Rheumatology
The Rheumatology Department at IMC Health Medical Centre offers a range of specialist rheumatology services, from clinical diagnosis and examinations to drug treatment, providing patients with personalised rheumatology treatment plans.
Rheumatology is a branch of internal medicine that deals with diseases of the body's immune system. Rheumatological diseases are closely related to the immune system. Normally, the immune system fights off bacteria and viruses to protect us, but when the immune system malfunctions, it attacks the body itself, causing various types of inflammation or joint problems. As the risk of developing rheumatic diseases increases with age, and in light of Hong Kong's ageing population, the number of people suffering from rheumatic diseases is expected to gradually increase.
Rheumatism and symptoms
Rheumatism is a general term for diseases affecting the bones, joints, and surrounding soft tissues. There are over 150 types of rheumatism, most of which cause joint pain in patients. The following are more common rheumatic diseases.
Rheumatoid arthritisRheumatoid arthritis is one of the common rheumatological conditions in Hong Kong. It is a chronic inflammatory joint disease caused by an abnormal immune system. Patients experience joint pain, and particularly upon waking up in the morning, they suffer from joint stiffness that makes movement difficult (morning stiffness). This inflammation can occur in any joint, causing not only joint pain but also significantly affecting the patient's mobility.
GoutGout is a common rheumatic condition in Hong Kong. The main cause of this illness is a disorder in the body's "purine" metabolism, leading to excessive uric acid. If the uric acid concentration in the blood is too high, patients will experience persistent inflammation in the soft tissues of their joints. Recent research has also found that gout is related to drinking alcohol and consuming excessive amounts of meat or seafood.
Psoriatic arthritisPsoriasis (also known as nappy rash) is caused by an abnormal immune system, leading to red, swollen patches on the skin covered with silvery-white scales. As joints are also targeted by the immune system, psoriasis patients are prone to developing conditions similar to "rheumatoid arthritis with symmetrical distribution," "ankylosing spondylitis," "distal interphalangeal joint arthritis," "oligoarthritis," or "destructive arthritis."
SclerodermaScleroderma is a rare chronic disease, which is a connective tissue disease mainly characterised by thickening and fibrosis of the skin. It is mainly divided into "limited" and "diffuse cutaneous" types. Scleroderma can affect people of all ages, and the incidence rate is higher in women than in men. The symptoms of scleroderma are varied and affect different parts of the body, including the skin, muscles, and joints.
Systemic lupus erythematosusMost systemic lupus erythematosus patients have systemic lupus erythematosus. It is mainly caused by an autoimmune system imbalance, where the body's immune system attacks its own cells, leading to symptoms such as red rashes and severe sores on the skin. Some patients may also experience persistent high fever and mouth ulcers.
Rheumatology also encompasses various conditions such as systemic vasculitis, osteonecrosis (bone death), Sjögren's syndrome, dermatomyositis/polymyositis, carpal tunnel syndrome, ankylosing spondylitis, soft tissue rheumatism, fibromyalgia, and degenerative arthritis. The diseases for which examinations and treatments are provided at our centre are not limited to those listed above. Please seek professional advice from our centre or your rheumatologist before accepting any treatment.
Should you exercise with joint pain?
Many rheumatic disease patients reduce their exercise to alleviate joint pain. However, in reality, if joints lack exercise, they will degenerate, stiffen, and weaken due to low usage, leading to a worsening of the condition in the affected joints. Furthermore, a balanced diet is very important for rheumatic disease patients. Maintaining a balanced diet to control weight can reduce strain on the joints. Rheumatic disease patients should consume adequate amounts of calcium, vitamins A, C, and E, which can strengthen their bones and boost their immune system.
Rheumatology team
EC Healthcare Medical CentreRheumatology medical teamDedicated to providing comprehensive rheumatology services, from clinical diagnosis and medication treatment to referral services, offering patients personalised rheumatology treatment plans. To make an appointment for consultation and examination services, please complete the form at the bottom of the page, or contact us for enquiries.
