A rheumatologist is a doctor of internal medicine who specializes in arthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions and systemic autoimmune diseases. These diseases can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness in joints, muscles, and bones. Autoimmune diseases happen when your immune system causes unnecessary inflammation in different parts of your body. They can affect your skin, eyes, and internal organs, in addition to joints, muscles, and bones. Rheumatologists help diagnose and treat these problems. They also conduct research to better understand rheumatic diseases.
