Arthritis: Facts & Myths Part 2

Who are Rheumatologists and how can they help you?

Rheumatologists are specially trained doctors to deal with different arthritic conditions, autoimmune disorders, metabolic bone diseases and soft tissue rheumatism. A Rheumatologist helps in making the correct diagnosis, recognizing the complications at an early stage, thereby preventing further damage to the joints and body organs & ultimately helping in improving quality of life.

What is the difference between a Rheumatologist and an Orthopaedic Surgeon?

All medically related joint disorders are dealt by a Rheumatologist. When the joints are deformed, or when there are fractures, then you need to consult an orthopaedic surgeon who is surgically trained.

What are the common rheumatological conditions in general population?

The common rheumatological conditions are Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Systemic lupus erythematosus (Lupus), Gout, Scleroderma, Ankylosing Spondylitis, Psoriatic Arthritis, Reactive Arthritis, Low back pain, Fibromyalgia, Tendinitis and Bursitis, Enteropathic Arthritis, Juvenileldiopathic Arthritis, Polymyositis, Dermatomyositis, Polymyalgia Rheumatica, Giant cell arteritis, Osteoporosis, Osteomalacia, Takayasu's Arteritis, Polyangiitis with granulomatosis (Wegner's Granulomatosis), Churg-straussyndrome, Polyarteritis nodosa.

Is Arthritis hereditary?

Most of the commonly occurring arthritis are not hereditary.

Can women having arthritis conceive and give birth to a normal child?
Yes, women having arthritis can conceive and give birth to a normal child. Most of the arthritis do not affect fertility but certain drugs used in the treatment may do so. However, women must consult her Rheumatologist/Physician before planning to conceive as drug modification and disease activity assessment is very important. Continuous monitoring by Obstetrician and Rheumatologist is required during pregnancy for maternal and fetal well-being.

Can arthritis be cured completely?

Yes, along with the medications, Physical therapy, joint exercises.
muscle toning exercises and other physiotherapy measures play a
vital role in improving the quality of life of patients. It helps in
reducing the pain and stiffness in the joints. Exercise also helps in increasing the flexibility, range of movement and strengthening the muscles around the joint.

Everyone should do three types of exercises regularly:

·         Range –of motion exercises to help maintain normal joint movement and relieve stiffness.

·         Strengthening exercises to help keep or increase muscle strength.

·         Aerobic or endurance exercises to improve function of the heart and circulation and to help control van be important to people who have arthritis because extra weight puts pressure on many joints.

Does arthritis patient require any dietary restrictions?

No special diet is required for arthritis patients except in gout where low purine diet and limiting the alcohol are important

Does weather influences arthritis? Can arthritis patient sleep in an air conditioned room / cooler or under fan?

Some patients have flare of their arthritis during cold weather and others during rainy reason or summers. However, weather change does not influence the course of the disease. So, there is no restriction but individual patients who have difficulty in particular environment are advised to avoid it.

Patients suffering from systemic lupus Erythematosus and having photosensitivity reactions should avoid exposure to sunlight while patients suffering from systemic sclerosis (scleroderma) should avoid exposure to cold environment.

Do patients with arthritis require treatment through life and visit treating doctor at regular intervals ?

Yes, it is very important to be under regular follow up of your doctor. Arthritis patients can have relapses intermittently which require drug dosage adjustment or addition of new drug. Also, regular monitoring is required to the disease and drugs.

Why early diagnosis of patients with arthritis is required?
Early diagnosis of arthritis helps to control the disease better and prevent deformities and irreversible damage to the organs, which can result in economic burden and poor quality of life.

Why is it important to get blood investigations done at regular intervals?
Blood investigations suggested by the treating doctor must be done at regular intervals during follow up period as they help in early detection of adverse effects of the drugs, much before symptoms of drug toxicity appear in patients. Also, relapse of the disease can be identified early.

Repeating RF, ANA & X-rays of the affected joints at each follow up visit is important for monitoring activity of arthritis.

Myth: Repeating RF, ANA & X-rays of involved joints during each follow up visit is of no value, it only puts financial burden on patients and also exposes to radiations which are harmful. Repeat tests are required only in certain specific situations.

to be continued..........

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