WMC Patient Portal

Rheumatology at WMC

What is Rheumatology?

Rheumatology is a particular field of medicine that covers diseases of the joints, immune system, soft tissues, and connective tissue disorders that are often inherited. Rheumatology is a subspecialty under internal medicine, and can also be associated with pediatrics depending upon the individual patient and their age.

Common Rheumatic Diseases

Few people truly understand just how many different conditions that rheumatologists are able to help patients manage and treat. Approximately 200 different diseases fall within the rheumatic category, some of which are very common and well known:

The Role of a Rheumatologist

A medical professional that specializes in rheumatic diseases is known as a rheumatologist. Rheumatologists complete the same education and training process as any other doctor, which often includes an undergraduate degree, 3 years in residency, and a rheumatology fellowship.

Once board certified, a rheumatologist is fully able to diagnose and treat the wide variety of conditions that rheumatology encompasses. Many patients learn to cope with their symptoms over time, but it is the goal of a rheumatologist to get to the root of the problem, and find more effective treatment solutions.

Rheumatologists do not perform surgery to treat diseases related to rheumatology. Rather, they utilize medications, physical and occupational therapies, and rehabilitation to improve their patient’s quality of life. In severe cases, a rheumatologist may refer a patient to an orthopedic surgeon if surgery is truly necessary.

Consult with a Rheumatologist from Weirton, WV

If you are looking for improvements in your current rheumatic treatments, or are concerned you may have a rheumatic disease, we highly encourage you to speak with one of our experienced rheumatologists. To make an appointment, please call our area office at (304) 797-6000 today.

Rheumatologists Practicing at WMC