What Is Rheumatology?
Rheumatology is the internal medicine specialty focused on the diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of rheumatic diseases affecting the joints, muscles, bones, and connective tissues. Rheumatic diseases may affect not only the joints but also organs such as the skin, eyes, lungs, kidneys, and blood vessels.
Joint pain, swelling, morning stiffness, limited movement, and muscle pain are among the most common symptoms of rheumatic diseases. Early diagnosis and regular treatment are essential to prevent joint damage and maintain quality of life.
At Özel Algomed Hastanesi, rheumatic diseases are monitored using modern diagnostic methods and personalized treatment plans.
Diseases Treated in Rheumatology
The Department of Rheumatology diagnoses and treats:
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Ankylosing spondylitis
- Lupus (SLE)
- Gout
- Fibromyalgia
- Sjögren syndrome
- Vasculitis
- Behçet’s disease
- Osteoarthritis
- Osteoporosis
- Psoriatic arthritis
- Myositis
- Connective tissue diseases
- Joint rheumatic diseases
Diagnostic Methods Used in Rheumatology
Main diagnostic methods used in rheumatology include:
- Blood tests
- Rheumatologic marker tests
- Joint ultrasonography
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- X-ray
- Bone density measurement
- Joint fluid analysis
- Biopsy procedures
- Physical examination and mobility assessment
