When should someone over 50 consider seeing a rheumatologist?
Answer:
Talk with your doctor about a rheumatology referral if you have persistent joint swelling, prolonged morning stiffness, unexplained recurring fevers, unusual rashes combined with joint symptoms, sudden shoulder and hip stiffness, or other symptoms suggesting an inflammatory or autoimmune condition. Abnormal inflammatory or autoimmune blood tests may also warrant further evaluation when accompanied by relevant symptoms.