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Rheumatology Services
Rheumatology Services
- Rheumatology is the specialty of medicine that includes arthritis and autoimmune diseases
- Arthritis means inflammation of a joint
- A joint is where two or more bones meet and move in relation to each other
- They are separated by a rubbery substance called cartilage which is smooth and slippery, allowing for easy movement
- Cartilage covers the end of each bone
- Tendons and ligaments attach bones to muscles and other bones
- Cartilage, tendons and ligaments are enclosed within a membrane around the joint which releases a fluid into the joint space to keep it well lubricated
- Autoimmune disease is where an abnormality in the immune system leads to the body’s defence harming its own cells by mistake
- A rheumatologist is a doctor who has specialised in this area of medicine
- Your GP will refer a patient to see a rheumatologist if they think the patient has
- an autoimmune disorder or
- if they need assistance diagnosing or treating arthritis
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