Rheumatologist is an internist who specializes in the treatment of joints, muscle, bones and tendons diseases. Rheumatologists treat joint disease similar to orthopedists but do not perform surgeries. They diagnose and treats arthritis, back pain, muscle strains, common athletic injuries and 'collagen' diseases.
There are more than 200 types of these diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout, lupus, osteoporosis, autoimmune diseases, pain disorders affecting joints and tendinitis. Some of these are very serious diseases that can be difficult to diagnose and treat. They treat soft tissue problems related to musculoskeletal system sports related soft tissue disorders.