Rheumatology (arthritis and joint diseases)

Rheumatoid arthritis (also known as rheumatoid arthritis) is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the body's own immune system attacks the joints, causing inflammation that can damage joints, cartilage, and bones over time.

Typical symptoms

• Pain and swelling in the joints
• Pronounced morning stiffness (often > 1 hour)
• Warmth and tenderness in the joints
• Fatigue and malaise
• Often the same joint is affected on both sides of the body

Commonly affected joints

• Fingers and hands
• Wrists
• Toes and feet
• Knees, shoulders and ankles

Why do people get arthritis?

• The immune system malfunctions and attacks the body's own joints
• Heredity plays a role
• Smoking increases the risk
• The cause is not fully known

Treatment

Arthritis cannot be cured, but it can be effectively controlled, especially if you start early:

• Arthritis medications (DMARDs), e.g. methotrexate
• Biological medications
• Pain relievers and corticosteroid hormones
• Physiotherapy and exercise

Osteoarthritis (also called osteoarthritis) is a chronic joint disease in which the cartilage in a joint gradually breaks down. Cartilage normally acts as a shock absorber, allowing bones to glide smoothly over each other. When it wears down, the joint can become painful and stiff.

Typical symptoms:

• Pain in the joint, especially with strain
• Stiffness, often worst in the morning or after rest
• Reduced mobility
• Swelling and possibly crunching/creaking in the joint

Common locations:

• Knees
• Hips
• Hands and fingers
• Back and neck

Why do you get osteoarthritis?

• Age (the risk increases with age)
• Overload or repetitive unilateral movements
• Previous injuries to the joint
• Overweight (increases the load on the knees and hips in particular)
• Hereditary factors

Treatment

Osteoarthritis cannot be cured, but the symptoms can be relieved:

• Exercise and strength training (very important)
• Weight loss, if applicable
• Painkillers/anti-inflammatory medication
• Physiotherapy
• In severe cases: surgery (e.g. artificial joint)

An inflammatory rheumatic disease that primarily affects the spine and pelvic joints. Symptoms include long-term back pain and morning stiffness, especially in younger men. The disease can lead to reduced mobility in the back over time.

Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic inflammatory arthritis that can occur in people with psoriasis. It is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the joints, tendons and ligaments – and often also affects the skin and nails.

Typical symptoms

• Joint pain, swelling and stiffness
• Morning stiffness (often > 30–60 min)
• Sausage fingers/toes (dactylitis)
• Tendon pain (e.g. heel/Achilles tendon, elbow)
• Fatigue
• Psoriasis of the skin or nails (may occur before or after joint symptoms)

Which joints are affected?

• Fingers and toes
• Knees, ankles, feet
• Back and pelvis (in some)
• Often asymmetrical (not the same joint on both sides)

Who gets it?

• Approximately 20–30% of people with psoriasis
• Often onset between the ages of 30–50
• Heredity plays a role

Treatment

Cannot be cured, but can be effectively controlled, especially with early treatment:

• DMARDs (e.g. methotrexate)
• Biological medicine
• Pain reliever/anti-inflammatory
• Exercise and physiotherapy

In addition to the most common conditions, we also treat a number of other rheumatological diseases, including:

Connective tissue diseases such as lupus (SLE), Sjögren's syndrome, and systemic scleroderma

Vasculitis diseases (inflammation of blood vessels)

Polymyalgia rheumatica

Crystal gout (e.g. gouty arthritis and pyrophosphate gout)

Reaktiv arthritis

Tenosynovitis and bursitis

Overuse-related disorders of joints and soft tissues

These conditions can be complex and often require a thorough assessment, blood tests, and imaging to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.

Safe and caring treatment by the staff present. Centrally located in the middle of Charlottenlund, with 2 hours of free parking and a stone's throw from Charlottenlund Station and public transport.

Charlottenlund Private Hospital is located in bright and beautiful premises with a view of Charlottenlund Forest and offers an exclusive and unique patient experience where you are called in on time and do not have to sit and wait for hours in crowded waiting rooms. We make a virtue of the setting and surroundings matching our high professional level, so that the entire visit is as you wish.