Rheumatism
Rheumatic diseases are diverse and often chronic. With early diagnostics and modern therapy, we can stop progression and maintain your quality of life.
- Covered by insurance
- Often same-day appointment
What is Rheumatism?
"Rheumatism" is a collective term for many different diseases, mostly inflammatory in nature, of joints, muscles, tendons, and connective tissue. The most common forms are rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and lupus. Modern rheumatic medications (biologics) have revolutionized treatment in recent years. With early diagnostics and treatment, we can stop progression and maintain your quality of life.
TREATMENT
How avi Helps You
Rheumatism belongs to the category of musculoskeletal disorders — a group of diseases responsible for the highest number of sick-leave absences in Germany. This autoimmune condition should therefore by no means be underestimated and should be treated as early as possible. This can alleviate symptoms and slow or even halt its progression. Our experienced doctors are here to support you at all our locations.
OVERVIEW
Diagnosis
A reliable diagnosis of rheumatism requires several parameters. These include, among others:
- Joint status
- Duration of symptoms
- Blood values
- Ultrasound, X-ray, and MRI demonstrating changes to the joints
- Abnormalities in joint aspirate
OVERVIEW
Causes & Risk Factors
As with ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, the trigger of the autoimmune condition rheumatism is unknown at the present time.
OVERVIEW
Typical Symptoms
Typical symptoms of rheumatism include:
- General fatigue and malaise
- Night sweats
- Muscle pain
- Low-grade fever
- Joint-related: pain with swelling, stiffness (particularly in the morning), nodules (rheumatoid nodules)
- Pain at tendon insertions and bursae
- Carpal tunnel syndrome (nocturnal tingling and pain in the wrists and hands)
- Where organs are additionally affected: pleuritis when the lungs are involved, pericarditis when the heart is affected, conjunctivitis when the eyes are involved, and redness and impaired circulation when blood vessels are affected
TREATMENT
Our Treatment Approach
The first step in the comprehensive treatment of rheumatism is diagnostics. The rule here is: the earlier, the better the prognosis — not only for your joints. This is because rheumatism patients have an up to three times higher risk of heart attack or stroke.
Diagnostics at avi are followed by targeted therapy. This includes:
- Cryotherapy
- Physiotherapy
- Patient education
- Stepwise medication regimen, both for prophylaxis and during acute flares
HOW IT WORKS
How an Appointment Works
We take time for thorough diagnostics and an individual treatment plan.
- 1
History & Consultation
We discuss your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle in detail and take time for your questions.
~15 min
- 2
Clinical Examination
A thorough physical examination and, if needed, additional diagnostics (e.g., blood draw, ECG, ultrasound).
~15-20 min
- 3
Findings & Diagnosis
We discuss your results and explain what they mean for your health in clear terms.
~10 min
- 4
Treatment Plan & Follow-up
Together we develop an individual treatment plan and arrange follow-up appointments as needed.
ongoing
PREPARATION & AFTERCARE
Preparation & Aftercare
Before the appointment
Bring your insurance card
Please remember your health insurance card and any referral if applicable.
Pack previous findings
Current findings, doctor's letters, or imaging from previous treatments help us provide better care.
Medication list
A current list of your medications (incl. dosage) is very helpful.
After the appointment
Follow your treatment plan
Stick to the agreed treatment plan and medication intake.
Schedule follow-up
Arrange a follow-up appointment promptly for monitoring.
Report worsening symptoms
Contact us if your symptoms worsen or new symptoms appear.
Costs & insurance
Covered by statutory insurance
Standard coverage for all statutory health insurance members.
Private / self-pay
on request