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.
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.
Steroids Explained: Benefits, Risks and How They Are Used Safely in Rheumatology
A clear, patient-focused guide to steroid treatment in rheumatology, including benefits, risks, side effects, tapering, sick-day rules and long-term safety.
DMARDs Explained: Methotrexate, Sulfasalazine, Hydroxychloroquine, Mycophenolate and Leflunomide
A patient guide to DMARDs including methotrexate, sulfasalazine, hydroxychloroquine, mycophenolate and leflunomide — uses, safety and monitoring.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Explained: Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune inflammatory joint disease. Learn about symptoms, RF and anti-CCP antibodies, diagnosis, and modern treatments.
Axial Spondyloarthritis Explained: Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment
Axial spondyloarthritis is an inflammatory cause of chronic back pain. Learn about symptoms, MRI diagnosis, HLA-B27, and modern treatment options.
Inflammatory Back Pain – When to Seek Specialist Advice
Inflammatory back pain behaves differently from mechanical back pain. Learn about axial spondyloarthritis, HLA-B27, MRI and when to seek specialist advice.
Psoriatic Arthritis Explained
Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory joint disease linked to psoriasis. Learn about symptoms, diagnosis, imaging, and modern treatment options.
NHS and Private Care: Different Settings, Shared Principles
A clear explanation of NHS and private rheumatology care, including benefits, limitations, prescribing, biologic treatments, and how patients can move safely between both systems.
Anti-TNF Treatments in Rheumatology: What They Are and How They Help
A clear explanation of anti-TNF biologic treatments such as adalimumab, how they work, their safety profile, and what options exist if treatment needs to change.
Gout: More Than Just a Diet Problem
Gout is a common inflammatory arthritis affecting younger patients and increasing cardiovascular risk. Learn how it is diagnosed and treated effectively.
What Is a DEXA Scan — and How Is It Used in Assessing Bone Health?
A clear guide to DEXA scans, bone density, FRAX and bone turnover markers, and how specialist assessment helps guide osteoporosis care.
Romosozumab (Evenity®) in Osteoporosis: When and Why It Is Used
A specialist overview of romosozumab (Evenity®) for osteoporosis, including NICE, NOGG and Royal Osteoporosis Society guidance and when treatment is appropriate.
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.
Raynaud’s and Chilblains: Understanding the Causes — and When to Look Deeper
A patient-friendly guide to Raynaud’s phenomenon and chilblains, including secondary causes, COVID toes, supplements, and when specialist assessment is needed.
Understanding Bone Health and Osteoporosis: What Patients Should Know
A patient-focused guide to bone health and osteoporosis, explaining fracture risk, DEXA scans and personalised treatment, with expert insight from Dr Animesh Singh, Consultant Rheumatologist.