Physicians in the field of rheumatology are trained to diagnose and treat over 100 different types of arthritic disorders. Included among these conditions areosteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic Lupus erythematosus, Sjogren's syndrome, vasculitis, gout, polymyalgia rheumatica, and many others. Individuals who develop significant symptoms of joint pain, swelling, stiffness, fatigue, skin rash, hair loss, excessive dryness, among many other symptoms, should be evaluated by their primary care physician. Similarily, if there has been a significant loss of height, fracture, or a strong family history of osteoporosis - it is worth having a bone density (DEXA) scan to assess for the possibility of osteoporosis. Rheumatologists work closely with primary care physicians to establish diagnoses and outline treatment plans. Over recent years there have been a number of discoveries that have lead to innovative new therapy which improves the quality of lives for those who suffer with arthritis. Links for Rheumatology: www.arthritis.org www.spondylitis.org www.nof.org www.rheumatology.org www.scleroderma.org www.boneandjointdecade.org