Rheumatology

Our rheumatology teams diagnose and manage a wide range of rheumatic conditions, including inflammatory arthritis, autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus and vasculitis, and osteoporosis. Our specialists use clinical assessment, blood tests and imaging, including ultrasound and MRI, to help diagnose musculoskeletal conditions early. Timely treatment, which may require immune-calming medicine, can help prevent long-term joint damage and reduce the likelihood of needing surgery in the future.

What is rheumatology?

Rheumatology is a branch of internal medicine that manages inflammatory and non-inflammatory conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system and connective tissues. Rheumatologists diagnose and treat conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout and lupus, mainly using medicines rather than surgery. This differs from orthopaedics, which treats injuries and mechanical problems affecting the bones and joints, sometimes with surgery.

As many rheumatic conditions are long term, your rheumatologist will monitor your condition and adjust treatment over time. Rheumatologists also manage autoimmune diseases that can affect other parts of the body, including the eyes, lungs and kidneys.

When should you see a rheumatologist?

Book an appointment if you notice:

• Joint pain or swelling not caused by an injury that does not settle
• Morning stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes
• Warm, red or tender joints
• Ongoing tiredness, with or without aching joints or muscles
• Back pain, particularly in the morning or after a period of rest
• An unexplained fever lasting more than three weeks with no obvious infection
• Unexplained patchy hair loss
• Recurrent episodes of red eyes
• If you are post-menopausal or have experienced early menopause and would like an osteoporosis assessment

Consider seeing a rheumatologist if arthritis or an autoimmune condition runs in your family, or if a long-standing problem is limiting daily life. Low vitamin D and reduced bone strength are common in the UAE, so it's worth checking your bone health too. In the UAE you can often see a rheumatologist directly, and many people come on referral from their family doctor.

What to expect

At your first appointment, the rheumatologist asks about your symptoms, your medical history and how the problem affects your day. They examine your joints and muscles for swelling and warmth, and test how well they move. Blood tests may be used to check for inflammation and antibodies linked to autoimmune conditions. Imaging such as an X-ray or ultrasound can help assess the joints, while further tests, including MRI, CT scans or joint aspiration, may be recommended if needed.

Treatment depends on what's found. Many conditions settle with a mix of medicines. These can ease pain, calm the immune system or protect the bones, alongside advice on staying active and looking after your joints. A steroid injection can quiet a badly affected joint, and physiotherapy helps you keep moving. Your rheumatologist agrees the plan with you and reviews it over time, aiming to control the disease early, before it can damage a joint.

Rheumatology at Mediclinic

Our rheumatologists provide inpatient and outpatient care for people of all ages, covering a wide range of inflammatory and non-inflammatory rheumatic conditions. Treatment may include advanced medicines such as biologic therapies, which can be given on an outpatient basis or as a day case.

We take a multidisciplinary approach to care, with our rheumatologists working closely with other specialists, including physiotherapists and occupational therapists, to provide coordinated care based on each patient's needs.