Rheumatology Clinic

Rheumatologists treat rheumatic diseases that cause pain and inflammation in the joints, connective tissue and in other parts of the body. Common conditions include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, gout, spinal pain, tendon disorders and some auto-immune conditions such as Lupus. Some of these diseases are difficult to diagnose in the early stages.
Rheumatologists are specially trained to discover the causes of muscular-skeletal pain and swelling. An individual treatment plan may then be given to a patient.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis in the UK with an estimated 8.5 million people affected. It damages the articular cartilage – the lining that allows bones and joints to move freely – and causes bony growths around the edge of joints and mild inflammation of the tissues around the joint. The symptoms vary greatly from person to person.

Osteoarthritis is usually best managed with a holistic approach. Treatment approaches include education on the condition, exercise, physiotherapy and medications. Only in severe cases is surgery usually necessary.
Rheumatoid arthritis

Inflammatory arthritis is the term used to describe a variety of rheumatic conditions. These include rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and reactive arthritis. Great advances in the treatment of these conditions have been made in recent years and the outlook for patients with these conditions is generally very positive.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is the name given to thinning of the bone. This may lead to fracture. Typically this affects the hip, back or wrist. Women are particularly at risk, especially after menopause or if there is a family history of the condition. A simple and quick bone density scan (DEXA scan) can confirm or exclude the condition.  DEXA scanning is available at Wimbledon Clinics.

Gout

Gout is one of the most painful forms of arthritis and is caused by a build up of a substance called urate in the joints which causes pain and inflammation. Gout may affect men of any age but is rare in women. Although gout may be caused by too much alcohol or certain foods, gout is often inherited. Repeated attacks damages the joints. Fortunately there is extremely effective treatment for both treating and preventing attacks. Rheumatologists are expert at managing gout.

Back pain

Spinal or back and neck pain is extremely common and can be very disabling. Spinal pain has many causes but often it’s due to poor posture (especially at work), wear and tear of the back or previous injury. With the correct treatment plan almost all patients can improve their condition without the need for surgery.

Tendon disorders

Tendon disorders are extremely common. They may occur either as an injury or may be secondary to an underlying rheumatic condition such as rheumatoid arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis. Once the cause has been identified an appropriate treatment plan may be given. Specialists at Wimbledon Clinics are expert in treating tendon disorders.