Rheumatology
We care for patients with joint, bone, muscle, ligament and immune system conditions.
We care for patients with joint, bone, muscle, ligament and immune system conditions.
We see patients at Stoke Mandeville, Amersham and Wycombe hospitals. We also treat patients in community settings across Buckinghamshire.
At our day unit at Stoke Mandeville Hospital, we offer biologic and cytotoxic infusion (drug) treatments as well as intravenous therapies. We also provide a consultation service for inpatients based at Stoke Mandeville and Wycombe hospitals.
We have access to a range of diagnostic facilities including X-Ray, CT, MRI, DEXA, NCS/EMG and musculoskeletal ultrasound.
These include:
They can affect 1 or 2 joints or several joints at one time. Flares can occur at any time and can last for a few hours to several days.
Inflammation or damaged joints can cause a flare. Inflammatory pain can feel worse in the morning after inactivity. Mechanical pain due to damaged joints often feels worse after repeated use of the affected joint.
How to manage a flare can depend on the affected joints, and if your pain is inflammatory or mechanical.
The aim is to reduce pain and any inflammation. Below are some tips which may help:
Exercises that strengthen muscles often help with joint pain. If youâd like advice about this, please ask us about any suitable exercises or if youâd like a referral for physiotherapy. We can also give you a leaflet about hand exercises – call the helpline below for more details.
Phone the helpline if your flare persists for more than 2 to 3 days or if youâre having repeated flares.
The Stable Patient Pathway is a method of regularly reviewing patients who have stable disease in yearly clinics. Patients will either see a consultant or a specialist Nurse.
Rheumatology patient information
01296 255770
Leave your name, telephone number and details of your problem on our answering machine. We’ll aim to call you back within 48 hours or as soon as possible Monday – Friday, 9am-5pm.
Please be aware this is not an emergency line. Please call 111 for advice or in an emergency please call 999.