Rheumatologist in Mumbai

Rheumatology is derived from the Greek term “rheuma,” which means “flowing,” and is found in the Hippocratic corpus. Hippocrates created several aphorisms about gout, which are now known as “gout aphorisms.” Many renowned medieval paintings illustrate ailments of the joints.

Is it possible that my inflammatory arthritis is causing my joint symptoms?

What are the most common causes of inflammatory arthritis that aren’t affecting my joints?

Is it necessary for me to take a DMARD?

What can I do if my arthritis symptoms flare up?

Rheumatology is a sub speciality of medicine which deals with the diseases of the joints, soft tissues ( muscles , tendon and ligaments) and autoimmune immune diseases . Rheumatology was derived from the term Rheumatism which means body pain or joint pain.

Rheumatologist is a physician doctor who has specialised training in the treatment of various types of arthritis and autoimmune immune diseases.

The word arthritis means inflammation ( swelling, redness, pain) of one or more joints. Arthritis is not a disease by itself but it is symptom of some disease.

Autoimmune and inflammatory conditions known as rheumatic diseases make the immune system attack a person’s joints, muscles, bones, and organs.

Common rheumatic diseases include Rheumatoid Arthritis, Osteoarthritis, Fibromyalgia, Ankylosing Spondylitis, Psoriatic Arthritis, Connective Tissue Diseases like SLE, Sjogren Syndrome, Scleroderma, etc.

• Swelling in one or more joints. For instance this might be your wrist , elbow or knee or small joints of hands or feet.
• Stiffness of the joints lasting for more than 30-45 minutes starting in the morning.
• Joint pain and tenderness.
• Inflammation: your joint can look red or feel warm to touch.

If you experience any of the above mentioned symptoms then a visit to a rheumatologist is required.

It is crucial that  patients get diagnosed in the initial weeks to months following the onset of symptoms, known as the “window of opportunity “ and get appropriate treatment during this time frame to avoid long term complications (joint damage and deformity).

Rheumatic diseases whether inflammatory or non-inflammatory, can reduce life expectancy and impact quality of life.

Therefore, appropriate treatment is needed to minimize mortality. However, it is recommended that patients with co-morbidities such as hypertension and high blood cholesterol be reviewed regularly.

The fear of medication is perfectly reasonable. But this can also be due to a lack of information. People seem to be more scared of the medicine than the disease, which should be the other way round.

The side effect of the disease is 100% which, if not treated, can lead to joint damage, deformity, and significant organ involvement in more severe rheumatic disorders.

Due to fear of potential side effects, patients tend to either discontinue their medications or take them occasionally. This causes the disease to flare or become resistant to the existing drugs. Side effects of any medication are 2-3 %, which can be managed with regular follow-up and lab parameters.

A rheumatologist specialises in the medical aspects of arthritis and other musculoskeletal disorders, while an orthopaedic surgeon specialises in injuries or surgical aspect. Ideally one should first visit a Rheumatologist and if required you will be referred to an orthopaedic surgeon.

– Prevention

– Early diagnosis and treatment for control of disease

– Containment or Salvage

Providing a holistic well-rounded approach to treatment has been found to be the most effective strategy.

A rheumatologist specializes in the medical aspects of arthritis and other musculoskeletal disorders, while an orthopedic surgeon specializes in injuries or surgical elements. Ideally, one should first visit a Rheumatologist, and if required, you will be referred to an orthopedic surgeon.