Are rheumatic diseases genetic?
Many forms of rheumatic diseases including arthritis have a genetic basis. It has been found that autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis are there in patients and their families as they share the same susceptibility genes for their immune systems.
Are rheumatic diseases chronic?
Yes, rheumatic diseases are chronic. Many Rheumatic diseases are lifelong, though there are periods of remission when the patient feels better in absence of symptoms. In some patients, rheumatism may damage the skin, heart, eyes lungs, and blood vessels
Does physiotherapy help in rheumatic diseases/arthritis?
Yes, physiotherapy helps the patient to improve the movement of the joints by removing stiffness. Muscle strengthening and Massage can help reduce pain and improve joint functions for daily activities.
Does the rheumatology department at Aster provide physiotherapy to arthritis patients?
There is a well-equipped physiotherapy unit with a team of excellent physiotherapists for the therapeutic management of joint pain and inflammation to bring comfort to the patient through exercise, IFT, Ultrasound, heat, and massage.
What are the early symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis causes swelling and stiffness in the joints. Specifically, early morning stiffness of more than 30 min is an early sign of Inflammatory arthritis. Later, if untreated it leads to bone erosion and joint deformity.
Is Rheumatoid arthritis different from osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is a very common type of arthritis that is caused by wear and tear of the cartilage that covers and protects the bones at the place of joints whereas, in rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system attacks the healthy joints.
Is Rheumatoid arthritis an autoimmune disorder?
Yes, Rheumatoid arthritis is an auto-immune disease, like any other autoimmune disease, the immune system attacks healthy cells of the body by mistake causing inflammation and pain.
What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that predominantly affects the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis causes severe pain, swelling and stiffness in your joints, as a result, it becomes difficult to bend and use them. Rheumatoid arthritis can affect other organs too such as the eyes, lungs, heart, or skin.
When should I see a Rheumatologist?
All of us experience musculoskeletal pains which are self limiting and short lived. If your pain is not resolving in 1-2 weeks it is better to take an expert opinion. If joint symptoms are associated with following symptoms it is always advised to meet nearby Rheumatologist
1. Systemic symptoms like fever, weight loss, loss of appetite etc.
2. Most severe pain in the morning hours
3. More than 3 joints are involved at the same time
4. Skin rash, abdominal pain
Who is a Rheumatologist?
A rheumatologist is a physician, who has received further training in the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal disease and systemic autoimmune conditions. Apart from the common arthritis like rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout, Rheumatologists are involved in treating complicated multisystem diseases like Vasculitis / SLE etc.
