Rheumatism is a medical specialist focused on the diagnosis and treatment of rheumatic diseases that affect joints, muscles, bones and the immune system. These diseases include arthritis, lupus, gout, ankylosing spondylitis, and many autoimmune diseases. Rheumatic diseases often cause pain, inflammation, stiffness and mobility, which have a major impact on quality of life. Because many of these diseases are chronic and more common with age, rheumatology plays a critical role in improving function through long-term care treatment, reduced symptoms, medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications.