Rheumatology focuses on diagnosing and managing inflammatory, autoimmune and musculoskeletal conditions affecting joints, muscles and connective tissues. Consultation involves reviewing symptoms, physical examination findings and relevant laboratory or imaging investigations. Treatment depends on the diagnosis, disease activity and whether internal organs are affected.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the joints, often resulting in pain, swelling and morning stiffness. Management may include disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, targeted medicines and rehabilitation. Regular monitoring helps assess inflammation, treatment effectiveness and potential medication-related complications.
Systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune condition that can affect the skin, joints, kidneys, blood and other organs. Symptoms and severity differ between patients. Assessment involves clinical examination and relevant investigations. Treatment may include medicines that regulate immune activity and coordination with other specialists when internal organs are involved.
Systemic sclerosis is an autoimmune connective tissue disorder that can cause skin thickening, circulation abnormalities and internal organ complications. Evaluation may involve blood tests and assessment of the lungs, heart or digestive system when indicated. Treatment focuses on specific symptoms, organ involvement and prevention of complications.
Dermatomyositis and polymyositis are inflammatory muscle disorders that may cause muscle weakness and difficulty performing everyday activities. Dermatomyositis can also produce characteristic skin changes. Evaluation may involve muscle enzymes, antibody testing, imaging and other investigations. Management is selected according to disease activity and associated complications.
Ankylosing spondylitis is a form of inflammatory arthritis that commonly affects the spine and sacroiliac joints. Symptoms may include prolonged back stiffness and pain that improves with movement. Treatment may involve exercise, physiotherapy and appropriate medication, including targeted therapies in selected patients.
Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory joint condition that can occur in people with psoriasis. It may affect peripheral joints, the spine, tendons and surrounding tissues. Assessment considers joint symptoms, skin findings and other medical factors. Treatment is selected according to disease severity and the structures involved.
Gout is an inflammatory arthritis caused by deposits of urate crystals within joints and surrounding tissues. It may cause sudden episodes of severe pain, redness and swelling. Treatment involves controlling acute inflammation and reducing uric acid levels when indicated, together with assessment of associated medical conditions.
Osteoporosis occurs when bone strength decreases, increasing the risk of fractures. Evaluation considers age, medical history, previous fractures and bone density measurements when appropriate. Management may involve exercise, nutritional measures, fall prevention and medication selected according to the individual's fracture risk.
Osteoarthritis is a common joint condition involving changes in cartilage, bone and surrounding structures. It may cause pain, stiffness and reduced mobility. Treatment can include exercise, weight management, suitable pain relief and rehabilitation. Surgical referral may be considered for selected patients with advanced symptoms.
Fibromyalgia is a condition associated with widespread pain, fatigue, sleep disturbance and other symptoms. Diagnosis involves careful clinical evaluation and assessment for alternative causes. Management commonly includes education, appropriate physical activity, sleep-related strategies and selected medicines when indicated.
Tendinitis and related tendon disorders can cause localised pain and difficulty with movement. Evaluation considers the affected tendon, activity-related symptoms and examination findings. Management may include activity modification, rehabilitation and suitable medication, with further investigation or specialist referral when necessary.
Chronic joint pain may develop because of inflammatory arthritis, degenerative disease or other musculoskeletal conditions. Assessment considers the distribution of symptoms, joint swelling, stiffness and relevant investigations. An accurate diagnosis helps determine whether treatment should focus on inflammation control, rehabilitation or other approaches.
Persistent muscle pain may be associated with inflammatory disorders, mechanical problems, medication effects or other conditions. Evaluation involves reviewing symptoms, strength, physical findings and targeted investigations. Treatment depends on the underlying diagnosis and may include medical care, physical rehabilitation or specialist coordination.
Some autoimmune conditions, including antiphospholipid syndrome, may be associated with recurrent pregnancy loss. Assessment involves reviewing obstetric and medical history and using appropriate investigations where clinically indicated. Treatment should be coordinated with obstetric and other relevant specialists and should not be based on antibody results alone.
Long-standing inflammatory arthritis can affect movement, strength and daily activities. Rehabilitation may involve physiotherapy, occupational therapy, joint protection strategies and assistive devices. Treatment aims to preserve function and independence alongside appropriate medical control of the underlying rheumatic condition.