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.
What Does a Positive HLA-B27 Mean?
A consultant rheumatologist explains what a positive HLA-B27 blood test can mean, how it relates to inflammatory back pain, psoriasis, uveitis and IBD, and why it is not a diagnosis on its own.
Dry Eyes, Dry Mouth and Joint Pain: Could This Be Sjögren’s Syndrome?
Could dry eyes, dry mouth and joint pain point to Sjögren’s syndrome? A consultant rheumatologist explains sicca symptoms, blood tests, connective tissue disease features and when specialist review may help.
Denosumab (Prolia) for Osteoporosis: What It Does, Who It Helps, and Why Stopping It Needs a Plan
Thinking about denosumab (Prolia) for osteoporosis? A consultant rheumatologist explains where it fits, blood tests, dental issues, injection timing, side effects, and why stopping needs a plan.
Gout and Cardiovascular Risk: Why Recurrent Gout Should Be Taken Seriously
Gout is not just about painful flares. A consultant rheumatologist explains the link between gout, high uric acid and cardiovascular risk, and why recurrent gout deserves a long-term plan.
What Is a Rheumatologist, What Do They Do, and When Should You See One?
What is a rheumatologist, what do they do, and when should you see one? A consultant rheumatologist and general physician explains the symptoms, conditions and situations where specialist assessment may help.
Is It Worth Having a Private Rheumatology Video Consultation?
Can a rheumatologist assess you properly by video? A consultant rheumatologist explains when private video consultations work well, how to prepare, when face-to-face is better, and how urgent appointments may sometimes be arranged.
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.