Rheumatology is the area of medicine involved with the investigation, diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions. A doctor who specialises in this field is a
Consultant Rheumatologist.
Your musculoskeletal system consists of joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons and bones. A problem in any part of it can have a significant impact on your health, vitality and quality of life. The most common symptom is pain in a joint or muscle.
Rheumatologic problems are often chronic (long-term), and many people who visit our Consultant Rheumatologists will have been in pain for a long time. They will usually have tried a number of different treatments, but their symptoms continue to be a problem.
Rheumatologic conditions can cause a range of symptoms. Common reasons people visit us for help include:
- Neck or back pain
- Sciatica – back pain that radiates down a leg or arm
- Shoulder pain – caused by, for example, rotator cuff sprains or tears
- Joint pain, swelling, heat or redness – this may be in only one joint or in many joints.
- Fatigue
- Rash – may be caused by, for example, psoriasis or lupus
- Eye complaints - like uveitis or dry eyes
- Weakness – caused by inflammatory conditions affecting the muscles
- Diarrhoea – caused by associated inflammatory bowel conditions
Conditions that may cause these symptoms include:
- Arthritis – including rheumatoid, psoriatic, colitic, gout and pseudogout, osteoarthritis
- Ankylosing spondylitis and related inflammatory spinal conditions
- Autoimmune diseases and connective tissue diseases - such as Lupus and Scleroderma
- Polymyalgia Rheumatica - stiffness and inflammation in muscles, symptoms are often worse first thing in the morning after waking
- Soft tissue problems - such as Tennis Elbow, Golfer’s Elbow and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Osteoporosis
- Fibromyalgia – characterised by pain all over the body and generalised sensitivity
If you have one or more of these symptoms or conditions, it is a sensible course of action to see a Rheumatologist for expert help.
The Consultant Rheumatologists at Bishops Wood Hospital provide investigation of a range of rheumatologic condition and symptoms for adults 18+. They would be delighted to meet with you to discuss your symptoms and to ensure you receive the most appropriate support for your specific condition without delay.
Bishops Wood Hospital is located in Northwood in North West London, in the London Borough of Hillingdon. People visit us from local areas including Rickmansworth, Chorleywood, Pinner, Ruislip and Amersham, as well as Uxbridge, Chalfont and Watford. We also welcome patients from across the UK as well as abroad. When you go private, you can choose which hospital and which consultant are the best fit for you.