General Info

Rheumatology

What Is Rheumatology?

Rheumatology is a specialized branch of medicine focused on diagnosing and treating rheumatic diseases—conditions that primarily affect the musculoskeletal system, including muscles, bones, joints, and connective tissues. Rheumatology also covers systemic autoimmune disorders that can involve various organs beyond the locomotor system, such as the heart, lungs, kidneys, skin, and eyes.

A rheumatology specialist, or rheumatologist, is trained to identify and manage over 200 different rheumatic conditions, many of which cause chronic pain, inflammation, swelling, joint deformity, and impaired movement.

What Is a Rheumatic Disease?

Rheumatic diseases are a diverse group of disorders characterized by inflammation, pain, and degeneration of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissues. These diseases can be autoimmune, degenerative, infectious, or metabolic in nature.

Unlike simple joint problems, many rheumatic diseases may also affect internal organs such as the heart, lungs, and kidneys, and cause systemic symptoms including fatigue, fever, and skin rashes.

Rheumatic Diseases We Treat

At MedicalPark’s Rheumatology Department in Turkey, we provide comprehensive care for a broad spectrum of rheumatic diseases, including:

• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): A chronic autoimmune disease causing joint inflammation and pain.

• Osteoarthritis: Degenerative joint disease leading to cartilage breakdown.

• Connective Tissue Diseases: Including Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (lupus), Sjögren's Syndrome, Scleroderma, Mixed Connective Tissue Disease, Dermatomyositis, Polymyositis, and Anti-phospholipid Syndrome.

• Spondyloarthropathies: Such as Ankylosing Spondylitis, Psoriatic Arthritis, Reactive Arthritis, and Undifferentiated Spondyloarthropathies.

• Behçet's Disease

• Familial Mediterranean Fever

• Polymyalgia Rheumatica

• Acute Rheumatic Fever

• Crystal Arthropathies: Gout and Pseudo-gout (Chondrocalcinosis)

• Metabolic Bone Diseases: Osteoporosis, Osteomalacia, Paget’s Disease

• Vasculitis and Vascular Inflammations: Including Takayasu Arteritis, Polyarteritis Nodosa, Microscopic Polyangiitis, Churg-Strauss Syndrome, Wegener's Granulomatosis, Giant Cell (Temporal) Arteritis, and other systemic vasculitis.

• Amyloidosis

• Infectious Arthritis

We also manage rheumatic signs that may appear as part of systemic diseases. For specialized care of rheumatic diseases in children, please visit our Pediatric Rheumatology Department.

Diagnostic Procedures for Rheumatic Diseases

Accurate diagnosis is key to effective treatment in rheumatology. Our rheumatology specialists use a combination of clinical evaluation and advanced diagnostic tools, including:

• Detailed medical history and physical examination focusing on joint function and systemic symptoms.

• Rheumatology blood tests: Rheumatoid factor (RF), anti-CCP antibodies, ANA (antinuclear antibodies), ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate), CRP (C-reactive protein), and other specific markers to identify autoimmune activity.

• Imaging studies such as X-rays, ultrasound, and MRI to assess joint and tissue damage.

• Biopsies or synovial fluid analysis in select cases.

Treatment Options for Rheumatic Diseases

Our approach to managing rheumatic diseases combines medication, physical therapies, and lifestyle changes tailored to each patient’s condition.

Medication Management

We offer a wide range of medications, including:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain and inflammation relief.

• Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), including methotrexate, sulfasalazine, and hydroxychloroquine.

• Corticosteroids for controlling acute inflammation.

• Biologic therapies targeting specific immune system components to control autoimmune disease activity.

Physical Therapy

Customized physical therapy programs help maintain joint mobility, strengthen muscles, and improve overall function to enhance quality of life.

Biologic Therapies

Biologic agents have revolutionized treatment for diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. We provide access to cutting-edge biologic treatments under expert supervision.

Living with Rheumatic Diseases

Managing rheumatic diseases is a lifelong journey. At MedicalPark, we support patients with education on disease management, pain control techniques, nutritional counseling, and guidance on physical activity. Our multidisciplinary team ensures personalized care that addresses both physical and emotional well-being.

Advantages of Rheumatic Care and Treatment in Turkey

Turkey offers advanced medical infrastructure combined with experienced rheumatology specialists, providing high-quality care at competitive costs. Patients benefit from personalized treatment plans and access to the latest therapies in a culturally supportive environment.

Why Choose MedicalPark for Rheumatology?

MedicalPark is a leading healthcare provider in Turkey, equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic tools and treatment options for rheumatic diseases. Our rheumatology specialists are internationally trained, offering expert consultation and comprehensive management of complex cases. From initial diagnosis to long-term follow-up, we prioritize patient-centered care to improve outcomes.

This content was developed by the MedicalPark Editorial Board and is intended for informational purposes only. It does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your healthcare provider for personalized care.