Rheumatology
We care for patients with joint, bone, muscle, ligament and immune system conditions.
About our Rheumatology Department
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.
Our services
These include:
- osteoporosis clinics
- early arthritis clinics
- emergency rheumatology clinics
- ankylosing spondylitis clinic
- combined clinics with other specialties for more complex problems, for example hand surgery
- clinical psychology service
- joint and soft tissue injections
- We also provide intravenous therapies for patients with conditions such as inflammatory arthritis, connective tissue diseases, Raynaud’s and osteoporosis.
Managing a rheumatoid arthritis flare
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:
- take painkillers regularly to avoid the pain building up
- take your anti-inflammatories regularly, as prescribed, with or after food to reduce tummy irritation
- rest the affected joints
- elevate the joints such as the knees or feet if possible – use pillows to support your neck and shoulders
- reduce stiffness in your inflamed joints by moving them as comfort allows. Take painkillers about 20 mins before you try to do this
- use warmth for stiff, painful joints, for example a heat pad or hot water bottle but make sure you cover it to protect your skin
- have a bath or shower if you can to reduce stiffness and allow more joint movement
use a cold pack for hot, swollen joints. Protect your skin with a towel or cloth. Don’t use a cold pack on the back of your neck - use splints for hand or wrist flares. If you find them uncomfortable to wear all the time, try and wear them for short periods during the day
- ask for help, don’t try and do everything yourself – pace and prioritise your activities.
Exercises that strengthen muscles often help with joint pain. If you’d like advice about this, please ask us about any suitable exercises or if you’d 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 you’re having repeated flares.
Stable Patient Pathway (also known as Patient Initiated Follow Up or PIFU)
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
Contact
Rheumatology helpline
Rheumatology helpline
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.