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