Rheumatology

Have a Question

Rheumatology

At Prashanth Hospitals, our expert rheumatologists offer comprehensive care, advanced treatments, and personalized management plans to help patients achieve better health and improved quality of life. With state-of-the-art facilities and a patient-centered approach, we are committed to providing top-notch rheumatological care in Chennai. Choose us for expert care and compassionate support for all your rheumatological needs.

Rheumatology is a specialized field of medicine focused on diagnosing, treating, and managing disorders affecting the joints, muscles, and connective tissues. This branch of medicine addresses a wide spectrum of conditions, ranging from arthritis and autoimmune diseases to metabolic bone disorders and soft tissue conditions. Rheumatologists, the specialists in this field, are trained to identify the subtle signs and symptoms of these often complex and overlapping conditions.

Comprehensive Care

Arthritis: This encompasses various types, such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and gout. Each type has distinct characteristics and requires a targeted treatment approach.
Autoimmune Diseases: Conditions like lupus, scleroderma, and Sjögren’s syndrome fall under this category. These diseases occur when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues.
Osteoporosis and Metabolic Bone Diseases: These conditions weaken the bones, making them more prone to fractures. Management includes lifestyle changes, medications, and monitoring bone density.
Soft Tissue Conditions: Conditions like tendinitis and bursitis affect the soft tissues surrounding joints and bones, causing pain and limiting movement.

Recognizing the Symptoms

Joint Pain and Swelling: Persistent pain and swelling in one or more joints are hallmark symptoms. This pain may be constant or may come and go. Swelling can cause the affected joints to appear larger than normal.
Morning Stiffness: Many individuals with rheumatic conditions experience stiffness, especially in the morning or after periods of inactivity. This stiffness can last for an hour or more, making it difficult to move and perform daily activities.
Fatigue: Chronic fatigue and a general sense of feeling unwell are common. This fatigue is not relieved by rest and can severely impact a person’s ability to carry out daily tasks.
Fever and Weight Loss: Some autoimmune rheumatic diseases, such as lupus, can cause unexplained fevers and weight loss. These systemic symptoms indicate widespread inflammation affecting multiple body systems.
Redness and Warmth in Joints: Inflamed joints may appear red and feel warm to the touch. This is due to increased blood flow and inflammatory activity in the affected area.
Muscle Pain and Weakness: In addition to joint pain, muscle pain (myalgia) and weakness can occur, further limiting mobility and function

Causes and Risk Factors

Genetics: A family history of rheumatic diseases increases the risk, with genetic markers making individuals more susceptible to autoimmune conditions.
Age: The risk of rheumatic diseases like osteoarthritis rises with age due to joint wear and tear, though some affect younger individuals.
Gender: Women are more prone to rheumatic diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and fibromyalgia due to hormonal and immune system differences.
Infections: Bacterial and viral infections, such as streptococcal, can trigger rheumatic diseases by provoking autoimmune responses.
Lifestyle Factors: Unhealthy habits like smoking, obesity, and inactivity increase the risk of rheumatic diseases, with smoking linked to rheumatoid arthritis.
Environmental Factors: Exposure to toxins and pollutants, such as silica dust, increases the risk of autoimmune conditions like scleroderma.

Treatments

Joint Replacement Surgery: This involves replacing a damaged joint with an artificial implant. It is commonly performed on the hip and knee joints, which are frequently affected by severe arthritis. Joint replacement can significantly reduce pain and restore mobility, allowing patients to return to their daily activities with improved function.
Synovectomy: This procedure involves the removal of inflamed synovial tissue that lines the joint. Synovectomy can reduce pain and swelling in patients with persistent synovitis, a condition often associated with rheumatoid arthritis. It is typically performed using minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques, which promote faster recovery.
Arthroscopy: A minimally invasive surgical technique used to diagnose and treat joint problems. During an arthroscopy, a small camera is inserted into the joint through a tiny incision, allowing the surgeon to visualize and treat the damaged area. Arthroscopy can be used for a variety of procedures, including synovectomy, cartilage repair, and removal of loose bodies within the joint.
Tendon Repair: In cases where tendons around the joint are severely damaged, surgical repair may be required. This procedure involves suturing the torn tendons back together, allowing them to heal properly and restore normal joint function. Tendon repair is crucial for maintaining the stability and strength of the affected joint.
Osteotomy: This surgical procedure involves cutting and realigning bones to correct deformities caused by arthritis or other rheumatic conditions. Osteotomy can help redistribute weight-bearing forces on the joint, thereby reducing pain and improving function. It is often used as an alternative to joint replacement in younger patients.

Why Choose Prashanth Hospitals

Expert Rheumatologists

Our team of highly qualified rheumatologists provides exceptional care, using the latest advancements in diagnosing and treating rheumatic diseases.

Comprehensive Care

We offer a full range of services, including diagnostics, personalized treatment plans, and ongoing management for all rheumatic conditions.

Advanced Technology

Prashanth Hospitals is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, ensuring accurate diagnosis and effective treatment for improved patient outcomes.

Multidisciplinary Approach

Our collaborative approach involves specialists from various fields, providing integrated care tailored to each patient’s unique needs.

Patient Centered Care

We prioritize our patients’ comfort and well-being, offering compassionate care and support throughout their treatment journey.

Cutting Edge Research

Our commitment to research and innovation provides patients access to the latest treatments and clinical trials in rheumatology.

Our Specialists

Have a Question

Related Events

Prashanth Birthing Boutique – Where Every Birth is Special!

Introducing our Neuro Wellness Check at Prashanth Hospitals!

Physiotherapy at Home

Related Packages