Rheumatology Insights
Written by Dr Animesh Singh, Consultant Rheumatologist in London, these articles provide patient-friendly explanations of joint pain, inflammatory arthritis, gout, osteoporosis, autoimmune disease, vasculitis, blood tests and rheumatology treatments. They also include selected clinical insights and patient experiences to help explain how rheumatic conditions are assessed and managed.
Please note, these posts are for general information only and do not constitute medical advice. Dr Singh would encourage you to speak to your healthcare professional to be assessed and managed for your specific symptoms.
Steroid Injections for Joint and Soft Tissue Pain: When They Help — and When They Are Not the Whole Answer
When do steroid injections help joint or soft tissue pain? A consultant rheumatologist explains when they are useful, how they are performed, recovery afterwards, and why they are rarely the whole answer.
What Does a Second Opinion in Rheumatology Actually Add?
When is a second opinion in rheumatology worthwhile? A consultant rheumatologist explains what another expert review can add, from diagnosis and treatment clarity to reassurance and future planning.
Diet and Rheumatic Disease: Where It Helps — and Where Claims Go Too Far
Can diet help rheumatic disease? A consultant rheumatologist explains where food may support symptoms and health, and where dietary claims go too far.
Inflammation: What Rheumatologists Mean — and Why It Is Not Always the Same as What Patients Mean
Patients often use “inflammation” to describe pain, stiffness or fatigue. In rheumatology, the term has a more specific meaning. Here is why the difference matters.
Supplements in Rheumatology: What Helps, What Doesn’t — and What to Watch For
Thinking about turmeric, glucosamine, collagen, vitamin D or other supplements? This guide reviews the evidence in rheumatology, bone health and fatigue, with practical advice for patients.
Bisphosphonates for Osteoporosis: Benefits, Side Effects and How Long to Take Them
A patient guide to bisphosphonates for osteoporosis (alendronic acid, risedronate): how they work, who they’re for, how to take them, side effects, drug holidays, and what to consider if they’re not suitable.
Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (ONJ) and Osteoporosis Treatments: Bisphosphonates and Denosumab
Worried about osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) with bisphosphonates or denosumab (Prolia)? Learn how rare it is in osteoporosis treatment, key risk factors, dental precautions, and why denosumab should not be stopped without a plan.
Could It Be Lupus? Symptoms, Blood Tests and When to Seek Specialist Advice
Worried about lupus (SLE)? Learn the key symptoms, how lupus is diagnosed, which blood tests and scans are used, and when specialist assessment is important.
ANA Positive: What It Means (and What It Doesn’t)
A positive ANA blood test does not always mean autoimmune disease. Learn what ANA results can indicate, when follow-up tests are needed, and when to see a rheumatologist.
Joint Pain, Fatigue and Systemic Symptoms After COVID-19 or Other Infections
Persistent joint pain, fatigue or systemic symptoms after COVID-19 or other infections can be post-viral, reactive arthritis or new inflammatory disease. Learn warning signs and when to seek assessment.
Joint Stiffness and Swelling: When to Suspect Inflammatory Arthritis
Joint swelling, stiffness and morning symptoms can be early signs of inflammatory arthritis. This article explains when joint symptoms should be assessed and how early treatment can protect long-term joint health.
How to Choose the Right Rheumatologist in the UK
A patient guide to choosing a rheumatology specialist in the UK — NHS vs private care, tertiary centre experience and long-term treatment planning.
When Tests Create More Questions Than Answers
Blood tests and scans are most meaningful when interpreted in the context of symptoms and clinical assessment.
Fibromyalgia: Making Sense of Widespread Pain and Fatigue
Fibromyalgia causes widespread pain, fatigue and sleep problems despite normal tests. Learn how it’s diagnosed and managed using an evidence-based approach.
Joint hypermobility & hypermobility Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) Explained: Symptoms, Diagnosis and Management
A consultant rheumatologist explains joint hypermobility, Beighton scores, pain, fatigue, and evidence-based management options.
Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) Explained: Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment
Learn the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR), including steroid therapy, relapse risk and links with giant cell arteritis (GCA).
Exercise in Autoimmune Rheumatic Disease: A Practical Guide
Learn how exercise helps autoimmune rheumatic disease, what to avoid during flares, and how to build sustainable activity safely over time.
Fatigue in Rheumatic Disease: Why It Happens and What Actually Helps
Fatigue is common in rheumatic disease. Learn why it happens, why blood tests may be normal, and what practical strategies can help improve energy.
Does Fatigue Always Mean Autoimmune or Rheumatic Disease?
Does persistent fatigue mean autoimmune or inflammatory disease? Learn when fatigue is concerning, and how it should be assessed.
Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA): Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment
A clear patient guide to temporal arteritis, including warning signs, urgent steroid treatment and how vision loss is prevented.