Rheumatology in Dombivli

Physical Examination

A detailed physical examination is the first step in planning an effective treatment strategy. This includes an assessment of overall physical health, pulse evaluation, and careful examination of the heart and lungs. The clinician also checks for swollen lymph nodes and signs of systemic inflammation.

Special attention is given to affected joints and limbs to assess swelling, warmth, tenderness, range of motion, stiffness, and functional limitation. These findings help determine disease activity and guide further investigations.

Medical History Review

A thorough review of the patient’s medical history plays a key role in rheumatological care. This assessment helps identify symptom patterns, disease duration, previous treatments, and family history of autoimmune or inflammatory conditions.

Understanding past illnesses and genetic risk factors allows clinicians to develop informed treatment plans that address both present symptoms and potential long-term complications.

Diagnostic Investigations

Diagnostic tests are essential for identifying the underlying cause of symptoms and determining disease severity. These investigations support accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.

Blood Tests

• Complete Blood Count (CBC)
• Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)
• C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
• Liver and renal function tests
• Urine examination

Specialised Immunological Tests

• Rheumatoid factor
• Anti-CCP antibody
• ANA (Anti-Nuclear Antibody)
• ANCA
• ANA profile
• Complement levels (C3, C4)

Imaging Tests

• X-ray imaging
• Ultrasound
• MRI scans
• CT scans

These diagnostic tools help evaluate inflammation, joint damage, organ involvement, and disease progression.

Our rheumatology team provides non-surgical, surgical, and supportive therapies for a wide spectrum of rheumatic conditions.

Osteoarthritis

Diagnosis

• Imaging studies such as X-rays and MRI
• Blood tests
• Joint fluid analysis

Treatment

• Non-surgical: Oral or topical pain relief, NSAIDs, acetaminophen, duloxetine
• Interventional: Cortisone injections, lubrication injections
• Surgical: Joint realignment or joint replacement when required

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

Diagnosis

• Blood tests including ESR, CRP, and anti-CCP antibodies
• Imaging studies

Treatment

• Medications: NSAIDs, corticosteroids, DMARDs, biologics
• Surgical options: Synovectomy, tendon repair, joint fusion, joint replacement
• Supportive care: Occupational therapy and assistive devices

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)

Diagnosis

• Blood tests and urinalysis
• Immunological markers
• Imaging and biopsy when required

Treatment

• NSAIDs, antimalarials, corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, biologics
• Lifestyle guidance and regular monitoring

Takayasu Arteritis

Diagnosis

• Blood tests (ESR, CRP)
• Imaging such as CT, MRI, angiography, PET scan

Treatment

• Corticosteroids
• DMARDs
• Biologic therapies

Spondyloarthropathies

Diagnosis

• Clinical examination
• Imaging studies
• HLA-B27 blood testing

Treatment

• NSAIDs
• Corticosteroid injections
• DMARDs
• TNF and IL-17 inhibitors

Sjogren’s Syndrome

Diagnosis

• Blood tests
• Eye tests
• Salivary gland studies

Treatment

• Artificial saliva and tears
• NSAIDs and DMARDs
• Surgical procedures such as punctal occlusion when needed

Gout

Diagnosis

• Joint fluid analysis
• Blood tests
• Imaging including ultrasound and dual-energy CT

Treatment

• NSAIDs, colchicine, corticosteroids
• Uric acid–lowering medications
• Dietary and lifestyle modification

Scleroderma

Diagnosis

• Clinical assessment
• Blood tests and imaging

Treatment

• Medications to suppress immune activity and improve blood flow
• Physical and occupational therapy
• Surgical intervention in advanced cases

Osteoporosis

Diagnosis

• Blood tests for calcium, vitamin D, thyroid function
• Bone density testing (DEXA scan)

Treatment

• Calcium and vitamin D supplementation
• Bisphosphonates, denosumab, teriparatide
• Physical therapy

Infectious (Septic) Arthritis

Diagnosis

• Joint fluid analysis
• Blood tests
• Imaging including X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans

Treatment

• Intravenous and oral antibiotics
• Joint drainage via needle, arthroscopy, or open surgery

Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

Diagnosis

• Blood tests and imaging studies

Treatment

• NSAIDs, DMARDs, biologics, corticosteroids
• Surgical correction in selected cases
• Physical and occupational therapy

Polymyalgia Rheumatica

Diagnosis

• Blood tests
• Imaging when required

Treatment

• Corticosteroids
• Methotrexate
• Calcium and vitamin D supplementation
• Physical therapy

Giant Cell Arteritis typically affects individuals above 65 years of age and can lead to headaches and sudden vision loss if untreated. It may occur alongside polymyalgia rheumatica.

Diagnosis and treatment follow protocols similar to polymyalgia rheumatica, with close monitoring.

Post-Viral and Post-Chikungunya Arthritis

This condition may develop after viral infections such as dengue or chikungunya and can affect individuals of any age.

Diagnosis

• Blood tests including CBC, ESR, and CRP

Treatment

• NSAIDs
• Corticosteroids
• DMARDs such as methotrexate
• Physical therapy