FAQs Archive - Dr. Naveen Bhadauria | Private Rheumatologist Consultant In London

Q: What diseases start with hand pain?

Hand pain is not always related to a disease; it can also be caused by injuries such as broken bones, fractures and sprains. But it is important to be aware of the possible underlying diseases associated with chronic hand pain, including but not limited to: Osteoarthritis Rheumatoid arthritis Psoriatic arthritis Lupus Fibromyalgia Peripheral neuropathy

Q: When should I be concerned about hand pain?

If your hand pain is making it difficult for you to do normal daily activities then it’s time to seek advice from a healthcare professional, like a consultant rheumatologist. A consultant rheumatologist will provide a swift diagnosis and treatment in order to improve your pain and quality of life. Do not wait to see a medical expert, as the pain may not go away by itself, and any underlying diseases may worsen over time.

Q: What is rheumatoid arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, progressive autoimmune disease caused by inflammation as a result of the immune system attacking itself. The National institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) recommends assessment by a rheumatologist within 3 weeks of symptoms that could suggest rheumatoid arthritis, as early diagnosis and management is vitally important to establish good control of this condition. Rheumatoid arthritis can damage the tissue and cartilage in the joints, and even the bone, if not correctly managed, which is why early diagnosis and management is so vital. If not treated and managed effectively, rheumatoid arthritis can also spread to other joints, and go on to impact the nervous system and cardiovascular system.

Q: What are the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis?

The main symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are: Pain and tenderness Stiffness and swelling Warmth and redness Dull burning pain Grinding sensation Difficulty with fine control of the hands Symptoms that ease after activity and are usually worse at the start of the day or after being inactive Although the symptoms can occur anywhere in the body, stiffness in the hands in the morning with pain and swelling is the most common symptom of rheumatoid arthritis we see. The pain tends to present on both sides of the body. You may experience some but not all of these symptoms, and they can come and go. You may also notice symptoms in the rest of the body, including feeling tired, having a temperature, poor appetite, and weight loss.

Q: How do I know if my lower back pain is serious?

Are you experiencing lower back pain and wondering what symptoms associated with back pain should prompt you to see a doctor? There are a few things you should look out for that indicate you should see a healthcare professional. These include: Pain that keeps getting worse Pain that has lasted for more than three weeks Pain so bad it wakes you up at night Pain that doesn’t ease with rest or pain relief medications Fever Fatigue Prolonged stiffness in the morning Problems controlling your bladder or bowels Weakness or numbness in arms and/or legs If pain radiates down the leg(s)

Q: How can you tell if back pain is muscular or something else?

Back pain (soreness or ache) that follows activity (often the lies of lifting or twisting) is often muscular pain. However, if you experience pain that comes on suddenly or doesn’t lessen after a few days, there is a chance it could be something more serious. In this instance it’s important to see a healthcare professional. A private rheumatologist can quickly diagnose any underlying conditions to give you peace of mind and get you back on your feet again as quickly as possible.

Q: What is ankylosing spondylitis?

Ankylosing spondylitis is an autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation. As a result, this causes damage in and around the joints and tendons. It is associated with the HLA-B27 gene variant. If you have this gene it means that you are more at risk of developing ankylosing spondylitis. As an inflammatory disease, it progressively worsens and damages the joints which can lead to fused bones (where they can no longer move) and other serious health conditions, including cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis. Early diagnosis is essential for slowing progression of the disease and establishing good control. Although the primary symptoms are pain and stiffness in the lower back, it can have a wider impact on the body. Other common symptoms include warmth in the affected joint(s), fatigue, insomnia, and swelling in other areas of the body (most commonly the knees and hips). That being said, not everyone with the condition will have these symptoms. It is quite common for people with ankylosing spondylitis to also suffer from irritable bowel disease, osteoporosis, psoriasis, and issues with sight. Learn more about ankylosing spondylitis .

Q: What are the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis?

The main symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are pain and tenderness, stiffness, swelling, redness and warmth in the joints. This is usually worse at the start of the day or after being inactive. You may also notice symptoms in the rest of the body. Those with the condition often report feeling tired, having a temperature, poor appetite and weight loss. You may experience some but not all of these symptoms, and they can come and go.

Q: What is rheumatoid arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic progressive disease caused by inflammation as a result of the immune system attacking itself. Rheumatoid arthritis can damage the tissue and cartilage in the joints, and even the bone, if not correctly managed, which is why early diagnosis and management is so vital. The National institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) recommends assessment by a rheumatologist within 3 weeks of symptoms that could suggest rheumatoid arthritis as early diagnosis and management is vitally important to establish good control of this condition.

Q: What’s the difference between arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis?

“Arthritis” itself isn’t a condition, it is a general term used to describe joint diseases and conditions impacting the joints. In fact, there are more than 100 different types of arthritis affecting 10 million people in the UK alone – that’s 1 in 6 – according to Versus Arthritis. These include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, psoriatic arthritis, and lupus. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are two of the most common forms of arthritis. Osteoarthritis is a very common form of arthritis affecting 450,000 (Versus Arthritis) people in the UK. It is characterised by natural wear and tear of the joint tissues, cartilage and bone. It is thought to be the most common form of arthritis in the UK and is more common as people get older. Those with osteoarthritis will usually experience pain in the mornings and after exercise. Joints can become swollen and red. Rheumatoid arthritis occurs in around 190,000 (Versus Arthritis) people in the UK. Symptoms of this chronic progressive disease include multiple joint pains, stiffness and swelling. It is not caused by wear and tear but by inflammation caused by the immune system attacking itself. The pain tends to improve on activity.