Rheumatology

What is rheumatology:

Rheumatology is a branch of medicine that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and conditions that affect the musculoskeletal system and in particular the joints, soft tissues, and autoimmune disorders. Rheumatologists are medical doctors who specialize in this field and are experts in the management of a wide range of rheumatic diseases, which are often chronic and can cause pain, inflammation, and stiffness in the joints and surrounding tissues. American Wellness Center based in Dubai Healthcare City specializes in Rheumatology.
Which health Conditions rheumatologist diagnose and treat:

At American Wellness Center Dubai, our experienced and UK qualified and trained consultant Rheumatologist offer following services to our valued patients.

• Rheumatoid arthritis: An autoimmune disease that primarily affects the joints, causing inflammation, pain, and joint damage.
• Osteoarthritis: A degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of cartilage and the development of bone spurs, leading to joint pain and stiffness.
• Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE): A systemic autoimmune disease that can affect multiple organs and tissues, including the skin, joints, kidneys, and more.
• Ankylosing spondylitis: An inflammatory arthritis that primarily affects the spine and can lead to stiffness and fusion of the vertebrae.
• Psoriatic arthritis: A type of arthritis that often occurs in individuals with psoriasis, affecting the skin and joints.
• Gout: A form of arthritis caused by the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints, leading to sudden and severe joint pain.
• Sjögren's syndrome: An autoimmune disorder that primarily affects the salivary and lacrimal glands, leading to dry mouth and dry eyes, among other symptoms.
• Juvenile idiopathic arthritis: A group of autoimmune joint disorders that affect children and adolescents.
• Vasculitis: Inflammation of blood vessels that can affect various organs and tissues.
• Polymyalgia rheumatica: An inflammatory condition that primarily causes pain and stiffness in the shoulders, neck, and hips.

When should you see a rheumatologist:

You should consider seeing a rheumatologist if you experience any of the following symptoms or conditions:

• If you have persistent joint pain that lasts for several weeks or is accompanied by swelling, stiffness, or reduced joint mobility, it's a good reason to consult a rheumatologist. This could be due to various forms of arthritis or other rheumatic conditions.
• If you are experiencing symptoms suggestive of an autoimmune disease, such as unexplained fatigue, fever, skin rashes, or multiple joint involvement, a rheumatologist can help diagnose and manage these conditions. Autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or Sjögren's syndrome often require specialized care.
• Unexplained swelling, redness, and inflammation in the joints, skin, or other tissues may be indicative of underlying rheumatic disorders. A rheumatologist can evaluate these symptoms and determine their cause.
• Persistent joint stiffness, especially in the morning or after periods of inactivity, can be a sign of conditions like ankylosing spondylitis, polymyalgia rheumatica, or other rheumatic diseases.
• If you experience recurrent or chronic tendonitis (inflammation of tendons) or bursitis (inflammation of bursae), it may be related to an underlying rheumatic condition that requires specialized evaluation and management.
• If you have received blood tests that show positive results for autoimmune markers or rheumatoid factors and are experiencing symptoms or have a family history of rheumatic diseases, it's advisable to see a rheumatologist for further assessment.
• If you have been previously diagnosed with a rheumatic condition and need ongoing management or experience a change in your symptoms, a rheumatologist can provide expert care and treatment adjustments.
• If you have complex or unexplained symptoms that involve multiple body systems or do not fit a clear diagnosis, a rheumatologist can conduct a comprehensive evaluation and help determine the underlying cause.

At American wellness Center Dubai we emphasize that an early diagnosis and treatment of rheumatic conditions is essential for managing symptoms, preventing joint damage, and improving overall quality of life. Our consultant Rheumatologist uses evidence-based techniques and strategies, a combination of medical history, physical examinations, laboratory tests, and imaging studies to diagnose and manage these conditions. Treatment options may include medications, physical therapy, lifestyle modifications, and, in some cases, surgical interventions.

How we work:

Here's an overview of how our rheumatologist work at AWC Dubai:

• Initial Assessment:
  • We take patient center approach and when you visit our rheumatologist for the first time, he will welcome you without wait time (with appointment) and begin by taking a detailed medical history, including information about your symptoms, duration, and any relevant family history.
  • He will perform a thorough physical examination, paying special attention to your joints, muscles, and other affected areas.
  • The rheumatologist may order various diagnostic tests, including blood tests and imaging studies, to gather more information about your condition.
• Diagnosis:
  • Our highly experienced consultant Rheumatologist is trained and skilled in diagnosing a wide range of rheumatic diseases, and use a combination of clinical judgment, medical history, physical examination, and test results to arrive at a diagnosis.
  • Blood tests may be used to detect markers of inflammation, autoimmune antibodies, or other specific indicators related to certain rheumatic conditions.
• Treatment Planning:
  • Once a diagnosis is established, the rheumatologist will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific condition and needs.
  • Treatment plans may include medications, physical therapy, lifestyle modifications, and sometimes surgical interventions.
  • At American Wellness center, our policy is that our rheumatologist will explain the benefits and potential risks of each treatment option and help you make informed decisions.
• Medication Management:
  • After the initial assessment, diagnosis and discussion of treatment plans, the rheumatologists will prescribe medications to manage symptoms and control inflammation. These medications may include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), biologics, or corticosteroids, among others.
  • Rheumatologists monitor your response to medications and adjust as needed to achieve the best possible outcomes.
• Ongoing Care:
  • As Many rheumatic conditions are chronic, and long-term management is often required. Our doctor rheumatologist has the training to provide ongoing care, which may include regular check-ups and monitoring for potential side effects of medications.
  • We monitor your symptoms and help you manage and adapt to any changes in your condition over time.
• Patient Education:
  • Our consultant Rheumatologist plays his role in educating patients about condition, treatment options, and self-care strategies.
  • At American wellness Center, we provide information on managing symptoms, preventing complications, and improving overall quality of life.
• Multidisciplinary Care:
  • In some cases, our rheumatologist may collaborate with other healthcare specialists, such as physical therapists, occupational therapists, or orthopedic surgeons, to provide comprehensive care.

We have all these services available where the doctors discuss the case in-house and support in improving the conditions of patient without hassle.

Overall, rheumatologists work to improve the quality of life for individuals with rheumatic conditions by providing specialized care, accurate diagnosis, and effective management of these complex and often chronic diseases.

If you suspect you may have a rheumatic condition or are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, it's advisable to seek medical attention and discuss the possibility of seeing a rheumatologist with your healthcare provider or directly book with us.

FAQ:

who needs to see a rheumatologist?

Several individuals may benefit from seeing a rheumatologist. The decision to consult a rheumatologist is often based on the presence of specific symptoms, medical history, and the findings of primary care physicians or other specialists. Here are some groups of people who may need to see a rheumatologist:

• People with Joint Pain or Stiffness: If you experience persistent joint pain, stiffness, swelling, or reduced joint mobility, especially if these symptoms are affecting your daily life, you should consider seeing a rheumatologist. This can be due to various forms of arthritis or other rheumatic conditions.
• Autoimmune Disease Suspects: If you suspect yourself of having an autoimmune disease or are experiencing symptoms like unexplained fatigue, fever, skin rashes, or multiple joint involvement, a rheumatologist can help diagnose and manage these conditions. Autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or Sjögren's syndrome often require specialized care.
• Swelling and Inflammation: Unexplained swelling, redness, and inflammation in the joints, skin, or other tissues may indicate underlying rheumatic disorders. A rheumatologist can evaluate these symptoms and determine their cause.
• Joint or Soft Tissue Pain: Chronic or recurrent tendonitis (inflammation of tendons) or bursitis (inflammation of bursae) can be related to an underlying rheumatic condition that a rheumatologist can assess and treat.
• Positive Autoimmune or Rheumatoid Factor Tests: If blood tests have revealed positive results for autoimmune markers or rheumatoid factors, and you are experiencing symptoms or have a family history of rheumatic diseases, it's advisable to consult a rheumatologist for further evaluation.
• Previous Rheumatic Diagnosis: If you have been previously diagnosed with a rheumatic condition and need ongoing management or experience a change in your symptoms, a rheumatologist can provide expert care and treatment adjustments.
• Complex or Unexplained Symptoms: If you have complex or unexplained symptoms that involve multiple body systems or do not fit a clear diagnosis, a rheumatologist can conduct a comprehensive evaluation and help determine the underlying cause.
• Follow-Up Care: If you have an existing rheumatic condition and require specialized follow-up care or have questions about your treatment plan, a rheumatologist can provide ongoing support.
  

It is important to note that while rheumatologists specialize in musculoskeletal and autoimmune disorders, not everyone with joint pain or related symptoms will require their services. Primary care physicians can often initiate the evaluation process and refer patients to a rheumatologist when needed. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for managing rheumatic conditions effectively, so if you suspect you may have one, it's essential to seek medical attention and discuss the possibility of seeing a rheumatologist with your healthcare provider. 

Give us a call or Visit us in Dubai Healthcare City today.