Rheumatology
Disorders of the muscuoskeletal system are common causes of pain and disability in the elderly population and account for 10-20 percent of all visits to general physicians. Complicating matters is that the effects of certain conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, vary from person to person. To properly diagnose these conditions, you may need the help of a physician who specializes in treating arthritis and other diseases of the joints, muscles and bones.
Rheumatology is the area of medicine that is concerned with the causes, development, diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the joints, muscles and connective tissues of the body. These range from mild, local soft tissue injuries, to severe, systemic diseases. Rheumatologists at the Elmhurst Clinic work closely with primary care physicians as consultants to advise and share their expertise regarding the diagnosis and treatment of these diseases.