Rheumatology
There are more than 200 forms of arthritis, the most common of which can be organised into the following categories:
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Inflammatory Arthritis (including Rheumatoid Arthritis and Psoriatic Arthritis)
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Connective Tissue Disease (including Systemic Lupus Erythematosis, Myositis and Vasculitis)
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Polymyalgia Rheumatica and Temporal Arteritis.
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Gout and Pseudogout
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Osteoarthritis
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If you have a diagnosis of one of the first four above, you may be offered Occupational or Physiotherapy as part of your treatment. Managing osteoarthritis on an ongoing basis is best done by your GP, not the rheumatology team.
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The Versus arthritis website is a good starting point for information on all conditions. Click the link to find our more.
Exercise
The other tabs on Harrogate Health Hub may be used for specific Joint exercises as advised by your clinician.
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A general exercise programme is suggested for all Rheumatology conditions as this can help relieve stiffness and joint pains. The link below is one suitable for most conditions but if you have any concerns, discuss these with your healthcare professional before taking part in any new activity.
Useful Apps
MySpA
This App has been created by the Rheumatology Service at Whipps Cross University Hospital to provide instant access to medical information, exercises and assessments to help you manage your spondyloarthritis (SpA)
Back to Action
is a new exercise application specifically designed for people with Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS). It has been created by physiotherapists working with NASS and the exercise therapists and doctors who treat military personnel with AS at Headley Court. It uses the most up-to-date knowledge from the fields of physiotherapy and sports medicine.
Android version coming soon.
Disease Activity Score (DAS) is an assessment used by clinicians to measure rheumatoid arthritis (RA) disease activity, to determine whether the signs and symptoms have reduced or stopped, and if treatment needs to be adjusted.
This free health app from the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS) is designed to help you stay one step ahead of your RA.
Hand Therapy
An app developed by the hand team at Chelsea and Warminster hospitals to improve the quality and care of hand therapy patients.
Arthritis Tracker
Created with young people for young people, Arthritis Tracker lets you rate your symptoms in seconds and see a simple summary of your recent pain, sore joints, medication side effects, energy levels, activity, sleep and emotions.
RheumaBuddy
RheumaBuddy supports you in your everyday life with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). It has been co-created together with hundreds of patients and leading Rheumatologists.