Conditions We Treat
Rheumatology is a complex subspecialty branch of medicine dedicated to the diagnosis and management of rheumatic diseases.
Rheumatic diseases commonly involve the joints, bone, muscles, skin and other internal organs. A common feature of rheumatic disorders is inflammation, driven by immune dysfunction against one’s own body (autoimmunity).
Diagnosis of rheumatic diseases requires detailed history taking, physical examination and often sophisticated radiology imaging, such as, ultrasound (US) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Treatment typically requires the use of medications called disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), which target the immune system to stop it from attacking itself. Other management options include physiotherapy, hand therapy and occupational therapy.
The following is a list of conditions that we treat.
Please visit the Australian Rheumatology Association website for further information on conditions and medications.
Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that primarily affects the joints, but can also affect the lungs, bone marrow and blood vessels (vasculitis). If left untreated, it can cause severe joint deformity and disability. Early treatment is important to prevent progression of the disease.
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
Systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus / SLE) is an inflammatory disease caused by the immune system attacking its own tissues. It most commonly affects the joints, skin, kidneys, bone marrow, heart and lungs, amongst many other internal organs. Treatment requires immunosuppression to prevent organ damage.
Giant cell arteritis (temporal arteritis)
Giant cell arteritis, or temporal arteritis, is caused by inflammation of the blood vessels around the temples and face. The most common symptoms are headaches, jaw claudication (pain when chewing), vision loss, fever and fatigue. It can also cause inflammation of other large vessels in the body. Diagnosis traditionally requires a biopsy of the temporal artery. However, imaging techniques such as USS and PET-CT can also be used. Prompt treatment with steroid is needed to prevent permanent visual loss.
Gout
Gout belongs to a group of conditions called crystal arthritis. It is caused by deposition of monosodium urate crystals inside a joint and/or the surrounding tissues. Calcium pyrophosphate crystal deposition disease (CPPD) or pseudogout, is a less known form of crystal arthritis. Both conditions are characterised by intermittent disease flares and asymptomatic periods in between.
Psoriatic arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis is a type of inflammatory arthritis that affects certain people with skin psoriasis. It belongs to a group of disorders called spondyloarthropathy and typically affects the joints, entheses, nails and spine.
Systemic sclerosis (scleroderma)
Systemic sclerosis, otherwise known as scleroderma, is an autoimmune inflammatory condition that is characterised by hardening and tightening of the skin. It is commonly associated with Raynaud’s phenomenon and can affect the lungs, heart, blood vessels and digestive system.
Polymyalgia rheumatica
Polymyalgia rheumatica is an inflammatory disorder characterised by pain and stiffness around the shoulder and hip girdles. It affects people over the age of 50 and can coexist with giant cell arteritis. Treatment with steroid leads to prompt resolution of symptoms but steroid dose will need to be weaned gradually to prevent return of symptoms.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that worsens over time. It causes pain and stiffness and can affect a person’s mobility and ability to function freely. Treatment is with joint strengthening exercises and surgery for late stage disease.
Ankylosing spondylitis
Ankylosing spondylitis, also known as axial spondyloarthritis, is an inflammatory arthritis affecting the spine and the peripheral joints. It is also commonly associated with inflammation of the eyes (uveitis). Without treatment, it can cause reduced spinal flexibility and eventually fusion of the spine.
Sjogren’s syndrome
Sjogren’s syndrome is caused by the immune system attacking the glands that produce saliva and tears. The main symptoms are dry mouth and dry eyes. It can also be associated with rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.
Systemic vasculitis
Systemic vasculitis describes a group of autoimmune disorders characterised by inflammation of blood vessels. Conditions such as granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) and microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) all belong in this group. Depending on the type of vessel involvement, it can cause a wide range of symptoms and signs in many different organs. Treatment often requires intense immunosuppression to prevent organ failure.
Inflammatory myositis
Inflammatory myositis describes a rare group of diseases characterised by inflammation of the muscles. Symptoms include muscle pain and weakness. It includes autoimmune disorders such as dermatomyositis and polymyositis and inclusion body myositis (IBM).