Information About the Field of Rheumatology
2>Rheumatology: Medical Specialists for Rheumatism, Clinics, and Centers in Germany
What is Rheumatism?
Rheumatology is a specialized medical field that deals with the diagnosis and therapy of rheumatic diseases. Rheumatology is divided into three main focusses. Internal rheumatology is relevant for the non-surgical rheumatism therapy, which is carried out by medical specialists for internal medicine with a further qualification in rheumatology. This qualification takes more than six years after the medical studies to become a specialist for internal medicine. Medical professionals for orthopedics and trauma surgery with additional specialized training carry out necessary joint surgeries associated with rheumatism in the field of orthopedic rheumatology. Pediatricians with additional specialized training in rheumatology treat children and adolescences who suffer from this disease.
Which Diseases Are Treated by Rheumatologists?
The following diseases belong to the rheumatologists' range of treatment:
- Autoimmune caused, chronic inflammatory rheumatic conditions in the movement and conditional, chronic inflammatory rheumatic diseases of the musculoskeletal system (rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, vasculitis, collagenosis, ankylosing spondylitis, etc.)
- Rheumatic diseases of the soft tissue (e.g., fibromyalgia)
- Metabolic disorders leading to rheumatic complaints (e.g., gout)
- Diseases of the bone, which lead to complaints of the spinal column (e.g., osteoporosis)Degenerative or age-related rheumatic diseases (e.g., degenerative spinal diseases)
How is Rheumatism diagnosed?
Diseases of the rheumatic form are primarily diagnosed through a detailed anamnesis and a physical examination. For a more precise diagnosis, the detection of genetic markers and antibodies in the blood is a point of reference. These markers and antibodies are a further step in classifying the disease. The diagnosis is confirmed by various imaging procedures such as X-rays, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), CT (computed tomography), and scintigraphy.
Treatment Options by Rheumatism Specialists and Rheumatism Clinics
A drug therapy individually fitted to the specific disease is usually the treatment of choice for rheumatic diseases. A physiotherapy is an additional option for supporting the mobility and strengthening the musculature and occupational therapy helps to learn joint-friendly activities. Supporting measures can also include pain therapy and physical therapy to relieve pain. Joint surgery for rheumatism is also intended to restore mobility and freedom from pain as far as possible in the case of rheumatological joint damage.
What Can Rheumatism Patients Do to Influence the Course of the Disease?
Rheumatism patients should get informed well about their disease. For this purpose, they should ask their general practitioner or treating rheumatologists for the most comprehensive information possible. Self-help organizations such as the German Rheumatism League also offer support in finding a specialist and help in professional life and the daily routine. Well-informed patients often find it easier to accept their illness and positively influence its course. Rheumatism patients can do the following:
- Take the prescribed medication regularly
- Keep appointments with the rheumatologist and general practitioner regularly
- Do individually adapted sports and exercise
- Eat a healthy diet and watch your weight
- Reduce stress and provide relaxation
- Exchange experience with other affected persons
Which Doctors and Hospitals Are Rheumatology Specialists?
Those who need a doctor want the best medical care. Therefore, the patient is wondering where to find the best clinic for rheumatism in Germany? As this question cannot be answered objectively, and a reputable doctor would never claim to be the best rheumatism doctor, we can only rely on the doctor’s experience.
Doctors from the field of internal medicine, orthopedics, or pediatric and adolescent medicine with the main focus rheumatology are especially appropriate for treating rheumatic conditions. They are usually located in the proper rheumatological specialized clinics and specialized practices. A map of the rheumatism centers in Germany can be found at the Deutschen Gesellschaft für Rheumatologie e.V.
Sources:
- Arbogast, Martin et al.: Checkliste Rheumatologie. 4th edition. Stuttgart: Thieme, 2012
- Gerber, Nikolaus J. et al.: Rheumatologie in Kürze. 2nd edition. Stuttgart: Thieme, 2014