Early Inflammatory Arthritis Service

Inflammatory Arthritis is a term used to describe a group of conditions which affect your immune system. This means that your body’s defence system, which would normally eliminate germs or viruses, starts attacking the tissues around the joints instead.  This can lead to pain, swelling and stiffness in your joints. The most common forms of inflammatory arthritis are Rheumatoid Arthritis and Psoriatic Arthritis. Other forms of inflammatory arthritis are Axial Spondyloarthropathy, juvenile idiopathic arthritis and reactive arthritis.

Your GP will refer you to the Rheumatology Consultant if they think you may have inflammatory arthritis. If you have been given a diagnosis of inflammatory arthritis, it is likely that you will commence treatment with cDMARDS (conventional disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs). These medicines work in your immune system treating the cause of the inflammation. They work differently from pain killers and anti-inflammatories and may take several weeks to work. They will help to reduce the swelling and pain in your joints, and also to slow down the disease and prevent damage in your joints.

The most common cDMARDS used to treat inflammatory arthritis are: Methotrexate, Sulfasalazine, Hydroxychloroquine and Leflunomide, sometimes in combination. You can access further information about these medications on the links below. Once you have started your medication for arthritis, your GP surgery and our team work together to make sure your blood monitoring is done and any side effects or problems are identified and dealt with.

Early Inflammatory Arthritis Clinic

Following a diagnosis of Inflammatory Arthritis by the Rheumatology Consultant, you will be sent an appointment for review approximately 6 weeks later at the Early Inflammatory Arthritis Clinic with the Rheumatology Specialist Nurse. The aim of this clinic is to enable rapid control of the condition and prevent joint damage. At this appointment, the nurse will ask you about your arthritis medication and joint symptoms to give us an indication of how effective your treatment is. You will then have a further appointment approximately 2 months later at the Multidisciplinary Team Early Arthritis Clinic for a second Nurse review, Physiotherapy, Podiatry and Occupational Therapy assessment. You may also be given the opportunity to be referred for Health Psychology if appropriate. Thereafter, you will have reviews with your Consultant Rheumatologist as required.

Your Multidisciplinary Team at the Early Arthritis Clinic are:

Specialist Nurse - The role of the Specialist Nurse is to support you and your family and give you practical advice. At the appointment with your nurse you will have the opportunity to ask questions about your condition, the medication and any other concerns you may have.

Physiotherapist - The aim of Physiotherapy is to help reduce pain and discomfort, prevent loss of joint function as well as improving or maintaining muscle strength, movement and endurance. Your Physiotherapist can advise you on how to best manage your symptoms and optimise function.

Occupational Therapist - They help people to manage everyday life – from getting washed and dressed, managing meal preparation to hobbies and leisure.  You may be offered advice and support to coping with work. If you have difficulties with your hands you may be recommended splints or supports or equipment that can make your life easier.  We also teach joint protection and can help with fatigue management and pacing.

Podiatrist - Are experts on problems with your feet and ankles.  They can help you manage your inflammatory arthritis by providing you with advice and information as well as providing you with specialist insoles to help correct any deformities. 

Health Psychologist - In general the role of health psychology is to help people optimise their physical health and emotional wellbeing usually by exploring self-management of their condition.  This may range from “big picture” issues such as general acceptance of their illness and its treatment to coping with specific symptoms such as sleep disturbance, fatigue, depression and pain management.

Useful websites/links

Information booklets/leaflets

 

Published: 22/09/2022 14:46