Textbook of Rheumatology: Volume I

Rheumatology is a field of internal medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of rheumatic diseases. These diseases are usually autoimmune or inflammatory disorders associated with arthritis, dermatomyositis, gout, lupus erythematosus, Lyme disease, mixed connective tissue disease, polychondritis, polymyositis, and vasculitis. Rheumatology focuses on diseases and conditions that affect joints, soft tissues, or connective tissues. Disorders of bones such as fluorosis, osteoporosis, osteomalacia, renal osteodystrophy, and rickets are also treated by rheumatologists. Treatment of rheumatic conditions may involve the use of one or more methods such as administering drugs, physical and occupational therapy, rehabilitation, and surgery, depending on the specifics of the case. Commonly prescribed drugs include anti-inflammatory medications, opioids and antidepressants. This textbook provides comprehensive insights into the basic concepts as well as recent developments in field of rheumatology. It is appropriate for students seeking detailed information in this area as well as for experts.