Rheumatology
Medicana Health Group is pleased to provide top-notch rheumatology departments in each of our hospitals. Our expert rheumatologists and support personnel are committed to giving our patients the best possible care and assistance.
At Medicana, we are committed to offering the finest care in a compassionate and encouraging environment because we know the difficulties and complexity of managing musculoskeletal problems and autoimmune diseases. Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and other autoimmune illnesses are among the conditions that our rheumatologists are skilled at diagnosing and treating.
Our state-of-the-art facilities offer modern diagnostic and therapeutic equipment, such as cutting-edge imaging technologies, laboratory services, and treatment alternatives. Our rheumatologists work closely with other experts to provide patients with the most thorough and efficient care.
Medicana is dedicated to providing excellent medical care and a patient-centered experience. Our team provides holistic care, considering each patient's requirements and preferences. To help our patients manage their diseases and accomplish their goals, we work directly with them to establish tailored treatment plans and offer continuous support.
For foreign patients, visitors, and expats in Turkey, Medicana provides a practical and reachable location for top-notch rheumatology care. We offer a comprehensive range of services tailored to fit the needs of our overseas patients, including travel preparations, visa assistance, and airport pickup. Our multilingual team is dedicated to creating a warm and encouraging environment.
Our rheumatologists have extensive training and experience in the diagnosis and management of a variety of rheumatic disorders, such as:
1. Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a common form of arthritis primarily affecting the hands, hips, knees, and spine. It is defined by the breakdown of the cartilage that lines the ends of the bones of a joint, which results in discomfort, stiffness, and restricted motion.
Age, obesity, joint injury, repetitive stress on the joints, and heredity are all risk factors for osteoarthritis. Joint stiffness and soreness, especially following periods of inactivity, creaking or grinding sounds when moving the joint, and the development of bone spurs are possible symptoms.
An extensive medical history, physical examination, and imaging tests like X-rays or MRI are frequently used to diagnose osteoarthritis. Treatment options for osteoarthritis may include include painkillers, physical therapy, surgery, and lifestyle modifications like exercise and weight control.
Our rheumatologists at Medicana are highly qualified and experienced in identifying and managing osteoarthritis. They create individualized treatment programs for each patient using the most recent methods and tools to lessen pain and enhance quality of life.
2. Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid Arthritis When the immune system targets the lining of the joints, it causes inflammation and harms the cartilage, bones, and joint tissue. This may result in deformity, stiffness, edema, and joint pain over time.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic condition that can develop slowly and progress over time. It may also affect the heart, lungs, and eyes, among other organs.
The following are risk factors for rheumatoid arthritis: age, gender, smoking, and family history. Rheumatoid arthritis has no known cure. However, treatment can help control symptoms and halt the disease's progression.
Drugs, physical therapy, and, in extreme situations, surgery may be used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Various medications are frequently required to control the condition, aid patients in maintaining their mobility, and enhance their quality of life.
It is critical for people who exhibit signs of rheumatoid arthritis to get a medical evaluation and therapy to control the condition and prevent joint damage. The rheumatologists at Medicana Health Group have extensive experience with rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis and treatment and can offer individualized care to manage the condition and enhance quality of life.
3. Lupus
A persistent autoimmune condition called lupus can inflame and harm the skin, joints, kidneys, heart, lungs, brain, and blood cells, among other body organs. Fatigue, joint discomfort, skin rashes, fever, and other symptoms that may be similar to those of other disorders are only a few of this disease's symptoms. Although the exact etiology of lupus is unknown, genetic, environmental, and hormonal variables are thought to be involved.
Lupus is typically treated with a combination of drugs and dietary changes, exercise, and stress reduction techniques. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, or disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) may occasionally treat symptoms and stop the body's affected areas from suffering additional harm. Further drugs, including biologics, immunosuppressants, or chemotherapy, may be used in extreme situations to inhibit the immune system and stop other inflammation.
Our knowledgeable rheumatologists at Medicana are skilled in identifying and managing autoimmune illnesses, including lupus. Our rheumatologists collaborate closely with each patient to create an individualized treatment plan that matches their particular requirements and goals. They have access to the most recent technology and treatment alternatives. Our rheumatology departments are here to help you every step of the way, whether you're looking for a diagnosis, continuous care, or cutting-edge treatment choices.
4. Gout
Gout, a form of arthritis, results from the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints. This accumulation may cause swelling, discomfort, and inflammation. Due to its historical associations with excessive consumption of fatty foods and alcoholic beverages, gout is frequently referred to as "the sickness of kings." Gout, however, can strike anyone, independent of diet or way of life. Men over the age of 40 are most frequently affected, while it can also affect women, particularly after menopause.
Gout may result in abrupt, excruciating pain in the afflicted joint, which is frequently the big toe. Additionally, the joint may get hot, red, and swollen. Even the weight of a bedsheet may be intolerable because of the discomfort and swelling, which can be very intense. Gout attacks can occur repeatedly, lasting from a few days to several weeks. Repeated gout bouts can eventually cause joint tissue to be destroyed and tophi (lumps of uric acid crystals) to develop.
Gout is diagnosed by checking the joint fluid and measuring the blood's uric acid levels. Drugs to lessen uric acid levels in the blood are frequently used in gout treatment, along with medications to reduce pain, edema, and inflammation. In some circumstances, modifying one's lifestyle by consuming less alcohol and meat may also be beneficial. Joint deterioration, persistent pain, and disability may result from untreated or improperly managed gout.
Our rheumatology departments at Medicana have the most up-to-date diagnostic equipment and therapies to help treat gout and other types of arthritis. Our skilled rheumatologists collaborate closely with patients to create specialized treatment programs suited to their particular requirements and medical backgrounds. Patients may rely on Medicana to deliver the best care possible for their gout and other rheumatological illnesses because of its emphasis on individualized care and use of the most recent rheumatology developments.
5. Ankylosing Spondylitis
Ankylosing spondylitis is an autoimmune condition mainly targeting the spine and the sacroiliac joints, the joints between the pelvis and the spine. The condition results in vertebral bone inflammation and gradual fusion, which stiffens and fuses the spine. This can cause chronic pain and discomfort and reduce the spine's flexibility and range of motion. Other affected joints can include the shoulders, hips, and knees.
Ankylosing spondylitis has an unknown specific etiology; however, genetics plays a big part in its development. A family history of the ailment increases a person's risk of developing it. A higher incidence of ankylosing spondylitis is also linked to specific genetic markers known as HLA-B27.
An extensive medical examination, which often includes a physical exam, X-rays, and blood testing, is usually required to diagnose ankylosing spondylitis. A combination of medicines, physical therapy, and exercise is frequently used to treat pain, edema, and stiffness. Surgery may be required in extreme cases to address spinal abnormalities and increase mobility.
Our skilled rheumatologists at Medicana Health Group collaborate with each patient to create a personalized treatment plan that addresses their unique needs. We are dedicated to giving our patients the best possible care for ankylosing spondylitis and other rheumatic disorders by using cutting-edge diagnostic equipment and a variety of efficient treatment choices.
6. Scleroderma
The chronic autoimmune illness scleroderma impacts the skin and is scleroderma characterized by the skin being harder, which skin may cause stiffness and decreased movement. Additionally, it can harm blood vessels and internal organs, which causes health issues. Although the precise cause of scleroderma is unknown, it is thought to be connected to an immune system issue.
Depending on the type and degree of the disease, scleroderma symptoms might change. Raynaud's phenomenon, joint pain and stiffness, difficulty swallowing, thickness and hardening of the skin, and gastrointestinal issues are only a few typical symptoms (reduced blood flow to the fingers and toes). Scleroderma can, in extreme situations, result in potentially fatal consequences such as kidney, heart, or lung failure.
The results of tests, medical history, and physical examination are used to diagnose scleroderma. Some possible tests include blood tests, imaging investigations (such as X-rays or MRI), skin biopsies, and lung function tests.
Scleroderma treatment is based on the patient's overall health, the kind and severity of the disease, and other factors. Treatment for milder forms of scleroderma may not be necessary, whereas more severe examples may call for a cocktail of drugs, physical therapy, and other therapies. Surgery could be required in some circumstances to treat specific symptoms.
7. Sjogren's Syndrome
Dryness in the mouth, eyes, and other tissues are symptoms of the chronic autoimmune disease Sjogren's syndrome, which affects the glands in the body that produce moisture. Due to its potential to harm joints, muscles, and nerves, it is categorized as a rheumatic condition.
Sjogren's syndrome is thought to be brought on by a confluence of hereditary and environmental variables, while its exact etiology is unknown. The disease may run in families for some people, while stress or specific infections may cause it to manifest in others.
Sjogren's syndrome symptoms might differ from person to person. However, these are the most typical signs and symptoms:
- Swelling in the salivary glands
- Dry mouth and eyes
- Fatigue;
- Joint pain and stiffness
- Muscle aches
- Skin rashes
Sjogren's syndrome can be challenging to diagnose because its symptoms often resemble those of other illnesses. To analyze, a doctor will typically conduct a physical examination, a blood test, and an eye examination.
Sjogren's syndrome treatment aims to reduce symptoms and enhance quality of life. This may entail taking anti-inflammatory drugs to lessen joint pain and swelling, using artificial tears and saliva to ease dryness, getting physical therapy to keep flexibility and range of motion, and using anti-inflammatory drugs. Immunosuppressant medications may occasionally be used to halt the spread of the illness.
Look no further than Medicana for the best rheumatology care in Turkey. Contact us at +90 850 4601010 or [email protected] to learn more about our rheumatology departments or to make an appointment. We are eager to help you attain the highest well-being and health.
