Rheumatology in Primary Care

The vast field of rheumatology is presented in this new, compact, and practical text, providing a current review of rheumatology. Written by an experienced professor/rheumatologist, it covers history taking, physical examination, treatment, laboratory investigations, and imaging procedures for all rheumatic disorders--presenting "non-rheumatologists" with all they need to know. Plus, it includes information on when a patient should be referred to a specialist and who is responsible for follow-up care. The text reviews the most common disorders and how to treat them. A detailed introduction to the basic principles of diagnosis and therapy discusses pattern recognition and the musculoskeletal exam. Specific disorders covered include rheumatoid arthritis, connective tissue diseases, spondyloarthropathies, infectious arthritis, and infiltrative conditions, bone conditions, and regional rheumatic diseases. Each disease chapter is organized consistently--Introduction, Presentation, Diagnosis, Natural History, Treatment and Methods, When to Refer, Key Points, and Suggested Reading--placing the needed information within easy reach. Regional pain syndromes such as shoulder, back, hip, hand and wrist, foot, and knee pain are covered extensively--unlike other rheumatology texts. Includes recent American College of Rheumatology guidelines. Case studies, tables, and boxed text illustrate key points. Appendix provides a program for patient home care with exercises and other practical information such as walking aids and how to buy shoes.