Rheumatology
Rheumatology is a medical specialty that cares for conditions which affect the musculoskeletal system, particularly the joints and surrounding soft tissues.
We look after patients with inflammatory arthritis, connective tissue diseases such as Lupus, Osteoporosis, Vasculitis, Osteoarthritis and soft tissue rheumatic complaints.
Many of the conditions treated are linked with the immune system attacking different body tissues.
We want to help you manage your symptoms while you are waiting to be seen. We have been working closely with Versus Arthritis to ensure you are signposted to resources in the community that can help you manage your symptoms.
Managing an inflammatory arthritis flare
Inflammatory arthritis will often be manageable but sometimes your symptoms may worsen and this is known as a ‘flare’. The duration of a flare can be a couple of hours to a couple of days or longer.
It is not always clear why arthritis flares however it may be useful to try and notice any triggers, for example physical or mental stress.
Ideas that could help manage a flare
- Regular pain relief
- Anti-inflammatory creams and gels may reduce joint swelling and inflammation
- Hot and cold treatment e.g. a wheat bag or cooled gel pack. It is important to protect your skin when using hot/cold packs. Place a towel between the pack and your skin and only apply these treatments for a maximum of 15 minutes
- Keep active – continue to keep your joints moving to help prevent stiffness and maintain muscle strength. You may need to take short rests between activities during a flare.
Rheumatology Advice Line
We offer a telephone advice service for patients who are under the care of a Rheumatology Consultant in the Northern Trust who have been diagnosed with an inflammatory condition.
The advice service is run by trained nurses who specialise in Rheumatology. If you need urgent advice, or advice not related to your rheumatology condition, you should contact your GP.
