Rheumatology is the subspecialty of internal medicine that deals with the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diseases affecting the joints, muscles, connective tissues, soft tissues around the joints and bones and the immune system.
Rheumatologists must become board certified in Internal Medicine by completing seven or more years of medical school and postgraduate training. Then, for an additional two to three years, they study conditions specific to the musculoskeletal system – arthritis, certain autoimmune diseases and osteoporosis. Rheumatologists are specially trained to do the detective work necessary to discover the cause of swelling and pain. It could be one of more than 100 diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout, lupus, back pain, osteoporosis, or tendonitis.
NHDC was voted Best Rheumatology Group in Hall County in the 2024 Best of Hall Readers’ Choice Awards. Learn more.
