Department of
Rheumatology

Rheumatoid Arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease primarily affecting joints, leading to pain, swelling, stiffness, and potential joint damage. It often impacts multiple joints symmetrically, causing significant functional impairment over time.Managing rheumatoid arthritis involves an approach that combines early and aggressive medical treatment with lifestyle adjustments to control inflammation, reduce pain, and preserve joint function.

Psoriatic Arthritis is a form of arthritis that affects some people who have psoriasis, causing joint pain, stiffness, and swelling. It can also cause changes to the nails and fatigue, impacting various parts of the body.

Ankylosing Spondylitis is a chronic inflammatory disease primarily affecting the spine, leading to severe stiffness and pain, especially in the lower back. Over time, it can cause some of the vertebrae in your spine to fuse, resulting in a hunched posture.

Gout is a painful form of arthritis caused by the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints, leading to sudden, severe attacks of pain, swelling, redness, and tenderness. Hyperuricemia, or high uric acid levels in the blood, is the underlying cause, though not everyone with hyperuricemia develops gout.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect almost any organ or joint in the body, leading to a wide range of symptoms including fatigue, joint pain, skin rashes, and kidney problems. Its unpredictable nature and diverse manifestations make diagnosis and management challenging.

Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome (APLA) is an autoimmune disorder that increases the risk of blood clots in both arteries and veins. It can also lead to complications during pregnancy, such as recurrent miscarriages.

Systemic Sclerosis, commonly known as Scleroderma, is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by the hardening and tightening of the skin and connective tissues. It can also affect internal organs, including the lungs, heart, kidneys, and digestive tract.

Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects children and adolescents, causing persistent joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. It can impact growth and development if not managed properly and may require long-term treatment to control symptoms and prevent joint damage.

Sjogren’s Syndrome is a chronic autoimmune disease primarily characterized by dry eyes and dry mouth, resulting from the immune system attacking moisture-producing glands. It can also affect other parts of the body, leading to fatigue, joint pain, and organ dysfunction.

Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (MCTD) is a rare autoimmune disorder characterized by features of several other connective tissue diseases, such as lupus, scleroderma, and polymyositis. Its symptoms can vary widely and evolve over time, making diagnosis complex.

Myositis refers to a group of rare inflammatory diseases that cause muscle weakness and pain, primarily affecting the skeletal muscles. Polymyo sitis specifically causes muscle weakness, while Dermatomyositis also presents with a characteristic skin rash.

Vasculitis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the blood vessels, which can restrict blood flow and damage organs and tissues. Specific types like Giant Cell Arteritis primarily affect large arteries, while Polyarteritis Nodosa (PAN) impacts medium-sized arteries.

Osteoporosis is a condition that causes bones to become weak and brittle, making them more susceptible to fractures from minor falls or even everyday stresses. It often progresses silently, with the first symptom typically being a broken bone.

Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory, and mood issues. It amplifies painful sensations by affecting the way your brain processes pain signals.

Soft Tissue Rheumatism refers to conditions that cause pain, stiffness, and swelling in the tissues surrounding joints, such as muscles, tendons, ligaments, and bursae, rather than the joints themselves. Common examples include tendonitis and bursitis, often resulting from overuse or injury.

Macrophage Activation Syndrome (MAS) is a severe, potentially life-threatening complication characterized by excessive activation and proliferation of macrophages and T-cells, leading to overwhelming inflammation. Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a related hyperinflammatory syndrome marked by fever, enlarged organs, and cytopenias, often requiring prompt immunosuppressive therapy to control the immune overactivation.