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How Do Rheumatologists Treat Arthritis?

Doctor reviewing a knee X‑ray on a tablet during an assessment of arthritis in the knee joint.
A/Prof Leong Keng Hong - Senior Consultant Rheumatologist
A/Prof Leong Keng Hong Senior Consultant Rheumatologist MBBS (Singapore)MMed (Singapore)MD, MRCP (UK)FAMS (Singapore)FRCP (Edinburgh)

Rheumatic conditions are relatively common in Singapore and can affect you at different stages of life. You may first notice persistent joint discomfort, stiffness or swelling that does not resolve with rest. In some cases, these symptoms gradually worsen, making it harder to carry out everyday activities.

When symptoms become ongoing or difficult to manage, your general practitioner or another specialist may refer you to a rheumatologist. This step allows for a more detailed evaluation and a treatment plan tailored to your specific condition.

What Does a Rheumatologist Do?

A rheumatologist specialises in conditions that affect the joints, muscles and bones, many of which are linked to the immune system. When the immune system becomes overactive, it can trigger inflammation that affects not only the joints but also other parts of the body.

There are more than 100 recognised rheumatic conditions, including various forms of arthritis. While arthritis is often associated with ageing, many types are inflammatory or autoimmune in nature and require targeted treatment. Early assessment helps clarify the cause of your symptoms and ensures that the right management approach is started as soon as possible.

How Is Arthritis Diagnosed?

Because different types of arthritis can present in similar ways, reaching an accurate diagnosis is an important first step. Your rheumatologist will look at several factors to distinguish between inflammatory, autoimmune and degenerative causes.

The diagnostic process usually involves:

Medical History

You will be asked about how your symptoms began, how they have changed over time and which joints are affected. Details such as the duration of morning stiffness or whether symptoms improve with movement can provide important clues.

Physical Exam

A careful examination allows your doctor to assess swelling, tenderness, warmth and joint movement. Patterns such as symmetrical joint involvement may help narrow down the diagnosis. Signs beyond the joints, including skin or nail changes, may also be considered.

Blood Tests

Blood investigations can help detect inflammation and identify markers linked to autoimmune disease. Common tests include erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, rheumatoid factor and anti-CCP antibodies.

Imaging Studies

Imaging helps visualise the joints in more detail. X-rays can show structural changes such as joint space narrowing, while ultrasound and MRI are useful for detecting early inflammation and soft tissue involvement.

Doctor examining an elderly woman’s joints during a consultation, illustrating arthritis assessment and management in a clinical setting.

How Does a Rheumatologist Treat Arthritis?

Treatment focuses on more than just relieving discomfort. The aim is to control inflammation, preserve joint function and reduce the risk of long-term damage.

To achieve this, your care plan is usually personalised and may combine medication with supportive therapies and lifestyle adjustments.

Medications

Medication plays a key role, particularly for inflammatory and autoimmune arthritis. The type prescribed depends on your diagnosis and how active the condition is.

  • Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
    NSAIDs are often used to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. They may be suitable for short-term symptom control or longer use under medical supervision.
  • Disease-modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs)
    DMARDs target the underlying disease process rather than just the symptoms. By suppressing immune-driven inflammation, they help slow progression and reduce the risk of permanent joint damage.
  • Biologic Therapies
    Biologic treatments are considered when conventional options are not sufficient or not well tolerated. These therapies act on specific parts of the immune system, allowing for more precise control of inflammation.

Lifestyle and Self-Management

What you do daily can make a meaningful difference in how your joints feel and function. These strategies support your medical treatment and help you stay active.

  • Weight Management
    Maintaining a healthy weight reduces pressure on joints such as the knees, hips and spine. Even small changes can ease strain and improve mobility.
  • Joint Protection and Posture
    Being mindful of how you move and position your body can help prevent unnecessary stress on your joints. Simple adjustments to daily habits may reduce discomfort and conserve energy.
  • Dietary Support
    A balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains and omega-3 rich foods may help support overall health and reduce inflammation. While not a standalone treatment, it complements your overall care plan.

Therapies

Rehabilitation is often an important part of long-term management, especially when stiffness or reduced mobility affects your daily routine.

  • Physiotherapy
    Physiotherapy focuses on improving joint mobility, muscle strength and endurance through structured, individualised exercise programmes. Regular, guided movement helps maintain flexibility, reduce stiffness and support joint stability.
  • Occupational Therapy
    Occupational therapy focuses on making daily activities easier and safer. You may learn techniques to reduce strain, modify tasks or use supportive devices such as splints where needed.

When Should You Consider Seeing a Rheumatologist?

If joint symptoms begin to affect how you move, rest or carry out daily activities, it is worth seeking specialist advice. You may want to consult a rheumatologist if you experience:

  • Persistent Joint Pain: Morning stiffness that lasts for more than 30 minutes or pain that persists for weeks could indicate inflammatory arthritis rather than simple wear and tear.
  • Unexplained, Persistent Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired or weak, even after rest, can be a sign of autoimmune-related arthritis. This type of fatigue goes beyond normal tiredness and may affect your daily energy levels.
  • Reduced Range of Motion: Struggling to bend, lift or move your joints as you normally would could indicate progressive joint changes.
  • Ineffective Pain Relief: When over-the-counter painkillers or simple lifestyle adjustments no longer ease discomfort, it may be time to explore advanced treatment options with a rheumatologist.
  • Signs of Autoimmune Disease: Changes beyond the joints, such as unexplained rashes, hair thinning or persistent dryness of eyes and mouth, can sometimes point to an autoimmune or rheumatic condition affecting multiple systems in your body.

Take Control of Your Arthritis Care Early

Spotting the early signs of arthritis gives you the best chance to protect your joints and maintain your quality of life. If persistent joint pain, stiffness or swelling has been affecting your daily routine, taking action now can make a real difference.

Book a consultation with A/Prof Leong Keng Hong today for a clear diagnosis and a personalised management plan. With the right care, you can manage symptoms, safeguard your joints and get back to your daily activities with confidence and ease.

About Our Rheumatologist

A/Prof Leong Keng Hong
Senior Consultant Rheumatologist
MBBS (Singapore), MMed (Singapore), MD, MRCP (UK), FAMS (Singapore), FRCP (Edinburgh)

A/Prof Leong Keng Hong is a senior consultant rheumatologist at Gleneagles Medical Centre, where he provides comprehensive diagnosis and management of a broad spectrum of rheumatic conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory and degenerative arthritides.

He previously served as the inaugural chairman of the Chapter of Rheumatologists under the Academy of Medicine and is currently an adjunct associate professor at the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore. With extensive clinical experience and a strong commitment to patient-centred care, A/Prof Leong Keng Hong focuses on developing personalised, evidence-based treatment plans that optimise long-term outcomes and well-being.

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