Private Inflammatory Arthritis Specialist in London
Inflammatory arthritis is a group of conditions where the immune system causes inflammation in the joints, spine, tendons or surrounding tissues. It can cause pain, swelling, stiffness, fatigue and reduced mobility. Unlike simple mechanical joint pain, inflammatory arthritis often needs early recognition and specialist treatment to control symptoms and reduce the risk of long-term joint damage.
Dr. Animesh Singh
★★★★★ London's highest rated & most reviewed rheumatologist on Doctify & Google
Dr Animesh Singh is a Consultant Rheumatologist and General Internal Medicine Physician at the Royal Free Hospital, where he is Clinical Lead for Rheumatology. He offers private assessment and treatment in London for patients with suspected or confirmed inflammatory arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, axial spondyloarthritis and undifferentiated inflammatory arthritis.
SYMPTOM CHECKER
Do your symptoms suggest inflammatory arthritis?
Inflammatory arthritis can present in different ways. Some patients develop obvious joint swelling, while others have more subtle symptoms that build gradually. Symptoms that may need specialist assessment include:
persistent joint pain, swelling or stiffness
morning stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes
pain and swelling in the hands, wrists, feet, knees or ankles
symptoms affecting several joints
flares that come and go
fatigue alongside joint symptoms
raised CRP or ESR on blood tests
positive rheumatoid factor or anti-CCP antibodies
joint or back pain in someone with psoriasis
inflammatory back pain that improves with movement or wakes you at night
tendon or ligament pain, such as Achilles tendon or plantar fascia pain
dactylitis, where a finger or toe becomes diffusely swollen
symptoms that have not been explained by osteoarthritis, injury or overuse.
NICE states that people with suspected rheumatoid arthritis should be referred for specialist assessment, and its rheumatoid arthritis guideline is designed to ensure patients receive treatment to control symptoms and slow disease progression.
CONDITIONS
Conditions included under inflammatory arthritis
Inflammatory arthritis is not one single diagnosis. The most common conditions include:
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Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis usually causes inflammation in the small joints of the hands, wrists and feet, although larger joints can also be affected. It may be associated with positive rheumatoid factor or anti-CCP antibodies, but some patients have normal antibody tests.
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Psoriatic arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis can occur in people with psoriasis or a family history of psoriasis. It may affect joints, tendons, the spine, nails or fingers and toes. NICE psoriasis guidance highlights that suspected psoriatic arthritis should lead to rheumatology referral for further assessment and care planning.
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Axial spondyloarthritis
Axial spondyloarthritis causes inflammatory back pain, usually involving the spine and sacroiliac joints. Symptoms may include back pain that improves with movement, pain at night, morning stiffness, buttock pain or a history of uveitis, psoriasis or inflammatory bowel disease. NICE guidance covers recognition, diagnosis and management of spondyloarthritis in adults and young people over 16.
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Undifferentiated inflammatory arthritis
Some patients have clear joint inflammation but do not immediately fit into a single diagnostic category. In these cases, careful follow-up and repeat assessment may be needed before the pattern becomes clearer.
How Dr Singh assesses inflammatory arthritis
A private rheumatology assessment is not based on one blood test alone. Dr Singh will take a detailed history, examine the affected joints and review any previous blood tests, scans or clinic letters.
Depending on your symptoms, assessment may include:
examination of swollen or tender joints;
assessment for psoriasis, nail changes, tendon inflammation or back symptoms;
blood tests such as CRP, ESR, rheumatoid factor, anti-CCP, ANA and other autoimmune markers where appropriate;
X-rays to assess joint damage or alternative causes of pain;
ultrasound or MRI where needed to look for inflammation;
review of previous treatment and response to medication;
consideration of related conditions such as psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease, uveitis, osteoporosis or cardiovascular risk.
The aim is to understand whether your symptoms are inflammatory, mechanical, crystal-related, autoimmune, or due to another cause.
Treatment for inflammatory arthritis
Treatment depends on the diagnosis, severity of symptoms, blood test results, imaging findings and your general health.
Options may include:
anti-inflammatory medication where appropriate;
steroid injections for selected inflamed joints or soft tissues;
short courses of oral steroids in specific circumstances;
disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, often called DMARDs;
biologic or targeted synthetic treatments for patients with more active or resistant disease;
physiotherapy, exercise advice and lifestyle measures;
monitoring of blood tests and treatment safety;
coordination with dermatology, ophthalmology, gastroenterology, physiotherapy or other specialists where needed.
NICE rheumatoid arthritis guidance emphasises access to multidisciplinary support, including assessment of pain, fatigue, daily activities, mobility, work, quality of life and mood.
Why early assessment matters
Inflammatory arthritis can be treatable, but delays in diagnosis may allow symptoms to worsen and joints to become damaged. Early specialist assessment can help confirm whether inflammation is present, identify the likely diagnosis and start the right treatment plan.
Not every patient with joint pain has inflammatory arthritis. Many people have osteoarthritis, tendon problems, fibromyalgia, gout, mechanical back pain or other explanations. A rheumatology assessment can help distinguish between these possibilities and avoid unnecessary uncertainty or inappropriate treatment.
Why see Dr Animesh Singh privately?
Dr Singh offers consultant-delivered assessment for patients with joint pain, swelling, stiffness, inflammatory back pain and suspected autoimmune or inflammatory disease.
Patients choose to see him privately because of:
consultant assessment from the first appointment;
experience in inflammatory arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and complex multisystem disease;
dual expertise in rheumatology and general internal medicine;
access to same-day blood tests and X-rays where clinically appropriate;
rapid imaging such as ultrasound or MRI where needed;
clear explanation of the likely diagnosis and treatment options;
prompt clinic letters to patients, GPs, insurers and other specialists;
appointments for self-pay and insured patients;
no GP referral required for self-pay appointments.
FRCP — Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians (2020)
MBBS · BSc Immunology (First Class Honours) · MRCP(UK) · MRCP(Rheum)
Clinical Lead — Royal Free Hospital
10 years+ of consultant experience at one of the UK's most renowned tertiary rheumatology centres.
Professional Memberships
Royal College of Physicians (RCP), British Society of Rheumatology (BSR), European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR)
London's Highest Rated & Most Reviewed Rheumatologist
4.98 / 5 and 500+ reviews on Doctify
What to bring to your appointment
If you are using private medical insurance, please check your authorisation before the appointment and ask whether investigations or procedures require separate approval.
It is helpful to bring or send/upload:
blood test results;
previous X-ray, ultrasound or MRI reports;
clinic letters or referral letters;
a list of current medication;
photos of visible swelling, rashes or psoriasis if symptoms fluctuate;
details of previous treatments, including steroid injections, anti-inflammatory medication, DMARDs or biologics.
Everything You Need to Know Before Booking
We've answered the questions patients most commonly ask. If yours isn't here, contact us — we're happy to help.
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No. You can refer yourself directly — no GP letter required. Simply call 0203 985 5778,email, or book online. If you have a referral letter or supporting documents, please email in advance to Dr Singh's PA, Lisa: DrSinghPA@ThePhysiciansClinic.co.uk or upload to your Carebit patient portal.
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The private clinic in Central London runs every Tuesday. Appointments are typically available within a week. If your symptoms are urgent, please call or use our WhatsApp messaging service & we will do our best to accommodate you the next working day.
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Yes — always. Dr. Singh conducts every consultation himself, from your first appointment through to any ongoing management.
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Initial consultation (30 minutes) - £350
Extended / second opinion (up to 60 minutes) - £450
Follow-up consultation - £250
Joint or soft-tissue injection (if required) - +£100
Payment is taken in advance via a secure payment link.
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Dr. Singh is recognised by all major insurers including Bupa, AXA Health, Vitality, Cigna, Aviva, WPA, Healix, Allianz, Benenden, and others, billing within their approved fee schedules. We strongly recommend contacting your insurer before your appointment to confirm coverage and request a pre-authorisation number. Please share this with us before or on the day. As policies vary, we are unable to advise on specific cover.
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Previous blood test results, scan reports, or letters from other doctors
A list of your current medications and known allergies
Your insurance details and pre-authorisation number, if applicable
You can also upload documents via your Carebit portal or email them in advance to Lisa: DrSinghPA@ThePhysiciansClinic.co.uk
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This is one of the most common reasons patients seek Dr. Singh's opinion. Complex and multi-system symptoms are frequently missed or misunderstood — particularly when they don't fit neatly into a single diagnosis. A specialist review by a dual-trained consultant often changes the picture entirely.
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Absolutely. Many patients come specifically for a second opinion. There is no obligation to change your existing care, and Dr. Singh will communicate openly with your current clinicians if you wish.
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Please give at least one full working day's notice if you need to cancel or reschedule. Cancellations with less notice, or non-attendance, will incur a fee of £150, which is not reimbursable by insurers.
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Yes. Dr. Singh welcomes international patients. Video consultations are available for an initial assessment, and prescriptions can be arranged for same-day delivery in London or next-day delivery anywhere in the UK.
You've Been Patient Enough.
Consult with London's highest rated and most reviewed rheumatologist. Based in Harley Street & Central London. Appointments typically within a week.