Rheumatoid arthritis
Pain, swelling and morning stiffness in the small joints of the hands and feet.
Rheumatology care · Aminjikarai, Chennai
Arthritis, joint pain and rheumatology care in Chennai
Painful, swollen or stiff joints have many causes, from wear and tear to gout to autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. Working out which one it is decides the right treatment. I look after joint and autoimmune problems as part of internal medicine, with additional UK certification in rheumatology.
Arthritis and joint pain
Conditions I treat
Osteoarthritis
Wear-and-tear pain in the knees, hips, hands and spine, common after 45.
Gout and high uric acid
Sudden, very painful red joints, often the big toe, and what to do about uric acid.
Spondyloarthritis
Back pain and stiffness in young adults that is worse after rest and better with movement.
Lupus and autoimmune disease
Joint pain with rashes, mouth ulcers, hair loss or fevers; Sjögren's syndrome and vasculitis.
Joint pain after a fever
Long-lasting joint pain after chikungunya, dengue or other viral fevers.
Good to know
Signs your joint pain needs a proper check
Most aches settle by themselves. See a doctor if you notice:
- stiffness for more than 30 minutes after waking up
- swelling in the small joints of the fingers or toes
- joint pain with fever, rash, mouth ulcers or hair loss
- back pain that wakes you at night and eases with movement
- joint pain that has lasted more than six weeks
Tests such as ESR, CRP, rheumatoid factor, anti-CCP, ANA and uric acid help, but only when read alongside your symptoms. A positive ANA or rheumatoid factor is common in healthy people and doesn't by itself mean disease, so I order only the tests that change the plan.
Many types of arthritis can be well controlled when treatment starts early, and the aim is to protect your joints from lasting damage. If you need a DM rheumatologist or an orthopaedic surgeon, I'll refer you.
Don't wait for an OPD slot
Get seen the same day, or at the emergency department, for
- A hot, red, very painful joint, especially with fever
- Sudden weakness in the arms or legs
- Joint pain with breathlessness or chest pain
- A new rash with fever and feeling very unwell
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Is all joint pain arthritis?
No. Joint pain can come from the joint, tendons, muscles, nerves or the spine, and sometimes from a recent viral fever. An examination usually tells them apart.
My ANA or RA factor is positive. Do I have an autoimmune disease?
Not necessarily. These tests are positive in many healthy people. They matter only together with your symptoms and examination findings.
Can arthritis be cured?
Some types, like gout, can be controlled very well. Others, like rheumatoid arthritis, are long-term conditions where early treatment keeps joints working and prevents damage. The right plan depends on the type.
Do I need to see a rheumatologist?
Most joint problems can be diagnosed and managed by an internal medicine physician. If you need a DM rheumatologist or an orthopaedic surgeon, I'll tell you and refer you.
What should I bring to the visit?
Old prescriptions, all your test reports and X-rays, and a list of the joints that hurt and when. Photos of swelling on a bad day are very useful.
Do you consult in Tamil?
Yes. Consultations are in Tamil or English. தமிழிலும் பேசலாம்.
Patients visit from Aminjikarai, Anna Nagar, Kilpauk, Chetpet, Shenoy Nagar, Purasawalkam, Nungambakkam and across Chennai.
Appointments
88077 79174
Call or WhatsApp for appointments and timings. Please don't send reports or ask for treatment advice here; bring them to the OPD.
You can also book online at MGM Healthcare or call the hospital on 044 4524 2407.
More from the OPD
Other areas of care
This page gives general information and is not a substitute for a consultation. Timings, what to bring and more →