Questions to Ask Your Rheumatologist

• Rheumatologists specialize in treating bone, muscle and joint-related conditions. bone 304 image by chrisharvey from Fotolia.com

  A rheumatologist specializes in treating conditions related to connective tissue -- muscles, bones and the immune system. Treatment approaches focus on these areas and their ability to ward off injuries and disease. Questions to ask when consulting a rheumatologist concern treatment approaches, symptom development and steps to take to improve an existing condition.

How Do My Symptoms Relate to My Condition?

• A visit to a rheumatologist's office typically first involves a series of questions designed to determine what is causing the symptoms. According to Lakeside Community Healthcare, symptoms can appear as muscular, bone or joint pain or problems with mobility, e.g., a limited range of motion in certain movements. Symptoms can include dull or sharp pains in one or more areas, and may be intermittent or steady. Conditions involving or related to rheumatological disorders include osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. In some cases, a previous injury or the overuse of a muscle or joint can weaken an area and eventually bring about the symptoms a person is experiencing on a regular basis. Understanding the relationship between symptoms and the underlying condition causing the symptoms provides insight on how to avoid further aggravating an existing condition.

What Types of Treatment Are Involved?

• Treatments for rheumatoid conditions can vary depending on the area affected and the severity of a person's symptoms, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. As pain is a common symptom, treatment approaches may involve the use of pain-relief medications such as steroidal or non-steroidal analgesics. Inflammation in the bones or joints involves an immune-system response that works to protect the affected area. Conditions in which the immune system plays a more active role may require corticosteroid medications, which affect how the body regulates hormone levels and immune-system function. Other treatment approaches for rheumatoid conditions include physical therapy, splints or braces, and surgery in cases where existing joint or bone damage is severe.

What Steps Can I Take to Improve My Condition?

• Once a rheumatologist diagnoses the cause of a condition, the next step involves developing an overall plan designed to treat the related symptoms. In some cases, a plan may incorporate more than one type of treatment, e.g., a pain medication coupled with a daily exercise routine. Questions regarding daily steps a person can take to improve her condition can provide information into how a person can further support or contribute to the recovery process. Knowing what activities or movements aggravate a condition can help a person better monitor and avoid re-occuring pain symptoms, according to HealthTree, a health and fitness website. Early detection goes a long way toward reducing the likelihood of bone or joint damage, so symptoms that persist for more than a few days may warrant a return visit to the rheumatologist in cases where a particular treatment approach brings about little to no early improvement.