Autoimmune Arthritis
Dr. Shruti Bajad
Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis: Early Signs, Causes & Modern Treatment
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease causing joint inflammation, pain, swelling, and potential damage. Common symptoms include symmetrical joint pain, prolonged morning stiffness, fatigue, and low-grade fever. Early diagnosis via blood tests and imaging helps prevent deformities. Treatment includes DMARDs, biologics, and physiotherapy. Lifestyle changes like quitting smoking and exercise support long-term joint health.
Systemic Autoimmune Disease
Dr. Shruti Bajad
Lupus (SLE): Symptoms, Flares, and Comprehensive Management Strategies
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) causes widespread inflammation affecting joints, skin, kidneys, and organs. Symptoms include butterfly rash, fatigue, joint pain, hair loss, and sun sensitivity, often flaring unpredictably. Diagnosis uses ANA tests and clinical criteria. Treatment relies on hydroxychloroquine, immunosuppressants, and sun protection. Regular monitoring and lifestyle adjustments help control flares and protect organs.
Spondyloarthritis
Dr. Shruti Bajad
Ankylosing Spondylitis: Managing Back Pain, Stiffness & Spinal Health
Ankylosing Spondylitis primarily affects the spine, causing chronic back pain and stiffness that improves with movement. Symptoms include morning stiffness, fatigue, and possible eye inflammation. Linked to HLA-B27 gene, diagnosis uses MRI and X-rays. Treatment emphasizes daily exercise, physiotherapy, NSAIDs, and biologics to maintain mobility and prevent spinal fusion.
Psoriatic Disease
Dr. Shruti Bajad
Psoriatic Arthritis: Joint Pain, Skin Involvement & Integrated Care
Psoriatic Arthritis combines joint inflammation with psoriasis, causing swollen fingers, enthesitis, nail changes, and skin plaques. Symptoms vary in severity. Diagnosis is clinical with imaging support. Treatment includes DMARDs, targeted biologics for joints and skin, plus physiotherapy and stress management to prevent damage and improve quality of life.
Crystal Arthropathy
Dr. Shruti Bajad
Gout and High Uric Acid: Preventing Painful Flares and Long-Term Damage
Gout causes sudden, severe joint pain (often in the big toe) from uric acid crystals. Triggers include diet, alcohol, and dehydration. Chronic high uric acid leads to tophi and kidney issues. Acute treatment uses colchicine or NSAIDs; long-term prevention involves allopurinol, hydration, and dietary changes to avoid flares.
Degenerative Joint Disease
Dr. Shruti Bajad
Osteoarthritis: Managing Wear-and-Tear Joint Pain Effectively
Osteoarthritis involves cartilage breakdown in knees, hips, and hands, causing activity-related pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Risk factors include age, obesity, and injury. Diagnosis uses X-rays. Management focuses on weight loss, low-impact exercise, physiotherapy, pain relievers, and injections to preserve function and delay surgery.
Bone Health
Dr. Shruti Bajad
Osteoporosis: Building Stronger Bones and Preventing Fractures
Osteoporosis reduces bone density, raising fracture risk in hips, spine, and wrists—often silent until a break occurs. Risk factors include menopause, low calcium, and inactivity. Diagnosis uses DEXA scans. Prevention involves calcium/vitamin D, weight-bearing exercise, fall prevention, and medications when needed to strengthen bones.
Vascular Inflammation
Dr. Shruti Bajad
Vasculitis: Understanding Blood Vessel Inflammation and Treatment
Vasculitis inflames blood vessels, impairing flow and damaging organs. Symptoms include fever, rash, fatigue, and organ-specific issues depending on type. Diagnosis uses blood tests, imaging, and biopsy. Treatment starts with corticosteroids and immunosuppressants to control inflammation and prevent complications.
Chronic Pain Syndrome
Dr. Shruti Bajad
Fibromyalgia: Widespread Pain, Fatigue & Multidisciplinary Relief Strategies
Fibromyalgia causes widespread pain, fatigue, sleep issues, and "fibro fog" without joint damage. Diagnosis is based on symptom patterns. Management includes graded exercise, sleep hygiene, CBT, medications like duloxetine or pregabalin, and stress reduction for gradual symptom relief and better daily function.
