Rheumatic Diseases

The Rheumatic Diseases Unit at BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital provides exceptional patient care, comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic services to patients with a broad range of musculoskeletal problems. The world-class treatment services offered at the Unit include proper diagnosis, medication for pain and inflammation, disease-specific treatment approach and comprehensive care throughout the journey of the treatment.

What is Rheumatology And Rheumatic Diseases?

Rheumatology: Rheumatology is a sub-speciality of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases related to rheumatic or musculoskeletal disorders.

Rheumatic Diseases: These diseases are characterised by inflammation that affects the connecting or supporting structures of the body — most commonly the joints, but also sometimes the tendons, ligaments, bones, and muscles. It encompasses the following spectrum of diseases:

• Arthritis: Joint Inflammation
• Connective Tissue Diseases: Inherent or autoimmune diseases of connective tissues that causes inflammation
• Musculoskeletal Disorders: Diseases of bone, joints, cartilage, muscles, ligaments and tendons

What are the Indicators of Rheumatic Diseases?

The major indicators of Rheumatic diseases are:

• Joint pain and swelling
• Tightening of the skin
• Redness in the area of joint
• Loss of motion in a joint or joints
• Inflammation in joints
• Swelling in the affected area
• Warmth in a joint or affected area
• Fingertips turning blue
• Dryness in eyes, mouth and other body parts
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Loss of weight
• Rashes on different body parts

The symptoms may vary from person to person. A doctor can examine a person, evaluate the symptoms and recommend proper treatment plan accordingly.

What are the Conditions Treated Under the Unit of Rheumatology?

Some of the major conditions treated are:

• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
• Reactive Arthritis
• Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
• Spondyloarthropathies
• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS)
• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA)
• Lupus
• Gout
• Scleroderma
• Sjogren’s Syndrome
• Polymyalgia Rheumatica

What are the Treatment Options for Rheumatic Diseases?

Rheumatic diseases are generally chronic conditions that are not fully curable. However, there is effective management plan available for most of the conditions associated with such diseases.

• The doctor will evaluate the patient’s condition on the basis of:
• Intensity of pain
• Location of pain, including symptoms like stiffness and swelling
• Condition throughout the day
• Body positions, medication and other things that provide relief from symptoms
• Factors that worsen the pain
• The doctor will also take into consideration any family history related to autoimmune diseases
• The patient may have to undertake:
• Urine test
• Blood tests
• Imaging tests

These tests will help detect markers of inflammation, abnormal blood counts, antibodies associated with certain diseases, and abnormal organ function, cartilage loss, fluid build-up, soft tissue tears, bone or joint erosion and damage, among other things.

According to the evaluation, the patient might be recommended the following treatment plan:

• Medication:
• Non-narcotic analgesics
• Narcotic analgesics
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs)
• Corticosteroids
• Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs)
• Biologic response modifiers (biologics)
• Specific exercise regimes to increase muscle strength and joint flexibility
• Physical therapy
• Hot and Cold therapy
• Relaxation therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Support weak joints using braces, splints, and assistive devices
• Surgery (particularly for arthritis)

What are the Precautions One Must Take to Reduce the Effect of Rheumatic Diseases?

Certain precautions can be followed to reduce the effect of Rheumatic diseases:

• Quit Smoking: Studies have shown that smoking elevates the risk associated with rheumatic diseases
• Lose The Extra Body Weight: A balance body weight is a must for keeping the musculoskeletal in good condition
• Limit Exposure To Environmental Pollution: Researches have shown that exposure to environmental pollutants might increase the risk of rheumatic diseases
• Get Immediate Help: While experiencing any discomfort in joints or other body parts, seek immediate help without any delay

Risk factors that can’t be avoided:

• Age: With increasing age risk of developing arthritis increases
• Gender: Women have higher chances of developing arthritis than men
• Heredity: There are various types of arthritis which are linked to certain genes

Risk factors that may be avoided:

• Obesity: Being overweight can damage the knee joints, thus making a person prone to rheumatic diseases
• Injury: Damage to joints due to injuries or accidents are more likely to convert into arthritis
• Infection: Infection in joints can result in reactive arthritis
• Occupation: Job that involves repeated bending or squatting can elevate risk of knee arthritis

One can easily reduce the risk of Arthritis by taking proper care of health, maintaining an active & healthy lifestyle and avoiding delay in getting routine health check done.