Arthritis

What do rheumatologists treat?
Rheumatologists treat arthritis, certain autoimmune diseases, musculoskeletal pain disorders and osteoporosis.

When should you see a rheumatologist?
If musculoskeletal pains are not severe or disabling and last just a few days, it makes sense to give the problem a reasonable chance to be resolved.

Is gout a chronic condition?
No, but if someone has had a bout of gout, it means that they are in the high-risk group for this uncomfortable and painful metabolic disorder.

Is osteoarthritis genetic?
It can be, but that does not mean if your parents had it that you will definitely be affected.

Inflammatory vs. mechanical arthritis
How can you tell the difference between rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis?

What kind of training do rheumatologists have?
In South Africa, rheumatologists must first complete an MB ChB (six years followed by an internship of two years), then four years specializing to be a general physician.

How many children are affected by juvenile arthritis?
About one in every thousand children are affected by this disease.

Does RA go away or is it a chronic condition?
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic condition, but it can go into remission.

What is a rheumatologist?
A rheumatologist is a medicine physician or paediatrician, who is qualified by additional training and experience in the diagnosis and treatment of arthritis and other diseases