FAQ

Who is a Rheumatologist?

Ans. Rheumatologist is a qualified physician, with an additional training and experience in the diagnosis and treatment of arthritis and related musculoskeletal conditions.

What is arthritis?

Ans. Arthritis means inflammation (pain, swelling) of the joint.

How do you know whether you have arthritis?

Ans. Arthritis patients will 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, recurring pain and tenderness in the joints.

What is osteoarthritis?

Ans. It is a wear and tear arthritis affecting mainly weight bearing joints( e g Knee) seen in old people.

What are the risk factors for osteoarthritis?

Ans. Obesity, repetitive kneeling, bending and squatting increases the risk of osteoarthritis.

Any special diet for arthritis?

Ans. No special diet is required for arthritis patients except Gout where low purine diet and limiting the alcohol are important.

Will exercise help my joints?

Ans. Yes, it helps to reduce the pain and stiffness in the joints. Exercise also helps in increasing the flexibility, range of movement and strengthening the muscles around the joint.

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

Ans. It is simple. 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.

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.

What are the common Rheumatological conditions in general population?

Ans. The common rheumatological conditions are Rheumatoid Arthritis, Osteoarthritis, SLE(Lupus), Gout, CPPD, Scleroderma, MCTD, Polymyositis, Dermatomyositis, Polymyalgia Rheumatica, Giant cell arteritis, Osteoporosis, Osteomalacia, Rickets, Renal Tubular Acidosis, Takayasu’s, Wegener’s, Churg-strauss, Polyarteritis nodosa, Ankylosing Spondylitis, Psoriatic Arthritis, Reactive Arthritis, Enteropathic Arthritis, Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis, low back pain, Fibromyalgia, Tendinitis and bursitis.

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

NSAIDs, Methotrexate, Hydroxychloroquine, Sulafasalazine, Leflunomide, Cyclophosphamide, Azathioprine, Cyclosporine, Allopurinol, Febuxostat and Colchicine.

How can a Rheumatologist helps you?

Ans. A Rheumatologist helps in

Ultimately, helps in improving the quality of life.