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Rheumatologists

Found 6 rheumatologists


Dr. Lívia Madeira

Dr. Lívia Madeira

Rheumatologist in Rio de Janeiro

Rheumatologist

5.0
Serious, competent and capable professional.More
Languages: English, Portuguese

Video consultation

Serious, competent and capable professional.More
Languages: English, Portuguese

Video consultation


Avenida das Américas 500 - bl 20 - sl 206 concierge C - Shopping Downtown - Barra da Tijuca - Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, 22640-100, Rio de Janeiro

Dra. Karla David

Dra. Karla David

Rheumatologist in São Paulo

Rheumatologist

5.0
Dr. Very attentive and competent. I have been following up and I am very happy to have finally found a doctor who helped me. I am very grateful to Dr. KarlaMore
Languages: Portuguese, English
Hospitals: Samaritano Hospital
Dr. Very attentive and competent. I have been following up and I am very happy to have finally found a doctor who helped me. I am very grateful to Dr. KarlaMore
Languages: Portuguese, English
Hospitals: Samaritano Hospital

Rua Domingos de Morais, 2781, 14th floor, Vila Mariana, Sao Paulo, 04035001

Languages: English, Portuguese, Hebrew

Address: R. Emílio de Menezes, 76, set 101 and 102 - Santa Cecilia, São Paulo - SP, 01231-020, Brazil, Sao Paulo

Sao Paulo, 01504-000

Sao Paulo

Dr. Suely Roizenblatt

Dr. Suely Roizenblatt

Rheumatologist in São Paulo

Rheumatologist

0.0
Languages: English, Portuguese
Languages: English, Portuguese

Avenida Angélica, 1996 - 1st floor, Higienópolis, Sao Paulo, 01228-200

Languages: English, Portuguese

Avenida das Américas, 4200 - Barra da Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro, 22640-102

General information on medical treatment

The importance of rheumatology in public health

Rheumatologists play a crucial role in the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal and autoimmune diseases. They treat millions of people affected by potentially disabling conditions, and early diagnosis and appropriate treatment in pathologies such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and ankylosing spondylitis represent significant savings in rehabilitation costs and productivity loss for the healthcare system.

Assessment methodology in rheumatology

The specialized rheumatological medical evaluation involves detailed analysis of joint and systemic symptoms, as well as thorough investigation of family and personal medical history. The structured physical examination specifically assesses joints, muscles, and tendons, complemented by laboratory tests that include inflammatory markers, autoantibody research, and histopathological analyses when indicated. The selection of complementary exams is always based on individualized clinical suspicion.

Imaging technologies in rheumatology

Technological advances in diagnostic imaging have revolutionized contemporary rheumatological practice. Musculoskeletal ultrasonography stands out as a dynamic method for early assessment of synovitis and tendon alterations. Articular magnetic resonance imaging provides three-dimensional visualization of internal structures, being indispensable in the diagnosis of complex conditions such as vasculitis and spondyloarthritis. Advanced techniques such as power Doppler and special sequences for detecting bone edema have significantly expanded diagnostic accuracy.

When to see a rheumatologist

What is the exact moment to seek a rheumatologist? Many people wonder about this and we will discuss it below:

Persistent joint conditions

Patients with continuous joint pain for more than six weeks, especially when associated with prolonged morning stiffness and visible joint swelling, need specialized evaluation.

Associated systemic manifestations

Unexplained fever, chronic fatigue, unintentional weight loss, or specific skin changes may represent extra-articular manifestations of rheumatic diseases.

Suggestive laboratory alterations

Persistent elevation of inflammatory markers (ESR and CRP), positivity for autoantibodies (ANA, rheumatoid factor), or hematological alterations without apparent cause justify rheumatological investigation.

Therapeutic approaches in rheumatology

The modern treatment of rheumatic diseases is based on personalized strategies that consider individual patient characteristics. Pharmacological therapy ranges from conventional anti-inflammatory drugs to latest-generation immunobiological medications. Specialized physical rehabilitation protocols are developed to preserve joint function. Image-guided interventional procedures complement the therapeutic arsenal, while multidisciplinary follow-up integrates different specialties when necessary.

Advances in the treatment of rheumatic diseases

Contemporary rheumatology is experiencing an era of therapeutic transformation marked by the development of medications with increasingly specific mechanisms of action. Inhibitors of intracellular pathways such as JAK inhibitors represent an important advance in the control of rheumatoid arthritis. Monoclonal antibodies against specific interleukins have revolutionized the treatment of spondyloarthritis. Research with cell therapy and regenerative medicine opens promising perspectives for degenerative conditions such as advanced osteoarthritis.

Myths and truths about rheumatic diseases

Misconceptions about joint pain

The popular belief that significant joint discomfort is an inevitable consequence of aging lacks scientific foundation. Persistent painful conditions, especially when accompanied by prolonged morning stiffness and joint swelling, frequently represent treatable conditions that deserve specialized evaluation.

Prognosis of rheumatic diseases

The fatalistic view of the evolution of inflammatory arthritis does not correspond to current clinical reality. With early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, most patients achieve satisfactory control of the disease, maintaining quality of life and functional independence.

How to prepare for a rheumatological consultation

Previous clinical documentation

Organizing previous test results, especially inflammatory markers, autoantibody research, and imaging exams, facilitates the initial evaluation. Medical reports from previously consulted specialists provide valuable information about the chronology of the condition.

Detailed symptom record

Elaborating a chronological description of symptoms, including pain characteristics, improvement/worsening factors, and diurnal variation, allows accurate reconstruction of the clinical history. Photographs of transient skin lesions help in documenting extra-articular manifestations.

The future of rheumatology

The incorporation of digital technologies and artificial intelligence promises to transform rheumatological practice. Automated image analysis systems increase diagnostic precision, while telemonitoring platforms allow continuous monitoring of clinical parameters. Personalized medicine based on genomic profiles and specific biomarkers represents the frontier of rheumatological therapeutics.

Choosing a specialist in rheumatology

The selection of a qualified professional should consider solid academic training, with specific medical residency in rheumatology and constant updating. Clinical experience in managing complex conditions and access to modern diagnostic technologies are determining factors for satisfactory therapeutic results. The comprehensive approach that considers psychosocial aspects and quality of life differentiates the most capable specialists.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the first signs that I need to consult a rheumatologist?
Early signs include: persistent joint pain (>6 weeks), prolonged morning stiffness (>30 minutes), swelling in multiple joints, unexplained fatigue with musculoskeletal pain, "sausage-like" fingers, red spots with photosensitivity, Raynaud's phenomenon, and inflammatory back pain. Abnormal tests such as positive rheumatoid factor, elevated anti-CCP, or ANA in significant titers also justify specialized evaluation.
How does treatment with biological medications work?
Biologics are medications that specifically target inflammatory molecules (such as TNF-alpha, IL-6, IL-17) or specific immune cells, unlike conventional immunosuppressants. They are administered subcutaneously or intravenously at variable intervals. They require prior screening for tuberculosis and other infections, as well as periodic monitoring. They provide more effective control of symptoms, prevention of irreversible joint damage, and the possibility of remission in many cases.
How to differentiate rheumatic pain from common muscle pain?
Inflammatory rheumatic pain presents prolonged morning stiffness (>30 minutes), improves with movement, worsens with rest, can wake the patient during the night, affects joints symmetrically, and frequently causes joint swelling. Common muscle pains typically worsen with activity, improve with rest, have limited duration, and do not cause significant morning stiffness or inflammatory signs.
How do rheumatic diseases affect other organs?
Autoimmune rheumatic diseases frequently affect multiple systems: lupus can affect kidneys, heart, lungs, and nervous system; rheumatoid arthritis can manifest subcutaneous nodules, vasculitis, and pulmonary involvement; systemic sclerosis affects skin, esophagus, and lungs; spondyloarthritis is associated with uveitis, psoriasis, and inflammatory bowel disease. These extra-articular manifestations frequently determine the prognosis.
What tests are necessary before starting immunobiologics?
Essential tests include: screening for latent tuberculosis (PPD/Quantiferon-TB and chest X-ray), serologies for hepatitis B/C and HIV, liver and kidney function tests, complete blood count, and beta-HCG for women. Patients should update vaccines, prioritizing immunizations against pneumococcus, influenza, and hepatitis B before starting treatment.
How does diet influence rheumatic diseases?
Diet influences through modulation of systemic inflammation, weight control, effect on intestinal microbiota, and interaction with medications. Anti-inflammatory diets such as the Mediterranean diet show benefits in rheumatoid arthritis and gout. There are specific recommendations: purine restriction in gout, calcium/vitamin D adequacy in osteoporosis, and possibly elimination diets in selected psoriatic arthritis.
How to distinguish fibromyalgia from other rheumatic diseases?
Fibromyalgia is characterized by chronic diffuse pain without evidence of laboratory inflammation, absence of joint swelling, specific tender points, and generalized hyperalgesia. Associated symptoms include persistent fatigue, sleep disorders, cognitive deficits ("fibrofog"), and increased sensory sensitivity. There are no specific antibodies or identifiable biomarkers, unlike autoimmune diseases.
What are the risks of self-medication with anti-inflammatory drugs?
Prolonged unsupervised use of anti-inflammatory drugs can cause gastrointestinal complications (gastritis/ulcers), kidney impairment, hypertension, cardiac decompensation, and elevated cardiovascular risk. It can mask underlying inflammatory diseases, delaying diagnosis and allowing progression of joint damage in conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.
How can a rheumatologist help in the treatment of osteoporosis?
The rheumatologist evaluates comprehensive risk factors (including medications and autoimmune diseases), interprets bone densitometry, and requests complementary tests. They prescribe specific treatments, such as medications to increase bone density, and advise on lifestyle changes, such as calcium-rich diet and appropriate physical exercises to improve bone health and reduce fracture risk.
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