Rheumatology

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Rheumatology

If you or your Primary Care provider suspect you might have a rheumatic disease, you should see a specialist as soon as possible.

This is especially true if your symptoms come on suddenly or worsen quickly. Many rheumatic diseases are progressive, meaning they worsen over time, affecting more tissues and causing more symptoms. As they progress, some can do permanent damage to your tissues.

We specialise in diagnosing, treating, and managing diseases that affect the joints, muscles, bones, and immune system. These conditions are often related to autoimmune disorders, inflammatory diseases, and musculoskeletal issues.

Diagnosis of Rheumatic Diseases:

 The service focuses on identifying conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, osteoarthritis, gout, and spondyloarthropathies, among others. This involves a combination of: 

Patient history and physical examination
Blood tests (for markers of inflammation, autoantibodies)
Imaging (X-rays, MRI, ultrasound) to assess joint damage or inflammation
Joint aspiration (removing fluid from a joint for analysis)

Management of Chronic Conditions:

 Rheumatologists are experts in managing long-term conditions that typically require ongoing treatment, such as: 

Medications: These may include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), subcutaneous biologic agents, and corticosteroids.
Pain management: This could involve a combination of medications, physiotherapy, and injections (e.g. corticosteroid injections into joints or soft tissue).
Lifestyle recommendations: Encouraging exercise, weight management, and other modifications to help manage symptoms and improve mobility.

Collaboration with Other Specialties:

 Rheumatologists often work closely with other specialists, including orthopaedics, physiotherapy, and pain management teams. If necessary, a referral will be made.

Blood Monitoring and Phlebotomy:

Blood monitoring plays a crucial role in managing and tracking a patient’s health by performing regular tests and assessments of various blood components. These services are essential for detecting, diagnosing, and managing a wide range of medical conditions, from infections and chronic diseases to organ function and blood disorders.

Some medications, particularly those that have a narrow therapeutic range or potentially toxic effects, require regular blood monitoring to ensure safe and effective dosing. Medication such as Methotrexate and Sulfasalazine require regular blood monitoring every 2 weeks for 3 months. This is to make sure you are not having any adverse effects from taking the medication.

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