What Kind of Tests Does a Rheumatologist Do?
A rheumatologist is a physician who has specialized skills and training in the diagnosis and nonsurgical treatment of chronic musculoskeletal and autoimmune conditions, which can affect bones, joints, muscles, tendons and other connective tissues throughout the body.
Because rheumatologists address more than 200 similar but distinct illnesses and disorders, the diagnostic process can be complex. In addition to taking a comprehensive medical history and reviewing the patient’s symptoms, a rheumatologist will typically perform a number of tests, such as a physical examination, lab tests and imaging studies.
The Physical Examination
When performing a physical exam, a rheumatologist will generally:
- Examine the patient’s body from head to toe, including his or her eyes, mouth and skin
- Look for signs of inflammation, such as swelling, warmth, redness, rashes or nodules
- Take the patient’s pulse
- Listen to the patient’s heart, lungs and bowels
- Check for joint tenderness by gently pressing on the patient’s joints
- Ask the patient to bend, flex and stretch certain joints and muscles
- Compare the same joints on each side of the patient’s body
Lab Tests
A rheumatologist may order a blood test to check for signs of inflammation, such as:
- Anti-cyclic citrullinated peptides (anti-CCP)
- Elevated levels of C-reactive proteins
- An accelerated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (the speed at which blood settles to the bottom of a test tube)
- Rheumatoid factors
The rheumatologist may also order a joint fluid test to check the synovial fluid for proteins, signs of infection and a lack of thickness.
Imaging Tests
A rheumatologist may order one or more imaging studies, such as an X-ray, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or ultrasound scan. The results may reveal signs of inflammation, joint damage or bone loss.
The Next Step
Based on the outcome of the diagnostic process, the rheumatologist will develop an appropriate treatment plan, which may include lifestyle changes, medications, injections and/or physical therapy. Prompt treatment can make a true difference by helping to relieve pain, reduce inflammation and prevent joint damage.
If you’d like to see a rheumatologist, contact Advanced Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine in Houston, Texas, today.
-
1Professional Building II At North Cypress Medical Center
AOSM Physical Therapy
-
2North Cypress Professional Building At Lakewood Crossing
AOSM Physical Therapy -
3North Cypress Professional Building At Towne Lake
-
4Advanced Orthopaedics Memorial
What Our Patients Are Saying
Always treated promptly and kindly at AOSM. Thanks to Dr Mack and his team.
Each procedure done by Dr. Patel has been an improvement. Very pleased.
Completing forms online beforehand was quick and simple. I arrived 30 minutes prior to my appointment as requested, and was pleasantly surprised to be summonsed less than 10 minutes from arrival.
All the staff performed in a professional manner.All of my questions and concerned where explained to me so i could understand them. Great job all around. Thanks
Dr. Ryan Blalock is AMAZING! He went above and beyond to fix my 8 year old son’s severely broken arm with emergency surgery.
On Nov. 22, 2017, I had a spinal injection in my lower back and it was an instant miracle in my life!
My son and husband have both been seen here. The staff is very polite and helpful. Dr. Mohr performed my husband’s back surgery.
I’ve been going to this office to see Dr. Blalock 4 months. He has done 4 different hand surgeries some in February and 1 in April. I probably will need another surgery next year and Dr. Blalock will be my surgeon.
Excellent care and attention to patients. I recently had a total hip replacement and I am able to walk 6 weeks after surgery with no cane.
Dr. Patel is one of the best Doctors I have ever had. She is pretty good at her job. She makes it plain and simple. She is also very thoughtful. I was very glad to have met her.