Rheumatology

What are rheumatic diseases?

Rheumatic diseases are autoimmune and inflammatory diseases that cause the immune system to attack a person’s joints, muscles, bones and organs.

There are more than 30 inflammatory rheumatic diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, gout, scleroderma, Sjogren syndrome and more.

While rheumatic disease affects each body in different ways, all can impact your health and sense of well-being. Patients with rheumatic diseases can also develop deformities that can make simple tasks, such as walking, brushing hair or getting dressed in the morning become difficult and sometimes impossible. Hence, it is important to seek medical attention and get appropriate treatment early.

When should I see a rheumatologist?

If you are experiencing symptoms of rheumatic disease, you should talk to your GP about them early and ask whether you should see a rheumatologist.

Some common symptoms of rheumatic disease include:

• Swelling in one or more joints.
• Stiffness around your joints that lasts for at least 30 minutes, starting in the early morning.
• Joint pain. This pain may come and go, or hurt all the time.
• Joint inflammation. Your joint can look red or feel warm to the touch.

The first weeks and months following the onset of rheumatic disease symptoms are known as the “window of opportunity,” and it’s crucial that patients get appropriate treatment in that time period to avoid long-term complications, such as damage to joints and other organs, improve long-term function, and increase the likelihood of achieving disease remission.

What will be done when I see the rheumatologist?

Rheumatologists are doctors specially trained to diagnose, manage and treat rheumatic and autoimmune diseases. They work with a team of healthcare providers trained in many areas to determine the most appropriate treatment for your individual needs. Your rheumatologist will ask you about your symptoms and conduct a thorough physical examination. He/She might order blood tests, X-rays or scans depending on your condition after discussing with you.

What are the treatment options for rheumatic diseases?

Various types of medications are available to treat the underlying autoimmune processes. In addition to long-established treatment, various new options are being identified. Your doctor will discuss with you about the options and address any questions you may have regarding the medications. Depending on your condition, physical and occupational therapy may be recommended as part of the management plan.

How do I cope if I am diagnosed with a rheumatic disease?

Receiving a diagnosis of a chronic condition may cause you to feel worried. With the wide options of treatment available today, your doctor can intervene early to halt progression of disease and restore good quality of life. Your diagnosis is the first step in your road to recovery and you can be in control of your condition by following the treatment plan, communicating openly with your rheumatologist, and leading a healthy lifestyle.

What are some common misconceptions about rheumatic diseases?

A common misconception about rheumatic diseases is that they are just the “aches and pains” that accompany getting older. On the contrary, many rheumatic diseases often strike people in the prime of their lives and can be crippling, life-changing and life-threatening. Rheumatic diseases can also strike children and they great affect a child’s health and well-being as they do to an adult’s.