Question 1

What conditions does rheumatology treat in adults?

Accepted Answer

Rheumatology treats conditions affecting the joints, muscles and connective tissue, most commonly osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, but also gout, lupus, ankylosing spondylitis, and various forms of tendinitis and soft tissue pain. Rheumatologists specialise in distinguishing between the many possible causes of joint pain and inflammation, which is important since treatment approaches differ significantly between, for example, an autoimmune condition like rheumatoid arthritis and mechanical wear-and-tear conditions like osteoarthritis.

Question 2

What is the difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis?

Accepted Answer

Osteoarthritis is a mechanical, wear-and-tear condition where joint cartilage gradually breaks down over time, typically affecting weight-bearing joints and worsening with age and use. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks the joint lining, causing inflammation that can affect multiple joints symmetrically, often with more pronounced morning stiffness, and can also affect other organs. Because they have different causes, blood tests and treatments differ significantly, making accurate diagnosis by a rheumatologist important.

Question 3

What is gout and how is it treated?

Accepted Answer

Gout is a form of arthritis caused by excess uric acid crystallising in a joint, most classically the big toe, causing sudden, severe pain, redness and swelling. Acute attacks are treated with anti-inflammatory medications to quickly reduce pain and swelling, while long-term management for recurrent gout focuses on lowering uric acid levels with medication and dietary changes, such as reducing intake of red meat, alcohol and sugary drinks, which can trigger flares in some people.

Question 4

Can rheumatoid arthritis be cured, or only managed?

Accepted Answer

There is currently no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, but modern treatment, particularly disease-modifying drugs and biologic therapies, can effectively control inflammation, relieve symptoms, and in many cases achieve remission, where the disease becomes inactive with minimal or no symptoms. Starting treatment early, before significant joint damage occurs, gives the best chance of achieving good long-term control. Most people with well-managed rheumatoid arthritis can maintain an active, largely normal lifestyle with ongoing treatment.

Question 5

When should joint pain prompt a visit to a rheumatologist?

Accepted Answer

See a rheumatologist if you have joint pain accompanied by noticeable swelling, warmth or redness, morning stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes, joint pain affecting multiple joints or both sides of the body symmetrically, or joint symptoms along with unexplained fatigue, fever or skin changes. These patterns can suggest an inflammatory or autoimmune cause that benefits from specialist evaluation, rather than simple mechanical joint pain that might be managed by a general physician or orthopaedic doctor alone.