When to See a Rheumatologist: Understanding Your Body's Signals

Do you experience persistent joint pain, unexplained fatigue, or other unusual symptoms? Learn when to consult a rheumatologist at OneWelbeck London. Discover common rheumatic diseases and symptoms. Rheumatologists are medical specialists who diagnose and treat conditions that affect the joints, muscles, bones, and immune system.

Common Rheumatological Conditions

Before we delve into when to seek professional help, let’s briefly discuss some common rheumatological conditions:

  • Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): A chronic autoimmune disease-causing joint inflammation and pain.

  • Osteoarthritis (OA): A degenerative joint disease often associated with aging.

  • Lupus: A systemic autoimmune disease affecting multiple organs.

  • Fibromyalgia: A chronic condition characterised by widespread pain and fatigue.

  • Gout: A type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the joints.

  • Scleroderma: A rare autoimmune disease that causes hardening of the skin and connective tissues.


When to Consider a Rheumatologist Visit

While these conditions can vary widely in severity and symptoms, here are some general signs that may indicate the need for a rheumatologist's expertise: 

Persistent Joint Pain: 

  • Joint pain that lasts for weeks or months. 

  • Pain that worsens with activity or at rest. 

  • Joint stiffness, especially in the morning. 

  • Swelling or redness in the joints. 

Unexplained Fatigue: 

  • Persistent fatigue that doesn't improve with rest. 

  • Fatigue that interferes with daily activities. 

Muscle Pain and Weakness: 

  • Muscle aches and pains that are not related to exercise or injury. 

  • Muscle weakness that affects your ability to perform daily tasks.

Skin Issues: 

  • Rashes, sores, or skin discoloration. 

  • Sensitivity to sunlight. 

Fever and Weight Loss: 

  • Unexplained fever. 

  • Significant weight loss without a known cause. 

Swelling in the Hands and Feet: 

  • Swelling in the hands, feet, or ankles. 

 


What treatments are on offer?

There is an extensive range of treatment options available depending on your diagnosis and we will devise a personalised plan to best meet your needs. Treatments include local steroid injections into joints and soft tissues, physiotherapy and a wide variety of different drugs to reduce inflammation and help pain and stiffness in joints and muscles. There is also a wide choice of treatments for conditions such as osteoporosis (brittle bones) including injections and annual infusions to make bones stronger. Our goal is to reduce your pain and maximise your function.

The complex and changeable nature of many rheumatic diseases often requires ongoing assessment and evaluation. We will monitor your response to treatment carefully and make changes as and when necessary.

If you are experiencing any symptoms that may be related to a rheumatic disease, it is important to see a rheumatologist for diagnosis and treatment. Early diagnosis and treatment can help to improve your quality of life and prevent further damage to your joints and other organs.   


Overview

Common Rheumatological Conditions

When to Consider a Rheumatologist Visit

What treatments are on offer?

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