Rheumatologists are specialists who see patients with rheumatic diseases including certain types of arthritis and other conditions which cause inflammation in the body.

There are very effective treatments for these diseases but, if left untreated, these conditions can affect your joints, tendons, bones and muscles.

You will not necessarily need regular appointments with a rheumatologist and primary care services (GPs, pharmacists and community therapy teams) may manage these rheumatic conditions with support from the rheumatology specialist team.