Rheumatology traditionally covers a wide array of conditions that cause pain, swelling, stiffness, and loss of function, primarily in joints but also in connective tissues and organs affected by systemic inflammation and autoimmunity. Rheumatologists are physicians trained to identify subtle clinical signs, differentiate between overlapping disease processes, and apply targeted therapies to control symptoms and disease progression, often avoiding surgery.
Common Diseases and Disorders in Rheumatology
Rheumatic diseases include over 200 disorders, but the most prevalent categories include:
Autoimmune and Inflammatory Disorders
- Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): A chronic systemic autoimmune disease leading to joint inflammation, pain, deformity, and disability.
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE): A multi-organ autoimmune disorder with skin, joint, kidney, and nervous system involvement.
- Spondyloarthritis: Including ankylosing spondylitis and psoriatic arthritis affecting the spine and peripheral joints.
- Vasculitis: Inflammation of blood vessels causing organ damage.
Degenerative and Mechanical Disorders
- Osteoarthritis (OA): Degenerative joint disease causing cartilage breakdown and joint pain.
- Fibromyalgia: Widespread musculoskeletal pain with fatigue and cognitive symptoms.
- Gout and Pseudogout: Crystal-induced arthritis causing acute pain and swelling.
Soft Tissue and Systemic Conditions
- Polymyalgia Rheumatica: Characterized by muscle pain and stiffness, especially in older adults.
- Myositis: Inflammatory muscle diseases causing weakness.
- Connective Tissue Diseases: Complex disorders such as scleroderma affecting skin and internal organs.
Diagnostic Approach
Rheumatologists utilize a combination of clinical history, physical examination, laboratory testing, and imaging to establish precise diagnoses:
- Detailed patient history emphasizing symptom pattern, family history, and systemic signs.
- Blood work including inflammatory markers (ESR, CRP), autoantibodies (RF, anti-CCP, ANA), and metabolic profiles.
- Radiologic imaging: X-rays, ultrasound, MRI to assess joint damage and inflammation.
- Synovial fluid analysis and tissue biopsies when required.
Treatment Modalities
Management is individualized and may include:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for symptom relief.
- Corticosteroids for rapid control of inflammation.
- Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) including methotrexate to slow disease progression.
- Biologic agents targeting specific immune pathways, revolutionizing treatment outcomes.
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation to restore function.
- Surgical intervention in advanced joint destruction cases.
Ongoing monitoring is crucial to adjust therapy and prevent complications.
Advances in Rheumatology
Recent breakthroughs include novel biologic drugs, targeted small molecules, and personalized medicine based on genetic and molecular profiling, enhancing patient quality of life. Telemedicine and integrative health approaches expand access and support.
Liv Hospital’s Rheumatology Services
Liv Hospital provides expert rheumatology consultation and care, supported by multidisciplinary teams, modern diagnostic tools, and personalized treatment plans. Their services cater to both common and rare rheumatic diseases, combining medical management with rehabilitation and patient education.
Patients benefit from innovations in biologic therapy, coordinated subspecialty care, and ongoing support offered at the Liv Hospital Rheumatology Department. Families seeking advanced, compassionate rheumatologic care can contact Liv Hospital via the homepage or the dedicated Rheumatology Clinic.