General Rheumatology at The Health Suite Leicester provides specialised care for individuals suffering from a variety of musculoskeletal and autoimmune conditions. Our expert rheumatologists diagnose and treat disorders such as arthritis, lupus, gout, and other inflammatory conditions that affect the joints, muscles, and bones. Through comprehensive rheumatology assessments, advanced diagnostic tools, and personalised treatment plans, we help patients manage symptoms, improve mobility, and enhance their overall quality of life. Whether you are experiencing chronic pain or seeking advice for long-term management, The Health Suite Leicester offers compassionate, professional care to support your journey toward better health. Rheumatic diseases affect your joints, tendons, ligaments, bones, and muscles. Among them are many types of arthritis, a term used for conditions that affect your joints. Sometimes they’re called musculoskeletal diseases.
Our Consultant Rheumatologists can diagnose and manage a range of conditions including:
- Back Pain: Back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek medical attention. It can range from mild discomfort to severe, debilitating pain that affects daily activities. Back pain may be caused by a variety of factors, including poor posture, muscle strain, herniated discs, or even more serious underlying conditions such as spinal stenosis or scoliosis. When chronic, back pain can significantly impact a person’s quality of life, making it crucial to seek proper diagnosis and treatment. Rheumatologists can help determine whether inflammation, injury, or degeneration is at the root of the pain, and they can recommend treatments such as physical therapy, medication, or lifestyle adjustments.
- Inflammatory Arthritis: Inflammatory arthritis encompasses a group of conditions where the body’s immune system attacks the joints, leading to inflammation, pain, and eventually joint damage. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most well-known type, but there are others such as psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. These conditions often cause swelling, stiffness, and reduced range of motion, which can be progressive if left untreated. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent joint destruction and preserve function. Treatment often involves a combination of medication, lifestyle changes, and physical therapy to reduce inflammation, manage symptoms, and improve mobility.
- Soft Tissue Rheumatism: Soft tissue rheumatism refers to conditions that affect the muscles, tendons, and ligaments surrounding the joints, rather than the joints themselves. These conditions can include tendonitis, bursitis, and fibromyalgia. Soft tissue rheumatism often results in pain, stiffness, swelling, and weakness in the affected areas. It can occur due to overuse, injury, or chronic inflammatory conditions. Treatment for soft tissue rheumatism generally focuses on reducing inflammation, managing pain, improving strength and flexibility, and avoiding repetitive strain. Physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medications are commonly used to manage symptoms and promote healing.
- Connective Tissue Disease: Connective tissue diseases involve the body’s connective tissues—such as collagen, cartilage, and fibrous tissues—which support and hold organs and joints together. Examples include lupus, scleroderma, and rheumatoid arthritis. These diseases are often autoimmune, meaning the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues. Symptoms can vary but typically include joint pain, swelling, and stiffness, along with systemic effects that may impact organs like the skin, lungs, or kidneys. Diagnosis can be challenging due to the varied symptoms, but early detection and appropriate treatment are vital to managing flare-ups, reducing complications, and preventing permanent damage. Medications, such as immunosuppressants, are often prescribed to control the immune system and reduce inflammation.
- Bone Conditions: Bone conditions affect the strength and structure of bones and can lead to issues such as fractures, deformities, or chronic pain. Common conditions include osteoporosis, osteomalacia, and Paget’s disease. Osteoporosis, a condition where bones become brittle and fragile, is especially prevalent in older adults. It increases the risk of fractures, especially in the spine, hips, and wrists. Diagnosis often involves bone density testing, and treatment includes lifestyle changes, weight-bearing exercises, and medications to strengthen bones. For other bone conditions, such as bone infections or deformities, surgery or specific treatments may be necessary.
- Muscle Disorders: Muscle disorders affect the strength, flexibility, and function of muscles, often causing weakness, cramps, and pain. Conditions like muscular dystrophy, myositis, and polymyalgia rheumatica fall under this category. These disorders can be genetic or acquired and often involve inflammation or damage to muscle tissue. Muscular dystrophies are progressive conditions that result in muscle degeneration over time, while myositis involves inflammation of the muscles. Polymyalgia rheumatica causes stiffness and pain in the muscles, particularly in the shoulders and hips. Treatment typically involves medications to reduce inflammation and improve muscle function, along with physical therapy to maintain mobility and strength.
- Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease characterised by the breakdown of cartilage, which leads to pain, swelling, and decreased joint flexibility. OA commonly affects the knees, hips, hands, and spine, and its risk increases with age or joint overuse. As the cartilage wears away, bones may rub against each other, causing discomfort and sometimes deformity. While OA cannot be completely reversed, treatments such as pain management, physical therapy, lifestyle modifications, and sometimes joint replacement can help manage symptoms and improve function. In the early stages, maintaining a healthy weight, staying active, and using assistive devices may help reduce strain on the affected joints.
Having access to rheumatology care provides significant benefits for individuals dealing with musculoskeletal and autoimmune conditions. Early diagnosis and treatment of disorders such as arthritis, lupus, and gout can help prevent joint damage, reduce inflammation, and alleviate pain. Rheumatologists use specialised techniques and tools to provide accurate rheumatology diagnoses and create tailored treatment plans that improve mobility and overall well-being. Managing chronic conditions with expert care is crucial to preventing long-term disability and improving quality of life. Additionally, rheumatology care often includes education on lifestyle adjustments and self-management strategies, empowering patients to better cope with their condition. With the right care, individuals can experience reduced symptoms and continue leading active, fulfilling lives.
