What treatments are available for rheumatological conditions?
Treatment depends on the specific condition and may include medicines, biologic therapy, injections, nerve or artery blocks, rehabilitation and other specialist care.
Can rheumatic diseases affect organs other than the joints?
yes. Some autoimmune and connective tissue diseases can affect organs such as the skin, eyes, lungs, nerves and blood vessels.
When should someone see a rheumatologist for joint pain?
Persistent joint pain, swelling, stiffness or other symptoms affecting daily activities may require evaluation by a rheumatologist, especially when an inflammatory or autoimmune condition is suspected.
What conditions does a rheumatologist treat?
Rheumatologists diagnose and manage conditions affecting the joints, muscles, bones, tendons, ligaments and connective tissues, including autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
What is the role of a rheumatologist in a patient's treatment journey?
Rheumatologists in Kochi at Aster Medicity Hospital ensure patients’ recovery journeys are successful, helping them overcome severe autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. From diagnosing patients to deciding on treatment plans, rheumatologists play a vital role in ensuring that patients receive the utmost treatment and care.
How should I prepare for my first visit to a rheumatologist?
Patients are advised to prepare by carrying all medical reports and documents related to their health conditions. They should also bring insurance cards and referral letters from primary care doctors, a list of current medicines, and a list of symptoms they experience. This information helps specialists determine personalised treatment plans.
When should I consider seeing a rheumatologist?
Physicians sometimes find it challenging to determine the cause of persistent joint and muscle pain. Therefore, patients must see a rheumatologist in Kochi to identify the root cause. Further, when patients are diagnosed with arthritis or a rheumatic disease such as osteoarthritis, SLE, vasculitis, or APS, it is advisable to see medical specialists at Aster Medcity Hospital in Kochi.
What documents should I carry on my first visit to a rheumatologist?
Patients must carry the documents for their blood test reports of antinuclear antibodies, rheumatoid factor, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate. They should also carry a list of current symptoms they experience, like joint pain or swelling, along with inherited medical disorders and related documents.
What are the most common types of conditions that rheumatologists treat?
Major conditions that rheumatologists at Aster Medcity Hospital treat are autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, tendonitis, fibromyalgia, back pain, gout, osteoporosis, musculoskeletal pain disorders, and osteoarthritis. They also collaborate with other medical specialists like eye doctors, dermatologists, cardiologists, and physical therapists for specific treatments.
What advancements or technologies are utilised by rheumatologists?
Aster Medcity Hospital in Kochi houses top medical devices that rheumatologists use to diagnose patients. These include diagnostic tools like MRI machines, CT scans, ultrasound machines, and X-rays. Further, equipment includes joint aspiration kits and bone densitometers for effective evaluation of underlying problems.
