Rheumatology is specialty that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of rheumatic diseases which present as clinical problems involving joints, soft tissues, autoimmune diseases, vasculitis and inherited connective tissue disorders.

An autoimmune disorder occurs when your body’s normal defence system triggers an attack on the cells of your own tissues or the lining of your joints.

Examples of autoimmune disorders include

• Inflammatory joint disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis, vasculitis or spondylitis
• Lupus Erythematosus (LE) - a collection of autoimmune diseases. Symptoms of these diseases can affect many parts of your body including joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, heart and lungs.
• Gout – a common type of arthritis which can cause pain, especially at the base of your big toe or in your fingers, wrists, elbows or knees
• Dermatomyositis– a connective tissue disease that is characterised by inflammation of your muscles and skin.

You’ll be referred to a Consultant Rheumatologist because you’re experiencing aches and pains in your joints which are making normal daily activities, such as walking or climbing the stairs, difficult.

Our Consultant Rheumatologists may carry out a blood or immunology test, as well as an x-ray, CT scan or MRI scan to give a clear picture of your muscles and joints.

They may prescribe anti-inflammatory medication to relieve any rheumatic pain or stiffness, advise on changes you can make to your lifestyle, including losing weight or changing the food you eat or they may recommend relevant physiotherapy.

If these don’t work, they may give you an injection of cortisone steroid to give some relief by reducing inflammation in the affected area.

Our Consultant Rheumatologists work closely with our orthopaedic surgeons and Physiotherapists to help you manage your condition and relieve symptoms.

To request a quotation, please complete our online quotation form or call our Private Patient Team on 01580 363158.