Rheumatology

Rheumatology Consultations at MedicalES Pantelimon in Bucharest

MedicalES Pantelimon Clinic offers rheumatology consultations, with a team of dedicated specialists and state-of-the-art medical equipment. We emphasize a thorough and attentive evaluation of the patient and a personalized treatment plan that addresses all medical care needs.

For appointments or additional information, you can contact us by phone at 031.433.84.00 / 0720.060.990 or through the online appointment form.

What is rheumatology?

Rheumatology is a branch of medicine that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of rheumatic diseases. These are conditions of the musculoskeletal system, including bones, joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments, as well as some systemic diseases that affect connective tissues and internal organs.

When do we need a rheumatologist?

We need a rheumatologist when symptoms suggest a rheumatic disease, such as:

• Persistent pain in joints, muscles, or bones, especially if it does not subside after a few weeks;
• Swelling and joint stiffness, especially in the morning or after rest;
• Difficulty moving or loss of joint mobility;
• Chronic fatigue and unexplained weakness;
• Inflammatory symptoms: fever, skin rashes, or a burning sensation in the joints;
• Joint deformities or visible changes in the hands, knees, etc.;
• Family history of rheumatic diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or gout.

The most common symptoms of rheumatologic conditions

The most common symptoms of rheumatologic conditions include:

• Persistent joint pain;
• Joint stiffness (more pronounced in the morning or after periods of inactivity);
• Swelling (inflammation);
• Redness around the joints;
• Chronic fatigue;
• Difficulty performing daily activities due to loss of joint mobility or pain;
• Joint deformities;
• Muscle pain or weakness;
• Fever and systemic symptoms (may occur in systemic rheumatic diseases such as lupus or vasculitis);
• Skin rashes (found in autoimmune rheumatic diseases such as lupus or psoriatic arthritis);
• Numbness or tingling sensations;
• Loss of appetite and unexplained weight loss.

How does a rheumatology consultation proceed?

A rheumatology consultation begins with a detailed discussion about the patient’s symptoms, medical and family history, as well as lifestyle. The rheumatologist will assess the joints, muscles, and other musculoskeletal structures through palpation, observing mobility, and identifying signs of inflammation or deformities. Based on these observations, additional investigations may be recommended, such as blood tests for inflammatory or autoimmune markers, imaging (X-rays, ultrasounds, MRIs), and other relevant tests. At the end, the doctor will provide a diagnosis or request further investigations, along with recommendations for treatment and symptom management.

What conditions does a rheumatologist treat?

A rheumatology specialist has the expertise to diagnose and treat various conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system, including:

• Rheumatoid arthritis;
• Osteoarthritis (arthrosis);
• Ankylosing spondylitis;
• Psoriatic arthritis;
• Gout;
• Systemic lupus erythematosus;
• Sjögren’s syndrome;
• Scleroderma;
• Vasculitis;
• Polymyositis and dermatomyositis;
• Fibromyalgia;
• Osteoporosis.