Rheumatologist consultation – brief overview
| When to contact | Pain, joint swelling and stiffness, and persistent or recurring back and neck pain |
|---|---|
| What does it include | Discussion of symptoms, clinical examination and proposal for further diagnostics |
| Duration | About 45 minutes |
| Pain | Non-invasive and painless examination |
| Preparation | Not specifically required; bring previous medical documentation and scans |
When joint pain is no longer a passing problem
Joint and muscle pain and stiffness can occur occasionally, but when symptoms last longer than a few days, recur or interfere with daily activities, an examination by a rheumatologist is necessary. Rheumatic diseases encompass various inflammatory and degenerative conditions, and the most common symptoms are swelling, redness and pain in the joints, stiffness, back and neck pain, reduced mobility, fatigue, elevated temperature and sometimes skin changes. Symptoms often worsen in cold weather and with changes in weather conditions. Although more commonly associated with older age, rheumatic diseases are increasingly present in younger people as well. In chronic rheumatic diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis, the goal of treatment is to keep the disease under control. With appropriate therapy, proper nutrition and physical activity, symptoms can be alleviated and permanent damage prevented. The most common diseases in the field of rheumatology are rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gonarthrosis, gout, systemic lupus and fibromyalgia.
You can view the prices of examinations and therapies in pricelist for rheumatology, physical therapy and ultrasound.
Rheumatology appointment
What does a rheumatologist examination involve?
- Medical history – conversation with the patient about symptoms and illness, potential chronic conditions, previous surgical interventions and hospital treatments, family history of diseases, lifestyle habits
- Review of previous medical documentation (if any)
- Physical examination with special attention paid to signs of joint inflammation (warmth, soft tissue swelling, fluid effusion), as well as the functional status of the joint (range of movement, deformity, atrophy)
- Advice and recommendation for supplementary tests (additional laboratory analyses) and a proposal for possible further diagnostics (ultrasound scan, scanner, MRI...)
How to prepare for a rheumatology appointment?
The examination itself is non-invasive, painless and requires no special preparation. However, it should be borne in mind that rheumatic diseases are very complex by nature and are sometimes difficult to diagnose. It is important that you bring all previous medical documentation with you to the appointment if it exists (previous X-ray, CT scan, or MRI scans), a list of the medications you are currently taking, and that you have all laboratory tests carried out as ordered by your doctor, in order for the correct diagnosis to be made.
Book a rheumatologist appointment in Belgrade
The Imedic Polyclinic is located at Kneza Miloša 23 street, 2nd floor, Belgrade. Opening hours: Monday–Sunday, 9:00–21:00.
Appointments are made by phone: 064 237 0707. If you contact us from abroad, we are also available via Viber and WhatsApp on the same number.
Author: Dr Ivica Jeremić
Doctor of Medical Sciences (Molecular Medicine and Immunology), subspecialist in rheumatology, dermatology resident.
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