Rheumatologists
Rheumatologists are doctors with expanded knowledge of diseases and afflictions that affect primarily the joints and musculoskeletal components (including connective tissue and soft tissue) causing pain and inflammation. A patient with any of the following problems might be referred to a rheumatologist for treatment:
- Ankylosing spondylitis
- Arthritis (there are over 100 different types of arthritis)
- Autoimmune diseases
- Bursitis
- Crystal arthropathies (gout)
- Fibromyalgia
- Lupus
- Musculoskeletal pain and disorders
- Myasthenia gravis
- Osteoporosis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Tendinitis
Areas of medicine that rheumatologists must have an expanded knowledge of encompass not only the musculoskeletal system but also neurology (nerves), immunology (in the case of autoimmune diseases, the body’s immune system is overreactive and attacking self tissue as if it were foreign), physical therapies and rehabilitation (movement and strengthening exercises). People are usually referred to rheumatologists by primary care physicians for ongoing conditions involving pain and inflammation.
Treatments for rheumatic conditions involve pain management, lifestyle recommendations (diet, exercise, rest), and other pharmacological interventions in the case of autoimmune diseases with organ involvement.
Errors that rheumatologists might make are with medication (the most common error by any type of doctor), recommending unnecessary surgery, failure to diagnose, and misdiagnosis.
If you believe you or a loved one suffered a worsening of a condition due to an error made by a rheumatologist, you may be eligible for damages. Contact the experts at the Sweeney Law Firm and let us review the facts to see if you have a rheumatologist medical malpractice case. If we decide to take your case, we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we don’t get paid unless there is a settlement or recovery of funds for you.