Rheumatology is a medical discipline focused on the examination, identification, and treatment of conditions affecting the joints, bones, muscles, and systemic autoimmune disorders.
Rheumatic disorders consist of multiple different conditions, including arthritis, autoimmune rheumatic disease, and soft tissue rheumatism, among others.
Arthritis is characterized by the presence of joint discomfort and inflammation. Of all the types of arthritis, osteoarthritis is the most common. Rheumatoid arthritis is widely recognized as one of the most prominent forms of arthritis due to its profound impact on physical deformities, functional impairments, and even long-term disability.
Arthritis can also occur due to the buildup of monosodium urate crystals, leading to gout, or the buildup of calcium pyrophosphate crystals, leading to pseudogout. 

The rheumatologist can identify the specific form of arthritis in each patient by analyzing the variations in pain characteristics, affected joints, and the presence of any other symptoms. It is essential to recognize that the treatment and prognosis of various types of arthritis differ significantly.