Rheumatology is a specialized field of medicine focused on the diagnosis, prevention, management, and treatment of rheumatological disorders. These conditions encompass autoimmune and inflammatory musculoskeletal diseases that impact the bones, joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
In certain cases, rheumatological conditions can also affect the skin, blood vessels, nerves, and other internal organs. Many of these disorders involve the body’s immune system or are linked to immune system abnormalities, and they can occur in individuals of all ages.
Understanding Immunity and Autoimmune Diseases
An autoimmune disease arises when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own cells, tissues, or organs. While immune cells typically protect against infections, in autoimmune disorders, they may begin to damage healthy cells due to various factors, including genetics, infections, and environmental influences. Symptoms can vary widely, presenting as both organ-specific and systemic issues such as fatigue, low-grade fever, weight loss, reduced appetite, and muscle pain.
Common autoimmune diseases include:
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
- Ankylosing spondylitis (AS)
- Psoriatic arthritis (PsA)
- Reactive arthritis
- Spondyloarthritis
- Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA)
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE or Lupus)
- Systemic sclerosis (Scleroderma)
- Sjögren syndrome
- Multiple vasculitis diseases
- Myositis
- Sarcoidosis
- Thyroiditis
- Multiple sclerosis
Autoimmune disorders impact approximately 1-3% of the population, with 75% of those affected being women. However, many individuals, including primary care providers, may not be fully aware of these conditions. Our department is well-equipped to manage all autoimmune diseases, staffed by expert healthcare professionals.
About Arthritis
Arthritis is a term that describes joint pain, swelling, or stiffness and is not a disease itself. Over 100 conditions can lead to arthritis, which affects people of all ages, races, and genders. It is the leading cause of disability worldwide and is most prevalent among women. Contrary to common belief, arthritis is not solely an age-related condition, although some types are more frequent in older individuals.
Common symptoms of arthritis include joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and reduced range of motion, which can vary from mild to severe and may be persistent or intermittent. Chronic arthritis can lead to significant pain, difficulty in daily activities, and mobility challenges. It can also cause permanent joint changes, some of which may only be visible through X-rays. Additionally, certain types of arthritis can affect the heart, eyes, lungs, kidneys, and skin.
Conditions Treated in Rheumatology
Our rheumatology specialists manage a range of conditions, including:
- Inflammatory Joint Disease: Often referred to as rheumatoid arthritis, this chronic condition results from an overactive immune response affecting multiple joints and can lead to significant joint damage if untreated.
- Autoimmune Diseases: These conditions occur when the immune system mistakenly targets healthy cells. Examples include lupus, coeliac disease, and multiple sclerosis.
- Degenerative Joint Disease: Also known as osteoarthritis, this occurs when joints deteriorate due to aging and wear, leading to painful symptoms.
- Soft Tissue Disorders: These involve inflammation of muscles, tendons, and ligaments due to repetitive low-grade trauma rather than arthritis.
- Metabolic Bone Disorders: Conditions like osteoporosis arise from inadequate bone strength or mineral abnormalities.
- Crystal Arthropathies: Resulting from crystal deposits in joints, conditions like gout can cause significant discomfort and joint damage.
- Musculoskeletal Infections: These infections affect the bones, joints, or muscles and can occur at any age.
Common Rheumatological & Autoimmune Diseases (Consult a Rheumatologist)
- Spondyloarthritis
- Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
- Sjögren Syndrome
- Scleroderma
- Myositis
- Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (MCTD) & Undifferentiated Connective Tissue Disease (UCTD)
- Systemic Vasculitis
- Sarcoidosis
- Relapsing Polychondritis
- IgG4-related Diseases
- Behçet’s Disease
- Kawasaki Disease
- Infective Arthritis
- Osteoarthritis
- Diabetes & Thyroid-Related Joint Diseases
- Gout
- Osteoporosis
- Spondyloarthropathies
- Vasculitis
- Soft Tissue Rheumatism
- Polymyositis
- Psoriatic Arthritis
- Tendinitis
- Bursitis
- Adult-Onset Still’s Disease (AOSD)
Common Symptoms of Rheumatological & Autoimmune Diseases
- Joint pain and stiffness
- Swelling in one or more joints
- Chronic low back or neck pain
- Persistent low-grade fever
- Muscle pain or weakness
- Fatigue and reduced appetite
- Unintentional weight loss
- Nonscarring hair loss
- Photosensitivity rashes or ulcers
- Dryness in the eyes or mouth
- Skin thickening or tightening
- Hand deformities
- Cold-induced finger discoloration
- Recurrent oral ulcers and infections
- Unexplained kidney failure
- Persistent dry cough and shortness of breath
Treatment Protocols in Rheumatology
Upon evaluation, your rheumatologist will thoroughly assess your medical history and symptoms, ordering various diagnostic tests such as X-rays, bone density tests, and CT scans as necessary. Based on the evaluation, the care team will recommend treatment options tailored to your needs, which may include:
- Medications
- Exercise and physical therapy
- Dietary management
- Assistive devices like splints or braces
- Minor outpatient procedures (under anesthesia) including:
- Skin, muscle, nerve, or sublingual gland biopsies
- Intraarticular joint aspiration
- Local intralesional injections
Why Choose Us for Rheumatology?
- A renowned team of rheumatologists
- In-house physiotherapy and rehabilitation center
- A multidisciplinary team-based approach
- Computer-assisted navigation surgeries
The Department of Clinical Immunology & Rheumatology at Yupiter Hospital is a super-specialty division of Internal Medicine, dedicated to the medical management of all types of arthritis, connective tissue disorders, and immune-related diseases. Our rheumatologists are experts in managing musculoskeletal diseases and autoimmune disorders, with a commitment to alleviating pain and suffering associated with these conditions.
