Rheumatological consultation

Anamnesis

A consultation starts with an in-depth chat about your medical history (anamnesis). The medical practitioner takes detailed notes about your symptoms and their history. It may be that your medical practitioner asks you to complete a questionnaire prior to your first appointment, about your general medical health (including medication intake).

Physical examination

During the rheumatological examination joints and tendons are investigated regarding function, pressure pain and swelling (arthritis = joint inflammation). The rheumatologist also examines the skin, nails and eyes and if needed internistic examination (heart, longs, abdomen). The examination allows the doctor to get as complete a picture as possible of the complaints and underlying causes and will document this in your medical dossier.

There are many typs of rheumatism, such as reumatoid arthritis, Bechterew's disease, psoriatic arthritis, muscular rheumatism, athrotis (wear and tear of hips, knees, hands), gout, tendinitis, connective tissue inflammation, and tennis elbow. Some rheumatological conditions come with abnormalities in the skin, eyes, intestines and other organs, such as lungs, heart, and kidneys.