FAQs On Rheumatology

Q-Who is a Rheumatologist?

Ans- A Rheumatologist is a specialist who deals with the diagnosis and treatment of patients with joint and musculoskeletal problems. He/she first has to specialise as a physician and then receives additional training and experience in the diagnosis and treatment of arthritis and related musculoskeletal conditions.

 

Q- What is arthritis?

Ans- Arthritis literally means inflammation of a joint. This is due to inflammation of the joint lining called synovium, which results in joint swelling and causes pain and stiffness as the main symptoms.

 

Q- How do you know whether you have arthritis?

Ans- Patients with Arthritis may experience the following symptoms: pain and swelling of one or more joints, feel stiffness in the joints - more in the morning, redness and warmth of the affected joints and these symptoms van be recurrent or persistent.

 

Q- Is it seen only in elderly people?

Ans- No, this is a common misconception. Arthritis can affect any age group- even children. However, osteoarthritis which is a disease of the cartilage of the joint (also referred to as ‘wear and tear’ arthritis), affects older people.

 

Q- Is arthritis more common in women?

Ans- Yes, arthritis generally is more common in women than men. Rheumatoid arthritis is 3 times more common in women.

 

Q- What is osteoarthritis?

Ans- It is a disease of the cartilage- the soft material between the bones of a joint. The loss of this cartilage results in changes at the joint. This is seen generally in older individuals, with symptoms starting only after 45 to 50 years of age.

 

Q- What are the risk factors for osteoarthritis?

Ans- A genetic predisposition is the most important risk factor. Other factors that may impact osteoarthritis are: Obesity, Mechanical/surgical trauma to a joint, Excessive use of a joint such as with impact sports or ballet dancers.

 

Q- Any special diet for arthritis?

Ans- No special diet is required for arthritis patients except Gout where a diet low in animal protein and limiting alcohol intake can be helpful in the overall treatment.

 

Q- Will exercise help my joints?

Ans- Exercise is important to maintain the flexibility, range of movement at the joint and to strengthen the muscles. However, exercise will not reduce joint inflammation and usually should be started, only after effective control of inflammation with proper therapy.

 

Q- What is the difference between a Rheumatologist and an Orthopedic Surgeon?

Ans- Rheumatologists are Physicians and Orthopaedic surgeons are surgeons; therefore all medically related joint disorders are dealt by a Rheumatologist. When the joints are badly damaged or when there are fractures, then you need to consult an orthopedic surgeon

 

Q- What do Rheumatologists treat?

Ans- Rheumatologists are specially trained to deal with different arthritic conditions, autoimmune disorders, metabolic bone diseases and soft tissue rheumatic conditions.

 

Q- What are the common Rheumatological conditions in general population?

Ans- Rheumatological conditions can be considered under two main headings- inflammatory or non-inflammatory.

The inflammatory conditions include: Rheumatoid Arthritis; SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus); Gout and other crystal deposition diseases; Connective tissue diseases (Scleroderma, Wegener’s, Churg-strauss, Polyarteritis nodosa, MCTD, Polymyositis, Dermatomyositis, Polymyalgia Rheumatica, Giant cell arteritis); Ankylosing Spondylitis; Psoriatic Arthritis; Reactive Arthritis; Juvenile (Paediatric) Idiopathic Arthritis.

The non-inflammatory conditions include: Osteoarthritis; Osteoporosis; Osteomalacia; Rickets; low back pain; Fibromyalgia; Tendonitis and bursitis.

 

Q- What are the commonly used drugs in the treatment of arthritis?

Ans- The drugs/medicines used for the treatment of arthritis and related disorders can be classified under the following categories:

1.    Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs): These drugs, as the name implies, are anti-inflammatory and are not steroids. They are commonly referred to as ‘pain-killers’. However, they work by reducing inflammation and in addition also have pain relieving (analgesic) properties. They do not have any specific disease modifying or controlling actions, but can be useful for symptomatic benefit. Some NSDAIDs are: Ibuprofen, Diclofenac, Naproxen etc. There is a group of NSAIDs called Cox-II inhibitors that are considered to be easier on the stomach and they include: Etoricoxib and Celecoxib.

2.    Analgesics: These include: Paracetamol and Tramadol and are ‘pure’ pain relievers.

3.    Disease-Modifying Drugs (DMARDs): These are medicines that have a specific disease modifying/controlling effect and are also referred to as immuno-suppressants. These include: Chloroquine, Methotrexate, Sulfasalazine, Azathiaprine, Cyclophosphamide etc.

4.    Miscellaneous: There are a number of other medicines that may be used, such as Colchicine, Allopurinol or Febuxostat, used for Gout.

 

 

Q- How can a Rheumatologist help you?

Ans- A Rheumatologist helps by:

1.    Evaluating a patient with joint complaints and making a correct diagnosis;

2.    Planning the correct treatment for the patient;

3.    Monitoring the patient periodically as indicated, to recognise and complications and/or side effects as early as possible;

4.    In preventing joint damage and improving quality of life of the patient.