The musculo-skeletal system covers the bones, joints and connective tissues that control and support our movement and day to day functions. As well as local injury, infection and inflammation, a wide variety of systemic diseases can affect the locomotor system and result in compromised health and wellbeing. Autoimmune conditions for example can attack the joints, causing a mono- or polyarthropathy, but also the skin and other organ systems (known as extra-articular manifestations). Approximately 18 million people worldwide are living with rheumatoid arthritis. Because rheumatological disorders also affect blood vessels, organs and a host of other body parts, rheumatologist need to delve down into the effects on those systems as well. Given the impact that MSK conditions can have on patients, especially pain and function, it is important to establish what problems they are facing, their limitations and what they want to achieve from medical intervention and be mindful of the psychological impacts of such disorders.