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.
Menopause and Rheumatic Disease: How Hormonal Change Can Affect Joints, Symptoms and Treatment
Menopause can affect joints, muscles, sleep, fatigue, bone health and cardiovascular risk. For women with rheumatic disease, this can make it difficult to know whether symptoms are hormonal, mechanical or due to an inflammatory flare.
Modern Imaging in Rheumatology: When X-ray, Ultrasound, MRI, PET-CT and DECT Actually Help
A consultant rheumatologist explains when X-ray, ultrasound, MRI, PET-CT, DECT, CT and angiographic imaging actually help in inflammatory disease, and why imaging should support expert clinical assessment rather than replace it.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Blood Tests in Rheumatology: What Do CRP, ESR, ANA and Rheumatoid Factor Really Mean?
What do CRP, ESR, ANA and rheumatoid factor really mean? Learn how symptoms, clinical signs and targeted tests lead to accurate diagnosis.