diseases

_{Photo by Carme Barcells (iStockphoto)}