Rheumatology Overview

What is Rheumatology?

Rheumatology is a specialised field of medicine focused on diagnosing, managing, and treating autoimmune and inflammatory diseases that affect the joints, muscles, bones, and connective tissues. These conditions, collectively known as rheumatic diseases, often involve chronic inflammation, pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Some may also impact internal organs, skin, and blood vessels.

Rheumatic diseases can be autoimmune, where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues, or degenerative, often resulting from wear and tear. Early diagnosis and expert care are crucial to managing these conditions and preventing long-term complications.

Who is a Rheumatologist?

A rheumatologist is a medical doctor with advanced training in the diagnosis and treatment of systemic autoimmune and musculoskeletal disorders. These specialists focus on complex conditions like:

· Rheumatoid Arthritis

· Lupus (SLE)

· Psoriatic Arthritis

· Sjögren’s Syndrome

· Vasculitis

· Osteoarthritis and Gout

Rheumatologists work closely with other specialists, including orthopaedic surgeons, dermatologists, nephrologists, and immunologists, to provide a comprehensive treatment approach.

Diseases Treated by Rheumatologists

Rheumatologists manage more than 100 types of diseases, including:

· Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)

· Psoriatic arthritis

· Ankylosing spondylitis

· Gout

· Lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus)

· Osteoarthritis

· Vasculitis

· Scleroderma

· Sjögren’s syndrome

· Polymyalgia rheumatica

· Inflammatory myopathies (e.g., polymyositis, dermatomyositis)

· Sarcoidosis

· Fibromyalgia

· Juvenile idiopathic arthritis

· Tendinitis and bursitis

· Behçet’s disease

· Chronic back pain and reactive arthritis

Procedures and Diagnostic Tests in Rheumatology

To accurately diagnose and manage rheumatic diseases, rheumatologists perform a combination of:

Clinical Exams

· Detailed physical assessment

· Joint mobility evaluation

· Inflammation detection

Laboratory Tests

· Blood tests (CRP, ESR, ANA, Rheumatoid Factor)

· Genetic markers (e.g., HLA-B27, HLA-DR4)

· Joint fluid analysis (aspiration)

Imaging

· X-rays

· Ultrasound

· CT scans and MRI

· Bone density tests (DEXA scan)

Treatments Offered by Rheumatologists

Rheumatic disease treatment is individualised based on diagnosis, severity, and response to therapy. Treatment options include:

· DMARDs (Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs)

· Biologic agents & targeted therapies

· Corticosteroid injections into inflamed joints

· NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen) for pain and inflammation

· Joint aspirations to relieve swelling and analyse the fluid

· Physical and occupational therapy

· Orthotics and assistive devices

· Lifestyle and diet counselling

When Should You See a Rheumatologist?

You should consider seeing a rheumatologist if you experience:

· Joint pain or stiffness lasting more than a few weeks

· Swelling in joints, especially if symmetrical

· Fatigue, unexplained fever, or weight loss

· Rashes associated with joint pain (e.g., lupus rash)

· Family history of autoimmune diseases

· Pain that worsens with rest

· Chronic back pain or unexplained inflammation

Why Choose Medassure Healthcare for Rheumatology Services?

At Medassure Healthcare, we connect patients to top rheumatologists in India who offer world-class diagnostics, personalised treatment, and compassionate care.

We Offer:

· Access to India’s leading rheumatology specialists

· Expert care for complex autoimmune and joint disorders

· Coordination with multi-speciality teams for integrated treatment

· Affordable, transparent packages for international and domestic patients

· End-to-end support: travel, accommodation, hospital coordination

· Personalised care for lifelong conditions

· Assistance with follow-up care, medication access, and rehabilitation

Take the First Step Toward Relief

Don’t let joint pain, fatigue, or inflammation limit your life. Partner with Medassure Healthcare Services for expert rheumatology care rooted in experience and trust.