Rheumatology is the study and treatment of rheumatism, osteoarthritis and other disorders concerning the joints, muscles and ligaments.
Consultants see patients with painful inflammatory disorders of the joints and other systems, mostly as outpatients but occasionally as inpatients. They will take a history of the problem, perform a clinical examination and order special tests such as blood tests, x-rays and sometimes specialised scans such as ultrasound or MRI to help them make a diagnosis. The consultants prescribe specialist drugs, administer injections, offer specialist education to patients and carers and manage these often lifelong conditions.
They work as part of a multidisciplinary team including other specialist services as required, such as occupational therapy, physiotherapy, orthotics and podiatry. Sometimes they will administer joint or other injections to help with symptoms. Consultants run specialist services and clinics for patients with osteoporosis, connective tissue diseases, ankylosing spondylitis and paediatric rheumatology.
The rheumatology consultants diagnose and treat the following conditions:
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatisms
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Psoriatic arthritis
- Inflammatory arthritis
- Systemic lupus erythematosus
- Vasculitis
- Connective tissue disorder
For more information about each consultant and the consultation fees they charge self-funding patients, please click here to view the consultant page.