Rheumatologist

Conditions Treated

• •Rheumatoid Arthritis — Autoimmune condition causing chronic joint inflammation, leading to pain, swelling, and eventual joint damage.
• •Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) — Autoimmune disease affecting multiple organs — skin, joints, kidneys, and brain.
• •Ankylosing Spondylitis — Inflammatory condition primarily affecting the spine, causing stiffness and fusion over time.
• •Gout — Painful arthritis caused by uric acid crystal deposits in joints, commonly affecting the big toe.
• •Osteoarthritis — Wear-and-tear joint disease causing cartilage breakdown, most common in knees and hips.

Health Tips

• •Move daily — exercise is medicine for joints
• •Maintain healthy weight — excess weight stresses joints
• •Don't ignore morning stiffness lasting over 30 minutes
• •Reduce uric acid through diet if you have gout
• •Protect joints from injury during activities
• •Sun protection is essential in lupus

How to Prepare for Your Visit

• •List all joints that are painful or swollen — note which side and when it's worst
• •Bring blood reports — ESR, CRP, RA factor, ANA, uric acid, CBC
• •Bring X-rays of affected joints
• •Note morning stiffness duration — time from waking to feeling loose
• •Show the doctor which joints hurt — they will examine them for swelling and tenderness
• •Mention any skin rashes, eye redness, or mouth ulcers — these relate to autoimmune conditions
• •Discuss your daily activity level and what limitations you face
• •Ask about exercise recommendations specific to your condition
• •Take medications as prescribed — don't skip immunosuppressants during 'good' periods
• •Do prescribed exercises regularly — movement prevents joint stiffness
• •Get recommended vaccinations — some may be needed before starting immunosuppressive therapy
• •Report any infections promptly — immunosuppressant medications reduce infection-fighting ability

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

• •Is my joint problem inflammatory or mechanical?
• •Do I need to take medication lifelong?
• •What blood tests do I need for monitoring?
• •Is physiotherapy important for my condition?
• •Should I change my diet?
• •Can my condition affect other organs?

When to See a Specialist

A Rheumatologist specializes in autoimmune and inflammatory conditions affecting joints, muscles, and connective tissue.

• •Joint pain and swelling lasting more than 6 weeks
• •Morning stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes
• •Elevated ESR, CRP, or positive ANA/RA factor
• •Lupus symptoms — butterfly rash, joint pain, fatigue
• •Multiple joint pain not explained by injury
• •Dry eyes and dry mouth (Sjogren's syndrome)
• •Muscle weakness with rash
• •Recurrent mouth ulcers with joint pain

Seek urgent care for sudden severe joint swelling with fever (possible septic arthritis), or kidney problems with rash (possible lupus nephritis).