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Rheumatology

Rheumatology

  • Definition: Rheumatology is the medical specialty that deals with the diagnosis a well as therapy of the immune system disorders
  • Rheumatologists deal with the immune related disorders of musculoskeletal system,, autoimmune diseases, soft tissues, vasculitis’s, and some inherited connective tissue disorders
Rheumatology

Why is it needed?

  • For the treatment of those who suffer from pain and discomfort due to Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus, Gout, fibromyalgia, fluorosis; osteoporosis, and approximately 200 other diseases
  • To relieve symptoms as well as be cured of tension headaches, fatigue, incontinence, and other symptoms
  • To restore quality of life

Facts and Figures

  • Rheum surgery emerged as a result of the collaboration between orthopaedic surgeons and rheumatologists in Heinola, Finland, in the 1950s
  • The European Rheumatoid Arthritis Surgical Society (ERASS) was established in the year 1979
  • Focus of treatment shifted from surgery to pharmacological treatment at the turn of the 21st century

Reaction to Rheumatology treatment

  • Heart Problems
  • Stomach Irritation
  • Kidney Damage
  • Thinning Of Bones
  • Diabetes
  • Weight Gain

Diagnosis of rheumatic diseases

Rheumatoid diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis are diagnosed with difficulty as the symptoms mimic the symptoms of other conditions or diseases. Some of the common tests prescribed for diagnosis are:

  • Blood tests to check ESR or CRP levels
  • Rheumatoid factor test
  • MRI
  • Ultrasound
  • X-rays

Treatment of rheumatic diseases

Treatment is short-term and long-term including:

  • Anti-inflammatory medication
  • Hot and cold compresses
  • Using splints and braces
  • Massages
  • Disease-modifying antirheumatic medications (DMARDs)
  • Corticosteroids.
  • Biologics
  • Weight reduction
  • Exercise
  • Surgery to repair or replace
rheumatic diseases
Rheumatology

Preoperative Preparation

  • Physical examination
  • Urinalysis and Blood tests
  • Ultrasound-abdomen, X-ray, MRI
  • Get list of medicines to be taken pre and post-surgery
  • Inform surgeon about alcohol or smoking habits, allergies etc.
  • Nutritional counseling
  • Arrange work leave, help at home and driving, and post-operative care
  • Fasting after midnight before surgery
  • Medical tourists should select a hotel near the hospital
rheumatic diseases

Post-operative care

Do’s, Don’ts, and Precautions:

  • Take surgeon prescribed medicines
  • Keep incision site dry and clean
  • Maintain food intake diary
  • Do strictly follow the diet regime prescribed
  • No driving until permitted by a doctor
  • Start exercise after doctor’s permission
  • Adopt healthy lifestyle
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