Rheumatology
Rheumatology deals with a group of conditions collectively called "rheumatic or musculoskeletal diseases". It covers conditions which affect joints, bones, soft tissues and muscles. There are over 200 different diseases that affect the joints, bones, muscles and other soft tissues. Rheumatologists manage a wide range of these musculoskeletal conditions.
The biggest cause of physical disability in the UK is Arthritis. However musculoskeletal conditions may affect all age groups. If rheumatic diseases are not treated appropriately, daily activities such as walking, climbing stairs, cooking, and personal hygiene are affected. Rheumatic diseases can also have a profound effect on work capacity. They are the single biggest cause of both sick leave and premature retirement, causing physical disability, even amongst people of working age.
Rheumatological disease can present with a wide range of symptoms and it is important to establish quickly the cause of the symptoms for both acute and chronic conditions. Conditions treated by Rheumatologists include :
Conditions of the Joints
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Ankylosing Spondylitis
- Psoriatic Arthritis
- Gout
- Pseudogout
- Osteoarthritis
Connective Tissue Diseases
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
- Scleroderma
- Polymyositis/ Dermatomyositis
- Sjogren's Syndrome
- Polymyalgia Rheumatica
Systemic Vasculitis
- Temporal Arteritis
- Wegener's Granulomatosis
- Polyarteritis
Regional Pain Syndromes
- Tendonitis
- Bursitis
- Disc Disease of Neck & Back
Other conditions
- Osteoporosis
- Raynaud’s Phenomenon
- Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome
- Paget’s Disease
Pain Syndrome
- Fibromyalgia
- Chronic Pain Syndrome
Soft Tissue Rheumatism
- Trochanteric Bursitis (Hip)
- Olecranon Bursitis (Elbow)
- DeQuervain's Tendinitis (Thumb)
- Achilles Tendinitis (Heel)
- Rotator Cuff Tendinitis (Shoulder) and Impingement Syndrome
Other Types of Soft Tissue Rheumatic Syndromes
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)
- Golfer's Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)
- Tenosynovitis
- Plantar Fascilitis
More Information
Our expert team of Rheumatologists work closely with physiotherapists, occupational therapists, podiatrists to provide a multidisciplinary team approach towards the management of individual patients. Treatment is tailored according to the individual needs of the patient.
Assessment of Rheumatology Conditions
- Blood test
- Immunology Test
- X-rays
- Ultrasound scans
- Bone Scans
- MRI
Treatment of Rheumatologic Conditions
- Drugs to relieve pain and stiffness
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Disease-Modifying Drugs (DMARDs) to slow down the progression of the condition
- Dietary guidance, helping to reduce symptoms and reduce excess weight and minimising the risk of developing heart disease and other co-morbidities
- Exercise advice and planning
- Physiotherapy
- Occupational therapy
Injections
We administer intra-articular injections to peripheral joints for the treatment of osteoarthritis and inflammatory arthritis that can reduce pain, increase function and may be an alternative to surgery. We also give injections for various soft tissue rheumatic pain caused by bursitis and tendinitis.
