Rheumatologist

Who is a rheumatologist?

A rheumatologist is a doctor who specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of rheumatic diseases. Rheumatic diseases are autoimmune and inflammatory disorders that affect the joints, muscles, bones, and, in some cases, internal organs.

What symptoms should prompt a visit to a rheumatologist?

It is recommended that you see a rheumatologist if you experience the following symptoms. If these symptoms persist or worsen, you should see a rheumatologist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

• Joint pain: Especially if it is prolonged, intense, or accompanied by swelling and/or stiffness.
• Swollen and red joints: If your joints are swollen, red and painful, this may be a sign of inflammation;
• Morning stiffness: A feeling of stiffness in the joints that lasts more than 30 minutes after waking up may be associated with rheumatoid disease;
• Fatigue and weakness: Chronic fatigue that does not go away may be associated with autoimmune or inflammatory diseases.
• Fever without apparent cause: Persistent fever not associated with infection may be a symptom of an autoimmune disease.
• Joint deformity: When there is a noticeable change in the shape or function of the joints;
• Rash or skin symptoms: Some rheumatic diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, are characterised by skin rashes;
• Movement problems: Limited joint movement or inability to move normally may be a sign of joint disease;
• Symptoms of inflammation in the eyes or other organs: Some rheumatic diseases can also affect the eyes, lungs, heart, and other organs.

What diseases does a rheumatologist treat?

A rheumatologist treats a wide range of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases that primarily affect the joints, muscles, and bones, but may also affect other organs. The most common diseases treated by rheumatologists include rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and systemic sclerosis. Rheumatologists use various diagnostic methods to accurately identify the disease and develop a treatment plan, which often includes medication, physiotherapy, and lifestyle changes.

• Rheumatoid arthritis: A chronic autoimmune disease that causes inflammation, pain and joint deformity.
• Osteoarthritis: A degenerative joint disease in which cartilage wears away and joints become stiff and painful.
• Systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus): An autoimmune disease that can affect various organs, including the skin, joints, kidneys, and heart;
• Gout: A disease caused by the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints, causing severe pain and inflammation, most often in the feet or big toe;
• Ankylosing spondylitis: A chronic inflammatory disease that mainly affects the spine and joints, causing stiffness and pain;
• Psoriatic arthritis: An autoimmune disease associated with psoriasis that causes joint inflammation;
• Systemic sclerosis (scleroderma): An autoimmune disease that causes thickening and hardening of the skin and connective tissue and can also affect internal organs;
• Fibromyalgia: A disease that causes chronic muscle and joint pain, accompanied by fatigue and sleep disturbances;
• Vasculitis: Inflammation of the blood vessels, which can cause damage to various organs and tissues;
• Polymyalgia rheumatica: An inflammatory disease that causes pain and stiffness, especially in the shoulders and hips.
• Reactive arthritis: An inflammatory reaction in the joints following an infection (often in the digestive or reproductive tract).

Diagnosis of rheumatic diseases

Rheumatologists use various diagnostic methods to identify rheumatic diseases and determine their severity. These methods include:

1. Clinical examination: 

• The rheumatologist assesses the condition of the patient's joints, muscles and other connective tissues, checking for swelling, stiffness, pain and range of motion. Other symptoms of the disease, such as skin rashes, nail or eye changes, are also checked.

• Rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibodies: These tests help diagnose rheumatoid arthritis.
• C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR): Both tests indicate inflammation in the body;
• Antinuclear antibodies (ANA): This test is often used to diagnose autoimmune diseases such as lupus;
• Uric acid level: Tested to diagnose gout.

• X-ray (RTG): Used to visualise joint and bone damage, deformities or calcifications. It helps to detect the effects of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and other joint diseases;
• Ultrasonography (USG): Used to assess inflammation or damage to soft tissues, joints, and ligaments;
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): Provides a more detailed image of joint structures such as cartilage, ligaments, and soft tissues. Often used to detect early damage that is not visible on X-rays;
• Computed tomography (CT): A detailed imaging method that can be useful for evaluating bone or joint problems.

• A rheumatologist may take fluid from a swollen joint for laboratory analysis. This analysis helps identify infection, gout, or other causes of joint inflammation.

• In some cases, such as vasculitis or systemic sclerosis, a rheumatologist may recommend a skin or tissue biopsy to confirm the diagnosis.

• These tests assess the range of motion, muscle strength, and joint function to understand how the disease affects the patient's daily activities.

• Some rheumatic diseases, such as ankylosing spondylitis, are associated with specific genes, including HLA-B27.

FORTEMED rheumatologists

The FORTEMED team of rheumatologists combines expertise and state-of-the-art medical technologies to provide comprehensive care for patients with a range of joint and autoimmune diseases. Each specialist not only provides accurate diagnosis and effective treatment, but also strives to improve the patient's quality of life.

Ilva Bikanova

rheumatologist

A rheumatologist with extensive expertise, specialising in the diagnosis and treatment of chronic conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout, and systemic connective tissue diseases. Provides an individualised approach, carefully assessing symptoms and developing tailored treatment plans to reduce pain and improve quality of life.
 

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Alīna Agule

rheumatologist

Specialist in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. She supports patients with various rheumatological conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and gout, as well as more complex diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus and ankylosing spondylitis. During consultations, she also offers ultrasound examinations to aid accurate diagnosis.

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Make an appointment with a FORTEMED rheumatologist

There are two convenient options for making an appointment with a FORTEMED rheumatologist: Both options are quick and convenient, so you can get the help you need without any hassle.

• Call 23304440, where our friendly staff will help you find a convenient appointment time.
• Make an appointment online - just click the red button at the bottom of the screen or next to the selected specialist and follow the simple instructions.