The Department of Rheumatology at Pawar Multispeciality Hospital, Pune uses a multidisciplinary approach for treating rheumatic diseases. These diseases generally affect the elderly, but now it is running in youngsters as well.
We offer a broad spectrum of services to the patient including diagnosis and treatment of joint, bone and connective tissue diseases. We provide comprehensive and customized treatment plans and fuse them with our clinical expertise, research and state-of-the-art technologies.
What is Rheumatology?
Rheumatology is the branch of medicine that covers arthritis, and other diseases of the joints, muscles, and ligaments. Rheumatologists are trained in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal disorders and systemic autoimmune conditions. Rheumatoid arthritis is a common rheumatic disease that causes joint inflammation and pain.
Rheumatic Disorders
There are more than 200 rheumatic diseases, but the following are the most common:
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
- Lupus
- Spondyloarthropathies -- Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA)
- Sjogren’s syndrome
- Gout
- Scleroderma
- Infectious arthritis
- Juvenile idiopathic arthritis
- Polymyalgia Rheumatica
Common Symptoms
Common symptoms include:
- Joint pain
- Loss of movement in joints
- Swelling, redness, and warmth in affected joint
Tests and Procedures in Rheumatology Treatment
Not a single test can diagnose rheumatic diseases and hence for accurate diagnosis requires a range of tests and exams.
Physical examination
It is the primary technique which is vital for diagnosing RA. Here we consider general health parameters including blood pressure, pulse rate, heart and lung function. We will also evaluate your joints for functioning, swelling, and pain.
Lab tests
It is an integral part of your diagnosis program. Laboratory tests for RA commonly look at:
- Rheumatoid factor (RF)
- Anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA): Anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) and anti-mutated citrullinated vimentin (MCV)
- Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
- C-reactive protein (CRP)
- Antinuclear antibody (ANA)
- Complete blood count (CBC)
How to Protect your Joints?
The following things can help you in avoiding stiffness and lighten your joints.
- Keep your body in motion: Avoid sitting or standing in one position for a long time.
- Reduce the pressure on your joints: Avoid positions that add an extra burden on joints.
- Understand your strength: Protect finger and wrist joints while opening heavy doors with the side of the arm or shoulder.
Available treatments and Facilities
The following things can help you in avoiding stiffness and lighten your joints.
- Medication to resolve pain
- Specific exercises to enhance muscle strength and joint flexibility
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Hot and cold therapy
- Use of splints, braces, and assistive devices to support weak joints
- Relaxation therapy
- Surgery (particular for arthritis)
How to take care at home?
The following things can help you in avoiding stiffness and lighten your joints.
- If your doctor recommends exercise then walking is a great choice.
- If your knees or ankles damaged, try pedalling a stationary bike or swimming.
- Take a proper rest when joints are sore or overworked.
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Do regular exercise and get adequate calcium and vitamin to prevent osteoporosis
- Limit the activities that can injure your joints.
- Use self-help devices like walkers, splints, or canes if needed.
- Take warm showers or baths.
- Take pain medicines as directed.
