Arthritis Screening Check
Rheumatoid arthritis screening check
Rheumatoid arthritis is a long-term inflammatory condition affecting the joints of the body. It can cause joint pain, stiffness and swelling and usually affects the hands, feet and wrists. It can also cause other symptoms such as tiredness and weight-loss.
It is an autoimmune condition which means that the body’s own immune system attacks the cells that lines the joints.
Rheumatoid arthritis can have periods where the condition is worse called a flare and an increased number of flares can cause damage to the joints. However with appropriate treatment we can limit the number of flares and therefore damage to joints.
Rheumatoid arthritis is treated with medicine to help slow progression of the disease and help symptoms. Physiotherapy and other supportive measures can help with daily activities and movement.
The risk factors of having rheumatoid arthritis include:
family history of rheumatoid arthritis
smoking
being a woman
Our consultant rheumatologist, Dr Nirupam Purkayastha, who has a PhD in rheumatoid arthritis and early inflammatory arthritis, has created a rheumatoid arthritis screening check, for anyone who has joint symptoms or has the above risk factors. This includes:
Blood tests performed at our practice by the consultant rheumatologist who will explain the process at this point - Full blood count, ESR, uric acid, rheumatoid factor, anti-CCP antibodies, C-reactive protein (CRP), urea and electrolytes, liver function tests.
A video consultation with our expert consultant rheumatologist to discuss the results and your issues.
This is competitively priced at £400 for the whole screening check.
Dr Purkayastha, who is at the forefront of rheumatoid and early inflammatory arthritis research, also provides general rheumatology consultations. These appointments can be flexible with video consultations available anytime. To view what he offers and further pricing, please click here.
Further information and education is available on our instagram page: @a_nmedservices
Osteoporosis Screening Check
Osteoporosis is a condition that causes bones to weaken and become fragile causing it to break more easily. It is usually diagnosed when a low impact fall causes a bone fracture.
The condition before osteoporosis is known as osteopenia and it does not always lead to osteoporosis. Your doctor can provide you with lifestyle advice and bone strengthening medication to help.
Women are more at risk of osteoporosis than men and women lose bone more quickly than men in the first few years of their menopause. Especially if they have had their ovaries removed or been through an early menopause (before the age of 45). However it can also affect men and younger women.
Other risk factors include:
Taking high dose steroids (for more than 3 months)
Family history of osteoporosis
Having an eating disorder such as bulimia or anorexia
Long term medications post breast cancer
Not exercising regularly
Heavy drinking and smoking
Our consultant rheumatologist, Dr Nirupam Purkayastha, who has a PhD in rheumatoid and early inflammatory arthritis, has devised an osteoporosis screening check for anyone who has the above risk factors and is worried about their bone health. This includes:
Blood tests performed at our practice - Full blood count, bone profile, liver function tests, urea and electrolytes, bone profile (uric acid, calcium and phosphate), cardiac/muscle enzymes, glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, iron, total iron binding and vitamin D.
A DEXA scan appointment in Central London at a collaborating imaging centre
A face to face 60 minute consultation with our consultant rheumatologist to discuss the results and perform a full examination, history and offer any further management and treatment if osteoporosis is diagnosed.
This is competitively priced at £500 for the whole screening check.
Dr Purkayastha, who is at the forefront of arthritis research, also provides general rheumatology consultations, these can be flexible with video consultations available anytime. To view what he offers and further pricing, please click here.
Further information and education is available on our instagram page: @a_nmedservices