Rheumatology is a sub-specialty in internal medicine and paediatrics, dedicated to the analysis and treatment of rheumatic diseases. Physicians who are dedicated to rheumatology are known as Rheumatologists.

1. Overview of Rheumatic Diseases

2. Osteoarthritis
OA causes damage to the
cartilage over time.
Cartilage is a material that
cushions the end of bones
and allows joints to move
smoothly. As cartilage of a
joint wears down, this
movement becomes painful
or limited. OA can be a
normal part of aging that
can affect all parts of the
body. However, it usually
affects the
knees, hips, lower
back, neck, and fingers.

3. Ankylosing Spondylitis
Ankylosing Spondylitis
(AS) usually starts
gradually as lower back
pain. The hallmark
feature of AS is the
involvement of the
joints at the base of the
spine. This is where the
spine attaches to the
pelvis, also known as
the sacroiliac joints.

4. Sjogren's Syndrome
Sjogren's syndrome is
an inflammatory,
autoimmune disease. It
can occur with other
autoimmune diseases
such as RA and lupus,
but also on its own.
Although the cause of
Sjogren's is unknown, it
is more common in
women.

5. Treatments for Rheumatic Diseases
Treatments for rheumatic
diseases include
medications to improve
symptoms and control
disease. Along with
drugs, other parts of a
treatment plan include:
• Regular exercise
• Balanced diet
• Stress reduction
• Rest