Rheumatology

Rheumatology deals with the care of patients with conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system, including joint diseases (arthritis), bone and muscle diseases, and conditions affecting soft tissues. The specialty focuses particularly on ‘autoimmune’ conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Many of these conditions can also affect other organs and tissues such as the skin, lungs or kidneys, for example in systemic lupus or vasculitis. Much of the work of rheumatologists involves assessment of multi-system inflammatory conditions and use of immunosuppressive therapies.

There are many forms of inflammatory arthritis including RA, arthritis linked to other diseases such as psoriasis, and conditions due to crystal formation in joints such as gout. Rheumatologists also advise on management of osteoarthritis, metabolic bone diseases such as osteoporosis, and soft tissue conditions such as fibromyalgia.

Rheumatologists work in teams which include physiotherapists, occupational therapists and specialist nurses. They liaise with other hospital specialists and have close links with general practitioners, ensuring appropriate early specialist referral and ongoing care of chronic diseases in the community. Collaboration with orthopaedic surgeons is also necessary for joint surgery or replacements.

Related RCP publications

• Back pain management: occupational health practice in the NHS in England (2009)
• Rheumatoid arthritis: national clinical guideline for management and treatment in adults (2009)
• Osteoarthritis: national clinical guideline for care and management in adults (2008)
• Consultant physicians working with patients, fourth edition (2008)
• Chronic spinal cord injury: management of patients in acute hospital settings (2008)
• Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis: guidelines for prevention and treatment (2002)
• Osteoporosis: clinical guidelines for prevention and treatment: update on pharmacological interventions and an algorithm for management (2000)
• Osteoporosis: clinical guidelines for prevention and treatment (1999)

Map of Medicine

The RCP has been working with Map of Medicine since 2008 to produce web-based knowledge support tools. There are 300 evidence-based clinical care maps covering all major areas of healthcare; including care maps for specific specialties.

Specialty training

For information about specialty training in rheumatology, go to the Joint Royal Colleges of Physicians Postgraduate Training Board (JRCPTB) website.

Specialist society

• British Society for Rheumatology

Patient information

• British Society for Rheumatology