Polymyalgia rheumatica is an inflammatory disease usually in the shoulders and hip that causes muscle aches and stiffness.
A general practitioner is a physician or family doctor who is responsible for diagnosing and prescribing medical treatments for patients. It also manages comprehensive healthcare, performing routine checkups, providing preventative advice, and managing a wide variety of health conditions. When a patient requires specific or specialized treatment, the general practitioner refers him or her to a specialist. Her role is essential in coordinating medical care, ensuring that patients receive adequate and ongoing care to maintain their health.
The rheumatologist is the doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases that affect the joints, muscles, tendons and bones. This professional is responsible for treating a wide variety of rheumatic disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, ankylosing spondylitis, and systemic lupus erythematosus, among others. The rheumatologist uses a combination of laboratory tests, imaging studies, and clinical evaluations to diagnose these conditions and develop an individualized treatment plan for each patient. Treatments may include medications, physical therapy, lifestyle changes, and in some cases, surgery. It is advisable to see a rheumatologist if you experience symptoms such as persistent joint pain, stiffness, inflammation, fatigue or limitation in mobility, to receive an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment that improves the patient's quality of life and physical function.
Remember that for the proper selection of health professional that treats polymyalgia rheumatica you must consider the nature, severity and symptoms you are presenting.