What is rheumatic illness?
Rheumatic diseases (rheumatism) are conditions caused most commonly by inflammation and swelling of the joints and muscles. The most marked symptom of a rheumatic conditions is pain. Sometimes, rheumatic conditions are caused by wear and tear to the joints and cartilage. Osteoarthritis is one example of this.
Other rheumatic conditions develop when the immune system becomes overly active and attacks the joint linings. This leads to pain and swelling, and can cause conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.
During your appointment, the doctor can discuss these symptoms with you and help you to get a diagnosis.
Symptoms of rheumatic diseases
Rheumatology conditions present with a wide range of symptoms, such as:
- Joint pain
- Join swelling
- Join stiffness or instability
- Muscle weakness
- Fatigue
- Difficulty performing ordinary activities (sitting, bending down, getting dressed)
Causes
Wear and tear of joints, ageing, genetic, and viral factors can all contribute to the development of rheumatic disease.
Procedure
Please arrive for this test well-hydrated.
During the testThis test is a simple blood test. A needle is inserted into a vein, usually on the inner arm near the elbow, and a small amount of blood is drawn. You may feel a pricking or scratching sensation.
Blood
Results
If you take this test on the recommendation of one of our doctors during a GP consultation, they will call you to discuss the results and suggest the further management where necessary. Otherwise, we will email you the results and you can either take them to your own doctor for interpretation or you can book a consultation with us.
FAQ
Our doctors will assess your condition and suggest next steps in terms of diagnosis and treatment. You may require blood tests so that the doctor can get a better picture of your condition before suggesting next steps. Some conditions can be managed by specialists our clinic, others will require a referral.
Often, rheumatic conditions are due to wear and tear, or old age. In some cases when disease develops earlier in life, genetic and viral factors may come into play.
Some gentle exercises, such as walking, swimming, and muscle-strengthening, can be beneficial to arthritic conditions by helping to enhance blood flow and improve energy levels. The doctor can advise you about exercises that are appropriate to your condition.
