Rheumatoid arthritis

Waiting for blood tests and results can be an anxious time. If you’ve been referred by a GP for a test and don’t want to worry or wait, Nuffield Health can help. Our national network of fully accredited laboratories delivers fast, reliable results at a competitive price – wherever you are in the UK.

Therapeutic drug monitoring are blood tests to measure the concentration of certain medications in your blood.

An MRI is a type of scan that creates detailed images of the inside of your body. Your doctor or healthcare professional has recommended an MRI scan because it is the best way to make an accurate diagnosis of your condition.

An MSK (musculoskeletal) ultrasound is used to examine your muscles, joints, tendons or ligaments.

Rheumatology is specialty devoted to the cause, development, diagnosis and treatment of rheumatic diseases which present as clinical problems involving joints, soft tissues, autoimmune diseases, vasculitis and inherited connective tissue disorders.

An X-ray machine produces images of the inside of the body. It is effective in assessing bones and other dense structures within the body.

Acupuncture is an ancient form of Chinese medicine which started about 2000 ago, and these days we know how it works. A qualified health professional inserts fine needles into different points on the body and the process stimulates the nerves.

Arthroscopy is a procedure in which a miniature telescope is inserted through a two centimetre incision over a joint - for example the hip, knee, ankle or shoulder.

An epidural is a type of pain-killing injection given by an anaesthetist.

A facet joint injection involves injecting local anaesthetics and sometimes steroids into or around a facet joint.

Forefoot reconstructive surgery is treatment for your toes to alleviate problems caused by rheumatoid arthritis.

Hindfoot fusion is a surgical procedure used to relieve pain and stiffness in your foot caused by arthritis, deformity or breaks.

Hydrotherapy is a form of physiotherapy that is administered in a special heated pool. The warm water helps relieve pain and relax the body, so increasing ease of movement.

If your swollen or painful joints, ligaments or tendons do not respond to conservative treatments your consultant may recommend image guided joint injections.

Joint surfaces damaged by wear and tear or arthritis may be able to be resurfaced.

Sacroiliac joint injections involve injecting anti-inflammatories or anaesthetic into problem areas.

Trigger point injections are used to apply a local anaesthetic and steroid to an inflamed area to relieve pain.

A facet joint injection involves injecting local anaesthetics and sometimes steroids into or around a facet joint. The local anaesthetics numb the nerves to the facet joint to give pain relief. The steroids reduce inflammation and may make the pain relief last longer.