Clinical Handbook of Rheumatology

Rheumatology refers to the medical specialty that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of rheumatic diseases. It entails the study and treatment of conditions affecting the joints, as well as the ligaments, muscles and tendons that surround them. Rheumatic diseases are auto-immune and inflammatory conditions that include Lyme disease, dermatomyositis, vasculitis, sarcoidosis, arthritis, lupus erythematosus, etc. Rheumatology is also linked to soft tissue diseases, such as low back pain, olecranon bursitis and fibromyalgia. A variety of management techniques including occupational and physical therapy, rehabilitation, drug treatments and even surgery in extreme situations can be utilized for treating patients in rheumatology. Drug therapy includes opiates, antidepressants and anti-inflammatory medications. Patient care in rheumatology typically emphasizes on psychosocial interventions, patient education and self-management support. It also focuses on the physical components of the condition through assessments of physical health outcomes and biomarker review. This book unfolds the innovative aspects of rheumatology which will be crucial for the progress of this field in the future. It covers in detail some existent theories and clinical concepts revolving around this domain. Those with an interest in this field would find this book helpful.