If you've been referred to a rheumatologist in recent years for the treatment of arthritis, an autoimmune disease, or other condition, you need to know when you should reach out to this specialist between your appointments. For many people who need rheumatology care, the signs and symptoms are present so often that it's hard to know when a symptom should warrant concern. Here's a look at a few times when you should consider reaching out to your rheumatologist.

Unusually Severe Flares

Most patients with rheumatoid disorders are familiar with symptom flares. They can occur for many reasons, and even for no apparent reason at all. However, these flares are usually fairly consistent in their severity range and symptoms.

If you're experiencing a significant flare that feels unusually severe, you should reach out to your rheumatologist about it. The more information your rheumatologist has about these unusual flares, the easier it is to not only help you determine the source of the problem but also to more effectively treat them when possible.

New Symptoms

Any time you notice a new symptom appearing, it's important that you call your rheumatologist right away. Whether you're experiencing pain in an area where you don't typically have trouble or you've developed a rash that you don't usually have, it's important to tell your rheumatologist about it as soon as possible.

New symptom development can sometimes be an indication that your rheumatoid condition is worsening and needs either a different treatment or more aggressive care. The sooner your doctor is aware of these changes, the sooner he or she can try to mitigate further damage to your body.

Treatment Issues

Medication adjustments and treatment modifications are pretty standard parts of rheumatology care. Unfortunately, treating rheumatoid conditions can sometimes be a bit like shooting at a moving target. Things change, and a treatment that was working really well may suddenly seem as though it just isn't that effective.

If you're noticing changes in how well your treatment is working, or you feel as though you're not responding to a new medication, you should call your rheumatologist as soon as you can. These are things that your doctor will not know without your communication, and if your medication needs to be adjusted, it must be done as soon as possible. 

These are some of the most common times when an extra call to your rheumatologist is warranted. Talk with services like Sarasota Arthritis Center to learn more. 

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