Rheumatology

At Max Healthcare, we are proud to have a team of experienced and board-certified rheumatologists. They possess an in-depth understanding of the complexities associated with rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, osteoarthritis, gout, ankylosing spondylitis, and many others. Our rheumatologists combine their clinical expertise with compassion and personalised care to create tailored treatment plans for each patient.

Accurate and timely diagnosis is crucial in rheumatology care. Max Healthcare is equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic facilities that aid in the early detection and assessment of rheumatic diseases. Our advanced imaging technologies, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound, and X-ray, enable detailed evaluation of joint and musculoskeletal structures. Additionally, we offer laboratory services to conduct comprehensive blood tests, including autoantibody profiles, inflammatory markers, and genetic studies, facilitating precise diagnosis and monitoring of disease activity.

Our rheumatology team collaborates with other specialists, including physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and orthopaedic surgeons, to deliver comprehensive care. 

Here are some of the diseases commonly treated under rheumatology:

• Rheumatoid Arthritis: Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune disease that primarily affects the joints, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness.

• Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease characterised by the breakdown of joint cartilage, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.

• Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE): An autoimmune disease that can affect joints, skin, kidneys, heart, and lungs.

• Psoriatic Arthritis: Psoriatic Arthritis affects some individuals with psoriasis, causing joint pain, stiffness, and inflammation.

• Ankylosing Spondylitis: A chronic inflammatory arthritis primarily affecting the spine and sacroiliac joints, leading to back pain, stiffness, and fusion of the spine over time.

• Gout: It is caused by the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints, resulting in sudden and severe joint pain, usually in the big toe.

• Sjögren's Syndrome: An autoimmune disorder characterised by dry eyes and dry mouth, often accompanied by joint pain and fatigue.

• Vasculitis: A group of disorders characterised by inflammation of blood vessels, which can affect various organs, including the skin, kidneys, lungs, and joints.

• Polymyalgia rheumatica: An inflammatory disorder causing muscle pain and stiffness.

• Scleroderma: A group of rare autoimmune diseases that cause thickening and hardening of the skin and connective tissues, often affecting the joints and internal organs.

• Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA): Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis occurs in children, usually under the age of 16, with various subtypes and presentations.

Some of the treatment modalities available at Max Healthcare include:

• Medications: We employ the latest and most effective medications, including disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), biologic agents, corticosteroids, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), to manage symptoms, control inflammation, and slow the progression of rheumatic diseases.

• Physical and Occupational Therapy: Our skilled physiotherapists and occupational therapists develop customised exercise programs to improve joint flexibility, strength, and mobility. These therapies also focus on minimising pain and enhancing daily activities and quality of life.

• Conservative Procedures: Max Healthcare offers joint injections, nerve blocks, and viscosupplementation to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation, thereby enhancing joint function.

• Surgical Interventions: When conservative treatments do not provide sufficient relief, our rheumatologists collaborate with orthopaedic surgeons to explore surgical options. Max Healthcare has advanced facilities and expertise in joint replacements, arthroscopic procedures, and corrective surgeries for deformities caused by rheumatic diseases.

We believe in empowering patients with knowledge and support. We provide comprehensive patient education programs, including seminars, workshops, and informational materials, to help individuals understand their condition, manage symptoms, and make informed decisions regarding treatment options. 

Max Healthcare is committed to advancing rheumatology care by integrating clinical expertise, cutting-edge technology, and a patient-centric approach. Schedule an appointment with the top-notch Rheumatologists today.

Rheumatology: It 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

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.

Some of the major conditions treated are:

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

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:
  1. Intensity of pain
  2. Location of pain, including symptoms like stiffness and swelling
  3. Condition throughout the day
  4. Body positions, medication and other things that provide relief from symptoms
  5. 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:
  1. Urine test
  2. Blood tests
  3. 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:
  1. Medication:
     1. Non-narcotic analgesics
     2. Narcotic analgesics
     3. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs)
     4. Corticosteroids
     5. Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs)
     6. Biologic response modifiers (biologics)
  2. Specific exercise regimes to increase muscle strength and joint flexibility
  3. Physical therapy
  4. Hot and Cold therapy
  5. Relaxation therapy
  6. Occupational therapy
  7. Support weak joints using braces, splints, and assistive devices
  8. Surgery (particularly for arthritis)

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.