Rheumatology

Best Rheumatology Hospital in India | Arthritis Treatment in India

Rheumatological diseases are one of the most common disorders in the community affecting about one-third of the adult population. These include a spectrum of disorders ranging from soft tissue rheumatism to arthritis that affects the joints, muscles, and bones. Manipal Hospitals' Rheumatology Department offers complete assessment and management for a wide range of rheumatic problems. The team of world-renowned rheumatologists has immense experience in diagnosing and treating the various musculoskeletal disease, and systemic autoimmune conditions referred to as rheumatic diseases.

OUR STORY

Know About Us

Why Manipal?

Manipal Hospitals in India is ranked one of the nation's top hospitals, and its Rheumatology practice is the most comprehensive in the country. Manipal Hospitals' rheumatologists are constantly pushing the limits and seeking novel methods to improve diagnosis and therapies for patients with rheumatic disorders through their research and collaborating with researchers worldwide. Combined with its multidisciplinary approach,Manipal Hospitals offers the best treatment for rheumatoid arthritis in India with innovative and advanced tools and technology to diagnosis, treatment and care, the Department of Rheumatology at Manipal Hospitals is the leader in the country.

Treatment & Procedures

Intra Articular Injection

Intraarticular Injection is a procedure where the affected joint is injected with a hypodermic needle, through which medications are delivered.

NSAIDs

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs help reduce inflammation and relieve pain.

Steroids

These types of medications reduce pain, joint damage, and inflammation. Doctors will prescribe steroids in the case where acute symptoms need relief.

DMARDs

Disease modifying antirheumatic drugs help in slowing the progression of rheumatoid arthritis and protect the tissues and joints from permanent damage.

Biologic Agents

These are also called biologic response modifiers are a new class of DMARDs. They can target specific parts of the immune system that are prone to triggering inflammation that can cause tissue and joint damage.

Rheumatic diseases are the second most common cause of YLD’s (Years lived with disability) after mental illness and substance abuse. India takes a huge toll of these rheumatic diseases with approximately 5 million people affected with Rheumatoid arthritis alone

Manipal Hospital's rheumatologists treat adult rheumatic conditions. They provide expert and personalized care for every patient.
Our rheumatology team are accomplished in the evaluation and treatment of rheumatic conditions including various types of arthritis, autoimmune diseases, degenerative joint diseases, crystal arthritis, and soft tissue rheumatism. The department of rheumatology provides interdisciplinary care working in conjunction with other specialities such as internal medicine, orthopaedics, dermatology, nephrology, gastro-enterology, neurology physical medicine and rehabilitation to provide an all-inclusive treatment and also help in recovery from these conditions.

Facilities & Services

Conditions evaluated and managed by the department of rheumatology at Manipal Hospitals are Rheumatoid arthritis, Osteoarthritis, Seronegative arthritis, Ankylosing spondylitis, Psoriatic arthritis, Spondyloarthritis, Crystal arthritis such as Gout, Soft tissue Rheumatism such as tennis elbow, plantar fascitis, Fibromyalgia, Lupus, Sjogren’s syndrome, Scleroderma, Myositis, Vasculitis, ANCA vasculitis, cutaneous vasculitis, Undifferentiated connective tissue disease, Arthritis associated with systemic diseases, Ophthalmological condition such as uveitis and scleritis Various OPD procedures such as; intra-articular and soft tissue injections, minor salivary gland biopsy, Schirmer’s test and Nail-fold capillaroscopy are also offered here.

FAQ's

What is Rheumatology?

Rheumatology represents a subspecialty in internal medicine and pediatrics, which is devoted to the diagnosis and therapy of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases. Rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) are a diverse group of diseases that commonly affect the joints, but can also affect the muscles, other tissues, and internal organs. There are more than 200 different RMDs, affecting both children and adults.

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 common arthritis like rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout, Rheumatologists are involved in treating complicated multisystem diseases like Vasculitis / SLE etc.

Who should consult a Rheumatologist?

People with Prolonged/ recurrent joint pain and/or swelling or Pain in the soft tissue region or Back/ neck pain or Persistent Dry eyes and/or mouth or Prolonged unexplained fever or Unexplained skin rash or Ophthalmology conditions such as Uveitis and scleritis where the infection is ruled out

What does a rheumatologist do?

A rheumatologist is a specialist who is concerned with the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diseases and conditions related to the muscles, bones, joints, ligaments, and tendons.

What are the roles and responsibilities of a rheumatologist?

A rheumatologist is responsible for:

(i) Treating conditions related to bones and muscles such as arthritis, back pain, and osteoporosis.

(ii) Studying symptoms related to musculoskeletal system and devising the best treatment plan

(iii) Evaluating the results of lab tests and images from scans.

(iv) Providing proper recommendations for treatment

(v) Assessing the signs and symptoms and advising on further examinations

What diseases are in rheumatology?

Rheumatology is concerned with diseases related to the bones and joints including Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Lupus, Spondyloarthropathies - ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA), Sjogren's syndrome, Gout, Scleroderma, and Infectious arthritis.

What is rheumatism and which foods are the primary cause of rheumatic diseases?

Rheumatism is any such condition or disease in which there is an inflammation (stiffness) or pain in muscles, joints, or fibrous tissue. Foods that enhance the chances of rheumatoid arthritis inflammation are red meat, fried foods, sugar, refined flour, gluten, processed foods, and alcohol.

Can a blood test detect rheumatoid arthritis?

No, it’s not possible to accurately detect and determine rheumatoid arthritis with the help of a blood test. It can help indicate the condition but no blood test can diagnose arthritis.

What are the symptoms of rheumatology?

Some common signs and symptoms that denote rheumatic disorders are pain or aching in joints, stiffness in one or more joints, weight loss, fever, fatigue or tiredness, and tenderness in one or more joints.

What are the common tests done in rheumatology?

A rheumatologist can do both blood test and imaging tests to accurately diagnose the condition. Some common tests are Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR or sed rate), C-reactive protein (CRP) level, rheumatoid factor, anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibodies. Imaging tests can include X-rays and MRI scans.

What happens at your first rheumatology appointment?

Your rheumatologist will perform a physical examination on the first visit in order to check for any nodules or joint swelling that could be signs of inflammation. In addition to that, your rheumatologist may use lab testing like X-rays and blood work to further support their assessment of your condition.