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Person experiencing stiff joints and persistent aches related to rheumatism.
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)

Rheumatism Treatment: When Is It Needed and What to Expect

Have you ever woken up with stiff joints that take time to loosen or noticed persistent aches that seem to linger longer than they should? These symptoms are often brushed off as ageing or overuse but they may point to rheumatism, a term commonly used to describe a range of painful conditions affecting the joints, muscles and connective tissues.

Rheumatism is not a single disease but an umbrella term that includes conditions such as arthritis, tendon disorders and autoimmune joint inflammation. Understanding when treatment is needed and what it involves can make a significant difference to long term mobility and comfort.

When Rheumatism Treatment Becomes Necessary

Rheumatism treatment is usually recommended when symptoms begin to affect daily function rather than remaining occasional or mild. There are more than 100 different types of rheumatic disorders, including autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), as well as inflammatory joint conditions such as psoriatic arthritis. In many cases, symptoms may come and go in flare ups before gradually becoming more frequent or severe. Without proper management, ongoing joint inflammation can eventually lead to lasting damage and reduced mobility.

Seeking medical attention early allows the underlying cause to be properly assessed and treatment to be started at a stage where symptoms can still be effectively controlled and progression slowed.

Treatment Options Available at a Specialist Clinic

Man consulting a doctor in a clinic for rheumatism-related knee pain.

Treatment for rheumatism is not one size fits all. It depends on the type of condition, severity of symptoms and the patient's overall health. At a specialist clinic, care typically begins with a detailed consultation, physical examination and imaging if needed. This allows the doctor to confirm the diagnosis and develop a personalised plan.

Non-surgical Treatments

Most patients are initially managed with non-surgical treatment options aimed at reducing pain, controlling inflammation and improving joint function. These may include:

  • Anti-inflammatory medication to reduce pain and swelling
  • Physiotherapy to improve strength and joint mobility
  • Lifestyle modifications such as weight management and activity adjustment
  • Joint injections in selected cases to reduce inflammation

These approaches aim to control symptoms, improve function and slow disease progression.

Surgical Treatment Options

When non-surgical methods are no longer effective, surgical intervention may be considered. This is typically for advanced joint damage or severe pain that limits movement. Procedures may include joint repair or replacement depending on the affected area. Surgery is carefully planned and only recommended when it is likely to provide meaningful improvement in quality of life.

Pre-treatment and Pre-surgery Preparation Tips

Good preparation can significantly improve both treatment outcomes and recovery experience for rheumatism-related conditions. This stage is about optimising the body, planning ahead and ensuring patients feel physically and mentally ready.

Pre-treatment Preparation

Before starting or adjusting medical treatment, a structured plan is usually developed in collaboration with your rheumatologist or specialist. This ensures the chosen medications and approach are appropriate for your condition, severity and lifestyle.

Patients are encouraged to:

  • Work closely with their care team to understand the risks and benefits of new or targeted medications such as DMARDs
  • Monitor and document symptoms such as pain, swelling and mobility changes to help guide treatment decisions
  • Contact the clinic early if symptoms worsen so care can be adjusted or prioritised where needed
  • Prepare mentally by understanding the treatment pathway and addressing any concerns or questions during consultation

Pre-surgery Preparation Tips

For patients who require surgery, preparation plays a key role in reducing complications and supporting a smoother recovery.

Physical Conditioning

Low-impact exercises such as swimming, cycling or walking are often recommended before surgery. Physiotherapy-guided programmes can also help strengthen muscles around affected joints, which supports faster recovery and improved surgical outcomes.

Medication Management

Certain medications may need to be adjusted before surgery:

  • Blood thinners such as aspirin, ibuprofen and related NSAIDs are usually stopped 7 to 10 days before surgery as advised by the surgeon
  • Conventional DMARDs such as methotrexate may sometimes be continued depending on the case
  • Targeted synthetic DMARDs are often paused around 3 to 7 days before surgery
  • Biologic agents may need to be withheld for one dosing cycle before surgery
  • Glucocorticoids are generally continued but higher doses may require closer monitoring due to infection risk

Lifestyle Adjustments

Stopping smoking is strongly recommended as it affects wound healing, circulation and infection risk. Managing weight can reduce surgical complications such as infection and blood clots.

Pre-operative Checks

Patients are typically assessed in pre-operative clinics to evaluate overall fitness for surgery. This is especially important as individuals with rheumatoid conditions may have a higher risk of cardiovascular issues.

Take the Next Step Towards Better Joint Health and Mobility

Rheumatism treatment is not limited to a single approach. It often involves a combination of medication, therapy and sometimes surgery depending on how advanced the condition is. With the right treatment plan, many patients are able to manage symptoms effectively and maintain an active lifestyle.

At Leong Keng Hong Arthritis & Medical Clinic in Singapore, individuals experiencing persistent joint pain, stiffness or reduced mobility undergo a detailed clinical assessment to better understand their symptoms and condition. Care is provided by A/Prof Leong Keng Hong, and is tailored to each patient based on the underlying cause of their discomfort. Schedule a consultation today to better understand what may be contributing to your symptoms and explore the right way forward for your recovery.

Meet Our Rheumatologist in Singapore

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 based at Gleneagles Medical Centre and an Adjunct Associate Professor at the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore. A respected figure in Singapore’s rheumatology community, he is the founder of the Osteoporosis Society (Singapore), established in 1996, and previously served as its President. He also held key leadership roles within the Academy of Medicine, Singapore, including Inaugural Chairman of the Chapter of Rheumatologists.
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