Joint
Lesson

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly attack the body's own tissues besides external infections. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation of the joints and the tissue around it, as well as other organs in the body. In the long run, it damages joints and can affect other organs.

It is important to note that patients may experience long periods without symptoms, so it is vital to seek professional help when you have the symptoms.

On the misconception that rheumatoid arthritis (RA) affects mostly the old

Think arthritis and one thinks old people with achy joints. But there are, in fact, many forms of arthritis (over one hundred and growing) ranging from those related to wear and tear of cartilage to those resulting from an overactive immune system (such as RA).

A/Prof Leong said: "RA or lupus usually starts when you're in your 20s to mid-40s. More than half of the patients I see in my clinic are young people. It is less common for these diseases to start when you are elderly; a lot of autoimmune diseases actually become quieter as you age."

Early detection of these diseases is key, as they can cause joints to sustain irreparable damage and become deformed. Complications of other parts of the body (see boxes) can also arise; more so with lupus, which can be fatal when it affects major organs in your body, like the kidneys, lungs and heart.

RA affects 1-2 per cent of population, and is as common as leukaemia. Unfortunately, changing up your lifestyle does not have an effect on the disease, so you should seek professional help if you think you have the condition.

Lupus

"Lupus usually starts when you’re in your 20s to mid-40s. More than half of the patients I see in my clinic are young people."

Lupus is a condition of chronic inflammation caused by an autoimmune disease, like rheumatoid arthritis. Lupus can cause disease of the skin, heart, lungs, kidneys, joints, and nervous system. The precise cause of lupus is not known; genetics, viruses, and exposure to ultraviolet light and drugs may play a role.

Lupus is extremely challenging to diagnose; doctors will usually ask a series of questions to determine your condition. If you are suspected of having the disease, they may conduct a range of blood tests for confirmation.

On his "Co-Curricular Activities"

Besides heading his own clinic, A/Prof Leong contributes to many other charitable causes related to his interests. The founder and ex-president of the Osteoporosis Society (Singapore) is now mostly involved in the Lupus Association Singapore.

"I feel that the hallmark of a good doctor goes beyond simply treating patients. There is no point in having the best treatment or medicine available if the patient doesn't understand it and shuns it because of certain misconceptions. With the Lupus Association, we engage past patients to share their treatment experiences. Patients tend to believe fellow sufferers’ advice more than their doctors," said A/Prof Leong with a laugh. "So it's good to have this kind of sharing and flow of information, which will empower patients to face the disease and the treatment's temporary side effects, such as the swelling of the face."

A/Prof Leong also lectures medical students as an Adjunct Associate Professor at the National University of Singapore. "I had great teachers when I was growing up, and I feel that it's important to not only impart medical knowledge, but also convey the ethical implications of being in the medical industry, especially as doctors."

With a few "Best Lecturer" awards under his belt, we say he is not doing that bad either.

Rheumatology aside, A/ Prof Leong said he likes to help his wife garden. He is also an avid traveller who enjoys experiencing different cultures. Mostly, he travels with his wife, unless he is going for a conference, which occurs twice a year, once to the US, the other to the UK. But even travelling can take on a charitable slant. "My wife and I sometimes travel to China on humanitarian trips," said A/Prof Leong.

In terms of paying it forward, and juggling family, work and numerous charitable causes, one does not have to look far with A/Prof Leong in the room, despite him humbly insisting that he is "trying to do better".

"I had great teachers when I was growing up, and I feel that it's important to not only impart medical knowledge, but also convey the ethical implications of being in the medical industry, especially as doctors." - A/Prof Leong on lecturing at the National University of Singapore

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is the condition where bones lose their density, leading to abnormally porous bones that are more compressible like a sponge than dense like a brick, as it should normally be. This leads to an increased risk of bone fracture, even with a minor fall or injury. Common areas that sustain bone fractures include the spine, hips, and wrists.