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. This causes inflammation that over time can damage joints, cartilage, and bones.

Typical symptoms

• Pain and swelling in the joints
• Pronounced morning stiffness, often lasting more than one hour
• Warmth and tenderness in the joints
• Fatigue and a general feeling of unwellness
• Often the same joints are affected on both sides of the body

Commonly affected joints

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

Why does rheumatoid arthritis occur?

• The immune system malfunctions and attacks the body’s own joints
• Genetic factors play a role
• Smoking increases the risk
• The exact cause is not fully known

Treatment

Rheumatoid arthritis cannot be cured, but it can be effectively controlled, especially when treatment is started early:

• Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), such as methotrexate
• Biologic medications
• Pain relievers and corticosteroids
• Physiotherapy and exercise

Osteoarthritis, also known as arthrosis, is a chronic joint disease in which the cartilage within a joint gradually breaks down. Cartilage normally acts as a shock absorber, allowing the bones to glide smoothly against each other. When it wears away, the joint can become painful and stiff.

Typical symptoms:

• Joint pain, especially during or after load and activity
• Stiffness, often worst in the morning or after periods of rest
• Reduced range of motion
• Swelling and sometimes cracking or grinding sensations in the joint

Common locations:

• Knees
• Hips
• Hands and fingers
• Spine and neck

Why does osteoarthritis occur?

• Age, as the risk increases over time
• Overuse or repetitive one-sided movements
• Previous joint injuries
• Overweight, which increases the load especially on knees and hips
• Genetic factors

Treatment

Osteoarthritis cannot be cured, but symptoms can be relieved:

• Exercise and strength training, very important
• Weight loss when relevant
• Pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory medication
• Physiotherapy
• In severe cases, surgery such as joint replacement

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

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

Typical symptoms

• Pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints
• Morning stiffness, often lasting more than 30 to 60 minutes
• Sausage-shaped fingers or toes (dactylitis)
• Pain at tendon insertions, for example in the heel or Achilles tendon, or the elbow
• Fatigue
• Psoriasis of the skin or nails, which may appear before or after joint symptoms

Which joints are affected?

• Fingers and toes
• Knees, ankles, and feet
• Spine and pelvis in some patients
• Often asymmetrical involvement, meaning not the same joints on both sides of the body

Who develops it?

• Approximately 20 to 30 percent of people with psoriasis
• Most commonly begins between 30 and 50 years of age
• Genetic factors play a role

Treatment

It cannot be cured, but it can be effectively controlled, especially with early treatment:

• Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), such as methotrexate
• Biologic medications
• Pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory treatments
• Exercise and physiotherapy

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

Connective tissue diseases such as lupus (SLE), Sjögren’s syndrome, and systemic sclerosis

Vasculitic diseases (inflammation of the blood vessels)

Polymyalgia rheumatica

Crystal-induced arthritis, for example gout and calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease

Reactive arthritis

Tenosynovitis and bursitis

Overuse-related disorders affecting joints and soft tissues

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

Safe and compassionate care provided by attentive staff. Centrally located in the heart of Charlottenlund, with two hours of free parking and just a short walk from Charlottenlund Station and public transport.

Charlottenlund Private Hospital is located in bright and beautiful facilities with views of Charlottenlund Forest and offers an exclusive and unique patient experience where you are seen on time and do not have to wait for hours in overcrowded waiting rooms. We take great pride in ensuring that the surroundings and setting reflect our high professional standards, so that your entire visit is exactly as you wish it to be.