The Department of Rheumatology at Aster Whitefield offers state-of-the-art treatment facilities to all spectrum of Rheumatological diseases. The Department is well equipped with a multi-disciplinary team consisting of Adult and Pediatric Rheumatologists, Rheumatology Nurse educators, dedicated customer care executives and a well equipped Physiotherapy unit. Our Rheumatology team have both national and international expertise and are actively involved in research and development of cutting-edge treatments for rheumatic conditions. When you choose treatment from our experts, you will benefit from guidance and advanced treatment options from a recognised leader in the field.
Our Rheumatology team works closely with other leaders in specialities like Respiratory Medicine, Obstetric and Gynecology, Dermatology, Ophthalmology, Orthopaedic, Neurology and other consultants. A dedicated team of healthcare professionals like radiologists, physiotherapists, radiographers, anaesthetists, and nurses are available on-site. With fast access to any member of this multidisciplinary team, you will always be supported by the most appropriate medical professional throughout your treatment. In addition, complex cases can be discussed with other specialists within a multidisciplinary team meeting to formulate the best treatment plan.
We offer the latest treatment facilities which include Outpatient care, In patient care , Intensive care to handle any emergencies, Day care facilities for infusion of biologicals etc.
Our Doctors
We have some of the best specialists from around the world, they bring years of experience and offer evidence-based treatment to ensure the best care for you.
FAQs
Want to find out more about the treatment? The answer to your questions can be found below.
What is Rheumatology?
Rheumatology represents a subspecialty in internal medicine and paediatrics, which is devoted to diagnosis and therapy of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases. Rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) are a diverse group of diseases that commonly affect the joints, but can also affect the muscles, other tissues and internal organs. There are more than 200 different RMDs, affecting both children and adults.
When should I see a Rheumatologist?
All of us experience musculoskeletal pains which are self limiting and short lived. If your pain is not resolving in 1-2 weeks it is better to take an expert opinion. If joint symptoms are associated with following symptoms it is always advised to meet nearby Rheumatologist
1. Systemic symptoms like fever, weight loss, loss of appetite etc.
2. Most severe pain in the morning hours
3. More than 3 joints are involved at the same time
4. Skin rash, abdominal pain
What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that predominantly affects the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis causes severe pain, swelling and stiffness in your joints, as a result, it becomes difficult to bend and use them. Rheumatoid arthritis can affect other organs too such as the eyes, lungs, heart, or skin.
Is Rheumatoid arthritis different from osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is a very common type of arthritis that is caused by wear and tear of the cartilage that covers and protects the bones at the place of joints whereas, in rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system attacks the healthy joints.
Does the rheumatology department at Aster provide physiotherapy to arthritis patients?
There is a well-equipped physiotherapy unit with a team of excellent physiotherapists for the therapeutic management of joint pain and inflammation to bring comfort to the patient through exercise, IFT, Ultrasound, heat, and massage.
Are rheumatic diseases chronic?
Yes, rheumatic diseases are chronic. Many Rheumatic diseases are lifelong, though there are periods of remission when the patient feels better in absence of symptoms. In some patients, rheumatism may damage the skin, heart, eyes lungs, and blood vessels
Do Childrens get Rheumatic Diseases?
Yes! Unfortunately children can also suffer from many of the Rheumatic diseases. We have a dedicated Pediatric Rheumatology team to cater the needs of growing childrens and address their special needs.
Are vaccines safe for patients with Rheumatic diseases?
Yes, Not only vaccines are safe, they are strongly recommended for patients suffering from Autoimmune rheumatic diseases. The Immune disorder itself along with the drugs used in rheumatology practice make one susceptible for infections, for the same reason it is recommended to take regular vaccines for both adults and paediatric patients with Rheumatic diseases.
Who is a Rheumatologist?
A rheumatologist is a physician, who has received further training in the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal disease and systemic autoimmune conditions. Apart from the common arthritis like rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout, Rheumatologists are involved in treating complicated multisystem diseases like Vasculitis / SLE etc.
Which facilities are provided by the Department of Rheumatology at Aster Whitefield?
- State-of-the-art treatment and facilities for a wide range of Rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs).
- Dedicated Pediatric Rheumatologist to cater the special needs of growing childrens with Rheumatic disorders.
- A multi-disciplinary team consisting of trained and qualified Rheumatologists, Nurse Educators, and Customer Care Executives.
- Doctors with national and international expertise, who are actively involved in research work.
- Well-equipped Physiotherapy unit.
- Latest treatment facilities for outpatient care
- Collaborative work from leaders in other fields like gynaecology, dermatology, ophthalmology, neurology, radiology, physiotherapy, and others.
Is Rheumatoid arthritis an autoimmune disorder?
Yes, Rheumatoid arthritis is an auto-immune disease, like any other autoimmune disease, the immune system attacks healthy cells of the body by mistake causing inflammation and pain.
What are the early symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis causes swelling and stiffness in the joints. Specifically, early morning stiffness of more than 30 min is an early sign of Inflammatory arthritis. Later, if untreated it leads to bone erosion and joint deformity.
Does physiotherapy help in rheumatic diseases/arthritis?
Yes, physiotherapy helps the patient to improve the movement of the joints by removing stiffness. Muscle strengthening and Massage can help reduce pain and improve joint functions for daily activities.
Are rheumatic diseases genetic?
Many forms of rheumatic diseases including arthritis have a genetic basis. It has been found that autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis are there in patients and their families as they share the same susceptibility genes for their immune systems.
Can patients suffering from Rheumatic diseases plan Pregnancy?
Yes, Like any other normal persons, all patients with Rheumatic disease can lead normal reproductive life if they are under care of a Rheumatologist. However patients with Autoimmune rheumatic diseases should always discuss their pregnancy plans with their Rheumatologist prior planning so that the medications can be optimised before planned pregnancy.
