Rheumatology

What is Rheumatology?

Rheumatology is a medical specialty that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of disorders affecting the joints, bones, muscles, and connective tissues. Many of these illnesses are chronic, inflammatory, or autoimmune, meaning the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues. Without proper care, these conditions can cause pain, disability, and organ complications.

At Biruni Hospital, our Rheumatology Department provides comprehensive care for patients with both common and rare rheumatic diseases, combining advanced diagnostic tools, personalized treatment, and multidisciplinary support.

Conditions Treated in Rheumatology

1. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

 A chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the lining of the joints, leading to inflammation, swelling, and joint destruction.

Symptoms:

• Pain, swelling, and stiffness in multiple joints
• Morning stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes
• Warm, tender joints
• Fatigue, low-grade fever, and weakness
• Progressive loss of joint mobility if untreated

Treatment at Biruni Hospital:

• Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) to slow disease progression
• Biologic therapies for patients with resistant disease
• Anti-inflammatory and pain-relief medications
• Physiotherapy to maintain joint flexibility and strength
• Occupational therapy for daily activity adaptation
• Regular monitoring with imaging and lab tests

2. Osteoarthritis

 A degenerative joint condition caused by cartilage breakdown, leading to bone-on-bone friction.

Symptoms:

• Joint pain during or after movement
• Morning stiffness that improves within 30 minutes
• Loss of flexibility
• Swelling and bone spurs around joints
• Crunching or grating sensation with movement

Treatment at Biruni Hospital:

• Pain management medications
• Intra-articular joint injections for inflammation control
• Physiotherapy to strengthen muscles around the joints
• Weight management counseling to reduce joint strain
• Surgical options (joint replacement) in advanced cases
• Lifestyle modification programs for long-term relief

3. Gout

 A form of arthritis caused by high uric acid levels in the blood, leading to crystal deposits in joints.

Symptoms:

• Sudden, severe pain in a joint (often at night)
• Swelling, redness, and warmth around the joint
• Commonly affects the big toe, but can involve ankles, knees, or wrists
• Recurrent flare-ups if untreated

Treatment at Biruni Hospital:

• Medications to lower uric acid levels (urate-lowering therapy)
• Anti-inflammatory drugs for acute attacks
• Lifestyle and dietary counseling to reduce triggers (red meat, alcohol, seafood)
• Long-term follow-up to prevent recurrent attacks
• Patient education for self-management and prevention

4. Psoriatic Arthritis

A chronic inflammatory arthritis that develops in people with psoriasis, affecting both skin and joints.

Symptoms:

• Joint pain, swelling, and stiffness
• Skin rashes with red, scaly patches
• Swollen fingers or toes (dactylitis)
• Nail changes (pitting, discoloration)
• Fatigue and reduced mobility

Treatment at Biruni Hospital:

• Biologic therapies that target immune system overactivity
• DMARDs to slow joint damage
• Anti-inflammatory medications for symptom relief
• Physiotherapy to maintain function and prevent stiffness
• Collaboration with dermatologists for skin treatment
• Long-term monitoring to prevent complications

5. Ankylosing Spondylitis & Axial Spondyloarthritis

 Chronic inflammatory conditions affecting the spine and sacroiliac joints, leading to back pain, stiffness, and reduced flexibility.

Symptoms:

• Persistent back pain, worse at night or in the morning
• Pain that improves with activity but worsens with rest
• Morning stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes
• Limited spinal mobility and posture changes
• Possible eye inflammation (uveitis)

Treatment at Biruni Hospital:

• Anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve pain and stiffness
• Biologic therapies for patients with active disease
• Exercise and physiotherapy programs to maintain mobility
• Posture correction and breathing exercises
• Eye care in collaboration with ophthalmologists
• Long-term follow-up with imaging and labs

6. Osteoporosis

A bone disease where bones become porous and fragile, increasing the risk of fractures.

Symptoms:

• Often no symptoms until a fracture occurs
• Back pain due to vertebral fractures
• Loss of height over time
• Fragile bones that break easily from minor falls

Treatment at Biruni Hospital:

• Bone density scans for early detection
• Medications to strengthen bones and reduce fracture risk
• Calcium and vitamin D supplementation
• Lifestyle counseling (nutrition, exercise, smoking cessation)
• Fall-prevention programs for elderly patients
• Multidisciplinary rehabilitation after fractures

7. Systemic Autoimmune Diseases

Includes Lupus, Behçet’s Disease, Dermatomyositis, Vasculitis, and Sarcoidosis, which can affect multiple organs.

Symptoms:

• Skin rashes or ulcers
• Joint pain and swelling
• Fatigue, fever, and weight loss
• Eye, kidney, lung, or nervous system involvement (depending on disease)

Treatment at Biruni Hospital:

• Immunosuppressive medications to control overactive immune responses
• Biologic therapies for resistant or severe cases
• Steroid treatments for acute inflammation
• Close monitoring with blood tests and imaging
• Multidisciplinary care with cardiology, pulmonology, dermatology, or neurology as needed
• Long-term follow-up and patient education for disease management

How we care ?

From the moment you arrive at Biruni Hospital, our goal is to make your care journey clear, supportive, and effective.

Initial Consultation & Diagnosis

• Detailed medical history, physical examination, and advanced diagnostic testing to identify your condition early and accurately.

Personalized Treatment Planning

• Our team designs an individualized plan that may include medications, biologic therapies, physiotherapy, or lifestyle changes.

Integrated Support

• We coordinate with other specialties to treat organ involvement, provide rehabilitation, and offer nutritional and psychological support when needed.

Ongoing Monitoring

• Regular follow-ups with imaging and lab tests to track disease progression and adjust treatments promptly.

Patient Education & Lifestyle Guidance

• Clear advice on exercise, nutrition, stress management, and self-care so you can actively participate in your recovery.

Long-Term Care & Prevention

• Continuous support programs designed to help prevent relapses, reduce complications, and maintain mobility and independence.

Why choose Biruni Hospital for Rheumatology?

At Biruni Hospital, our Rheumatology Department is dedicated to providing expert care for patients living with joint, bone, and autoimmune diseases. What makes us different is our combination of medical expertise, advanced technology, and patient-centered care.

• Experienced Specialists : Our rheumatologists are highly trained in diagnosing and treating even the most complex conditions.
• Advanced Diagnostics : We use modern tools such as MRI, ultrasound, and laboratory testing for accurate and early detection.
• Multidisciplinary Approach : Close collaboration with orthopedics, physiotherapy, dermatology, pulmonology, cardiology, and neurology ensures comprehensive treatment.
• Personalized Care : Each patient receives a tailored treatment plan that addresses their specific symptoms and lifestyle.
• Continuous Support : From regular monitoring to patient education, we help you manage your condition and improve your quality of life.

Take the First Step Toward Relief and Better Mobility

At Biruni Hospital, we are committed to improving mobility, reducing pain, and protecting long-term health for patients with rheumatic conditions. If you are experiencing persistent joint pain or other symptoms, book a consultation with our Rheumatology Department today