Frequently asked questions

Joint pain and swelling, morning stiffness, back and spinal pain, muscle pain, diseases that affect the skin and joints together, thinning bones and autoimmune disease. In short: complaints involving the joints, muscles, spine and connective tissue.

Any test results you already have, your X-ray, ultrasound and MRI images, and a list of the medicines you are currently taking. A photograph of the medicine boxes is enough.

A first consultation usually takes 20–40 minutes. The length depends on how complex the complaint is and varies from patient to patient.

No. Which tests are needed usually becomes clear after the examination. Bringing whatever you already have is enough.

No. Joint pain has many causes: wear, soft-tissue problems, nerve compression and inflammatory disease. Telling these apart is precisely what the examination is for.

Many people report that their symptoms increase when the weather changes. It does not mean the disease has worsened, and it does not usually call for a change of treatment.

Stiffness lasting more than half an hour, every morning, should be assessed for inflammatory disease. Short-lived stiffness is more often related to joint wear.

Most rheumatology laboratory tests do not require fasting. You may be asked to fast only if blood sugar or lipids are being checked at the same time.

A single test does not make a diagnosis. Rheumatoid factor, ANA and similar markers can be positive in healthy people. A diagnosis comes from the complaint, the examination and the tests read together.

You feel the needle and a sensation of pressure inside the joint. A temporary increase in pain over the first day or two is normal. The expectations and the risks are discussed with you before the procedure.

Most people return to their usual work the next day. On the day itself, heavy physical work, long walks and sport are not advised.

This clinic is for adults. Joint complaints in children should be assessed by a paediatric rheumatologist.

Tell the doctor in advance. Some rheumatology medicines must not be used in pregnancy or while breastfeeding. The plan should be made together with your doctor, during a quiet phase of the disease.

No. In chronic rheumatic disease, feeling better usually means the treatment is working. Stopping on your own can bring on a flare. Any change should be agreed with your doctor.

Not on its own. Balanced eating, a healthy weight and not smoking all help the overall course. In gout, diet has a distinct role of its own.

It depends on the condition and on the medicines you take. Some must be taken at particular times of day and with food. Talk to your doctor before deciding.

Many people report more symptoms during stressful periods. Stress does not cause the disease, but it can affect how it behaves.

It depends on the condition and the treatment chosen. Some treatments act within days, others take weeks. The expected timeframe is explained to you at the appointment.

A diagnosis needs a physical examination, and that cannot be replaced remotely. WhatsApp is used only for booking and practical questions.

By WhatsApp or phone: +994 55 550 55 69. The clinic switchboard is +994 12 431 13 14. The form on this site also opens a ready-made WhatsApp message.