Clinical Rheumatology

Clinical Rheumatology (pronounced: kli-ni-kal roo-ma-tol-o-gee) is a branch of medicine that focuses on diagnosing and treating diseases of the joints, muscles, and bones. The term is derived from the Greek words "rheuma," which means "that which flows as a river or stream," and "ology," which means "the study of."

History

The study of rheumatology dates back to ancient times, with references to arthritis found in texts from ancient Egypt and Greece. However, it wasn't until the 20th century that rheumatology was recognized as a distinct specialty within medicine.

Diseases and Conditions

Clinical rheumatologists diagnose and treat a variety of diseases and conditions, including:

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis in clinical rheumatology often involves a combination of patient history, physical examination, and laboratory tests. Treatment can involve medication, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery.

Related Terms

Rheumatologist: A doctor who specializes in rheumatology.
Rheumatism: A general term used to describe symptoms of pain in joints, muscles, and surrounding soft tissue.
Immunology: The study of the immune system, which is often involved in rheumatic diseases.