Algerian rheumatologists, like all doctors around the world, are physicians who study, diagnose, manage and rehabilitate patients with disorders of the musculoskeletal system such as the musculoskeletal system, bones and soft connective tissues.

This article presents useful information on the nature of the work of Algerian rheumatologists, common procedures / interventions, subspecialties and other roles that may be of interest to you.

Nature of the work of Algerian rheumatologists

Rheumatologists are physicians qualified with additional training and experience in the diagnosis and treatment of arthritis and other diseases of the joints, muscles and bones.

These conditions include inflammatory and non-inflammatory disorders that primarily affect the joints, bones, muscles, and soft tissues. Although the prevalence of certain conditions such as arthritis increases with age, musculoskeletal conditions can affect all age groups and specialists see a wide variety of patients.

Rheumatologists treat conditions such as:

• inflammatory joint diseases, for example rheumatoid arthritis
• degenerative joint diseases, for example osteoarthritis
• autoimmune disease, eg lupus
• back problems
• soft tissue disorders, for example tennis elbow
• metabolic bone disorders, for example osteoporosis
• crystal arthropathies, for example gout
• musculoskeletal infections

Common procedures / interventions of Algerian rheumatologists

These include in particular:

• physical examination
• x-rays and other imaging methods
• laboratory tests
• drug treatments
• injections into soft tissues and joints
• injections into the spine to relieve back pain
• biopsy procedures such as synovial or muscle biopsies
• musculoskeletal ultrasound

Sub-specialties of Algerian rheumatologists

In Algeria, many rheumatologists are developing in subspecialties such as:

• pediatric rheumatology
• metabolic bone disease
• neurophysiology
• sports medicine
• multi-system connective tissue autoimmune diseases

Many will also have commitments in general internal medicine.

Rheumatology treatment

Most rheumatic diseases cannot be cured, but effective treatment can allow people who suffer from them to lead active, pain-free lives.

Treatments include pain relief, medication, exercise, diet control, rest and relaxation, and education on how to best manage the condition. Other treatments may include the use of devices, such as splints or braces.

It is important that doctor and patient work together to develop a treatment plan that helps each patient maintain or improve their lifestyle. Under certain difficult conditions, a combination of treatments may be necessary.

Among the drug treatments in rheumatology, we find:

• pain relievers (pain relievers) - such as paracetamol. They help relieve pain
• anti-inflammatory drugs - such as ibuprofen. They help relieve pain, stiffness and swelling in the joints
• disease modifying drugs - such as methotrexate. They help suppress arthritis activity and prevent or reduce joint damage. These drugs require medical monitoring and blood tests to keep patients safe.
• steroids - are strong natural anti-inflammatory agents and can be used as an injection or as a tablet. They are used with caution as they can have side effects
• biological drugs - this is a new group of drugs used for various rheumatic diseases

The role of the rheumatologist in the treatment of pain

Despite the clinical importance of pain in patients with rheumatic diseases, rheumatologists have not delegated a proportional part of their efforts to its investigation and treatment. Some of the assumptions that have hampered advances in pain management for rheumatologists include a preference for immunologic research over pain research, a reluctance to provide opioid therapy, and inadequate compensation. Contrary to these assumptions, pain management is emerging as a growing area of research and clinical effort in the field of rheumatology. In the future, rheumatologists will need to devote more time and effort to the study of pain management to remain relevant to the needs of their patients with rheumatic diseases.

Sources

Source 1: healthcareers.nhs.uk [external].

Source 2: waht.nhs.uk [external].

Source 3: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov [external].