Rheumatology consultation focuses on evaluating inflammatory, autoimmune and musculoskeletal conditions that may affect the joints, bones, muscles and connective tissues. Assessment includes medical history, examination and appropriate investigations. Depending on the diagnosis, treatment may involve medication, physical rehabilitation, lifestyle changes and monitoring to control symptoms and reduce complications.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the joints and may lead to pain, swelling, stiffness and progressive joint damage. Early treatment aims to control inflammation and prevent disability. Management may involve disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, symptom relief, rehabilitation and monitoring of disease activity.
Inflammatory arthritis includes conditions that cause joint inflammation, swelling and prolonged stiffness. Patients may experience difficulty moving, especially after periods of rest. Evaluation considers symptoms, examination findings, laboratory tests and imaging. Treatment depends on the underlying disease and may include anti-inflammatory medicines or disease-modifying therapy.
Osteoporosis is a condition in which reduced bone strength increases the risk of fractures. It may develop with ageing, hormonal changes, certain illnesses or long-term medication use. Assessment considers fracture history and bone density testing. Management may include exercise, fall prevention, nutritional measures and bone-protective medication when indicated.
Long-term glucocorticoid medication can contribute to bone loss and increase fracture risk. Evaluation considers the medication dose, treatment duration, age, bone density and other risk factors. Preventive care may include calcium and vitamin D assessment, weight-bearing activity and medications to protect bone strength when appropriate.
Connective tissue diseases are often immune-mediated conditions that may affect joints, skin, muscles, blood vessels and internal organs. Symptoms vary according to the particular disorder. Evaluation may involve autoimmune blood tests, clinical examination and organ-specific investigations. Treatment aims to control inflammation, protect organ function and monitor disease activity.
Systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease that can affect the joints, skin, kidneys and other organs. Symptoms may include fatigue, joint pain, rashes and periods of increased disease activity. Diagnosis involves clinical assessment and selected laboratory tests. Treatment is tailored to disease severity and affected organs.
Gout is an inflammatory joint condition caused by the deposition of urate crystals. It commonly produces sudden episodes of severe pain, swelling and redness, often involving the foot or other joints. Management includes treating acute attacks, evaluating uric acid levels and considering long-term urate-lowering therapy when indicated.
Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory joint disease associated with psoriasis. It may affect peripheral joints, the spine, tendons and fingers or toes. Evaluation considers joint symptoms, skin changes, imaging and laboratory findings. Treatment may involve disease-modifying medicines, biologic therapy and coordinated dermatology care.
Axial spondyloarthritis is an inflammatory condition primarily affecting the spine and sacroiliac joints. Symptoms may include persistent back pain and stiffness that improve with movement. Evaluation involves clinical assessment, imaging and selected laboratory tests. Treatment may include exercise, anti-inflammatory medicines and targeted therapies for appropriate patients.
Sjögren's disease is an autoimmune condition often associated with dry eyes and dry mouth. Some patients also develop joint pain, fatigue or involvement of other organs. Evaluation may include autoimmune antibody tests, eye assessments and salivary gland investigations. Treatment focuses on symptoms and any associated systemic complications.
Systemic sclerosis is an autoimmune connective tissue disorder that may cause skin thickening, Raynaud's phenomenon and involvement of internal organs. Evaluation considers symptoms, autoimmune testing and organ-specific investigations. Management depends on disease manifestations and may require coordination between rheumatologists and other specialists.
Inflammatory myopathies are disorders involving muscle inflammation that can cause weakness and difficulty performing daily activities. Some conditions may also affect the skin, lungs or other organs. Assessment may include muscle enzyme tests, autoimmune investigations, imaging or additional specialised tests. Treatment depends on the specific diagnosis and severity.
Bone mineral density testing, commonly performed using a DEXA scan, helps evaluate bone strength and the likelihood of osteoporosis-related fractures. Results are considered alongside age, fracture history, medication exposure and other risk factors. The findings guide recommendations for prevention, monitoring and bone-protective treatment.
Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs are used to control inflammation and reduce long-term damage in selected autoimmune and inflammatory rheumatic diseases. Treatment requires careful drug selection and regular monitoring of disease activity, blood counts and organ function. Medication choice depends on the diagnosis, other illnesses and potential side effects.
Biologic therapies target specific pathways involved in immune-mediated inflammation. They may be considered when certain rheumatic diseases remain active despite appropriate conventional treatment. Before treatment, specialists assess infection risk and other medical factors. Ongoing monitoring is important to evaluate effectiveness and identify potential adverse effects.