Joint pain worth investigatingVienaMed
Persistent joint pain, joint swelling or feeling stiff can affect walking and daily activities. If these manifestations continue or reappear, discuss with a doctor the need for a rheumatologic evaluation. The causes may be different and treatment is chosen after diagnosis.
For patients interested in rheumatology in Vienna, VienaMed provides support for the transmission of the medical records, the organisation of consultations and the request for a second opinion, depending on the situation of each patient.
What diseases evaluate the rheumatologist?
The reumatologist deals with diseases affecting joints, muscles and bones, as well as certain autoimmune diseases.
rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis;
Ankylosing spondylitis;
gout and arthrosis;
osteoporosis;
lupus and other autoimmune systemic diseases.
Some of these diseases require long-term monitoring. The doctor sets out a plan adapted to the diagnosis, symptoms and general condition.
When is a rheumatologic consultation useful?
Request an assessment if you have persistent joint pain, swollen joints, morning stiffness or after rest or difficulty moving. Tell your doctor if the symptoms affect more than one joint or if they recur after treatment.
A joint that suddenly becomes very painful, warm and swollen needs urgent medical evaluation, especially if you have a fever or feel generally unwell. A joint infection can also occur without a fever. In this situation, seek medical assessment locally before considering travel abroad.
What does the consultation entail?
The doctor talks about the onset of symptoms, the affected joints, the duration of stiffness, the known diseases and the treatments followed. The examination can follow the sensitivity, swelling of the joints and mobility.
It prepares the results of previous investigations and the list of medicines, including supplements. Note when pain occurs, aggravates it and what activities have become difficult. This information helps the specialist understand the evolution of the problem.
What investigations can be recommended?
Depending on clinical suspicion, the evaluation may include:
blood tests, such as blood counts and inflammation markers VSH and C-reactive protein;
specific tests, such as rheumatoid factor or anti-CCP antibodies, where there is indication;
X-rays or MRI for the assessment of certain joints.
In rheumatoid arthritis, no blood test confirms or excludes diagnosis alone. The results are interpreted together with the symptoms and clinical examination. Normal analyses should not delay the expert’s assessment when there is a suspicion of persistent joint inflammation.
Send the analysis to VienaMed
If you’ve already conducted investigations, you can transmit to VienaMed documents available for the preparation of the evaluation: analyses, medical letters, discharge notes, reports and images of the examinations carried out.
The team can explain to you what information is needed and how to organize the transmission of the file to the specialist. The doctor will determine whether the documents are sufficient for an opinion or whether further personal examination and investigations are necessary.
In Patient guide VienaMed Find the list of documents you can prepare before consultation.
Consultations and second opinion in Vienna
By VienaMed you can ask for a consultation in Vienna and information about the investigations recommended by the specialist. Appointments and evaluation steps shall be determined on the basis of case and availability.
If you already have a diagnosis and wish to better understand the recommendations received, you can also ask for a second medical opinion. This can start with existing documents and may require a consultation. The conclusions are discussed with the treating physician before changing the treatment.
Contact VienaMed for information about the rheumatologic evaluation in Vienna and the documents required to make an appointment.