• Level 11, Watkins Medical Centre, 225 Wickham Tce, Spring Hill QLD 4000. Phone: 07 3831 9208

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    What is a Rheumatologist?

    A rheumatologist is a specialist physician who has expertise in diagnosing and treating diseases of the joints, muscles and bones.

    Sometimes the term rheumatic disease or ‘rheumatism’ is used to describe this group of diseases.

    The more common rheumatic diseases include:

    • Rheumatoid arthritis
    • Psoriatic arthritis
    • Ankylosing spondylitis
    • Gout
    • Back and neck pain
    • Osteoarthritis
    • Muscle & tendon injury/tear
    • Tendonitis
    • Fibromyalgia
    • Polymyalgia rheumatica
    • Bone Disease
    • Osteoporosis
    • Paget’s disease

    There are also a number of rarer rheumatic conditions that can affect other parts of the body including the skin, hair and internal organs. These include lupus, myositis, vasculitis and scleroderma.

    What will happen when I see the rheumatologist?

    The Diagnosis

    Your rheumatologist is specially trained to do the detective work necessary to discover the cause of your symptoms. He or she will usually ask you to explain the history of the problem and will undertake a physical examination. Additional investigations such as blood tests, X-rays and scans may also be needed.

    Information and Advice

    Once a diagnosis is made, your rheumatologist will explain the nature of your illness and what you might expect in the future. This is an important step, particularly for illnesses that might affect you over a long period.

    Treatment

    With an accurate diagnosis and a shared understanding of your illness, you and your rheumatologist can work together to design a treatment program aimed at managing pain, reducing inflammation and ensuring your quality of life.

    Ongoing Management

    Depending on the nature of your illness, you may need to see your rheumatologist regularly for ongoing management. Alternatively you may be treated by your GP , with the rheumatologist on hand for specialist advice.

    So how will my condition be treated?

    As your rheumatologist will explain, there are a number of treatment options available including:

    • Physical therapy
    • Medications
    • Surgery

    He or she will select the best treatment combination for you, depending on the exact nature of your illness and your other individual needs.

    In treating and managing your illness, your rheumatologist will also work closely with your General Practitioner as well as other skilled professionals to ensure that you receive the best possible care:

    • The physiotherapist is trained in the physical treatment of rheumatic disorders and uses a combination of exercise, special treatment techniques and advice.
    • The occupational therapist provides advice on how to get on with day-to-day activities such as working, dressing and getting out and about.
    • The psychologist or social worker offers advice and support to help patients and families cope with the changes that illness might bring.
    • Nurses, podiatrists and dietitians may also form part of the team involved in your treatment.

    Dr Carroll has a special interest in musculoskeletal ultrasonography, which is used as a tool to improve diagnosis, and is helpful in management of patients with many rheumatologic diseases.

    “If your doctor is unsure if your joint pain is inflammatory, ask them to refer you to Dr Carroll for an ultrasound. The presence of inflammatory disease can be quickly established and an urgent appointment for further management arranged.”

    Dr Lisa Carroll

    Rheumatoloigist