Rheumatology is the non-surgical subspecialty of internal medicine that focuses on common and complex problems that may affect the entire body, and frequently involves the musculoskeletal system.  Such diseases include:

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Gout
• Lupus
• Scleroderma
• Osteoporosis
• Fibromyalgia
• Spondylitis

Common problems such as tendonitis, back pain, bursitis, and carpal tunnel syndrome can be a result of rheumatologic disorders as well.

A Rheumatologist is a physician who specializes in the diagnosis, management, and treatment of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (e.g., arthritis, lupus).  Rheumatic disesaes are characterized by pain and inflammation in the joints and associated structures, and muscle soreness and stiffness.