Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes joint inflammation, pain, swelling and stiffness. Early diagnosis and appropriate disease-modifying treatment can help control inflammation, reduce joint damage and preserve physical functioning. Regular monitoring is important to assess treatment effectiveness and safety.
Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory condition affecting joints, tendons and sometimes the spine, often occurring in individuals with psoriasis. Treatment may include anti-inflammatory medicines, disease-modifying therapies, targeted biological treatments and rehabilitation, depending on disease severity and the structures involved.
Ankylosing spondylitis is a form of inflammatory arthritis that primarily affects the spine and sacroiliac joints. Patients may experience persistent back pain and morning stiffness. Management can involve exercise, physiotherapy, anti-inflammatory medication and targeted therapies when clinically indicated.
Spondyloarthritis refers to a group of inflammatory conditions affecting the spine, joints and related structures. Diagnosis considers symptoms, physical examination, imaging and appropriate laboratory investigations. Treatment focuses on controlling inflammation, improving mobility and preventing long-term functional limitations.
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint condition associated with cartilage changes, pain and reduced mobility. Management may include strengthening exercises, weight management, physiotherapy, pain-relieving medication and selected joint interventions. Treatment is tailored to the affected joint and the severity of symptoms.
Gout is an inflammatory arthritis caused by the deposition of urate crystals in joints. It can produce sudden episodes of severe pain, swelling and redness. Treatment includes managing acute inflammation and, when indicated, reducing uric acid levels to prevent recurrent attacks.
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterised by widespread pain, fatigue and frequently sleep or concentration difficulties. Management typically involves patient education, graded physical activity, sleep improvement, psychological support and selected medication according to the individual's symptoms and functional needs.
Systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease that can affect the skin, joints, kidneys, blood cells and other organs. Treatment depends on disease activity and organ involvement and may include antimalarial medication, corticosteroids or other immune-modifying therapies under specialist monitoring.
Sjögren's disease is an autoimmune condition commonly associated with dry eyes and dry mouth, although joints, nerves and internal organs may also be affected. Management focuses on symptom relief, evaluating systemic involvement and providing immune-modifying treatment when appropriate.
Systemic sclerosis is an autoimmune connective tissue disease that can cause skin thickening and affect blood vessels or internal organs. Assessment involves monitoring symptoms and organ involvement. Treatment is tailored to complications affecting circulation, digestion, lungs and other systems.
Inflammatory myositis refers to autoimmune disorders that cause inflammation and weakness of skeletal muscles. Diagnosis may include blood investigations, muscle imaging, electromyography or biopsy. Treatment often involves immune-modifying medication, physical rehabilitation and monitoring for disease-related complications.
Vasculitis describes inflammation of blood vessels, which may reduce blood supply to affected organs and tissues. Different forms require specialised assessment using clinical findings, laboratory investigations and imaging. Treatment depends on the specific disease and may include immunosuppressive medication.
Takayasu arteritis is a form of large-vessel vasculitis that primarily affects the aorta and its major branches. It may cause vascular narrowing, blood pressure differences or reduced blood supply. Management involves controlling inflammation and monitoring blood vessel changes through appropriate imaging.
Connective tissue diseases include autoimmune conditions that can affect joints, muscles, skin, blood vessels and internal organs. Accurate diagnosis requires reviewing clinical symptoms, autoimmune blood tests and organ-specific investigations. Management aims to reduce inflammation and prevent complications through individualised specialist care.