Rheumatology at the Korda Clinic in Szeged

Personalised help from a rheumatologist for musculoskeletal and autoimmune complaints

At Korda Clinic's rheumatology clinic, our aim is to help you live your everyday life again without pain. We use state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment methods, supported by our empathetic specialists, to treat a wide range of rheumatological, arthritic and autoimmune problems.

What is rheumatology and why is it important?

Rheumatology is the speciality of musculoskeletal diseases. These diseases often develop slowly and insidiously, but can cause severe pain and a reduced quality of life. It is estimated that around 70% of the population will experience some kind of rheumatological complaint in their lifetime - whether it is joint pain, inflammation or stiffness.

What is rheumatic disease?

Rheumatic diseases is a collective term for painful conditions affecting joints, muscles, tendons and bones. Symptoms are often gradual, and what starts as mild discomfort can develop over time into severe mobility problems. For example, many people experience joint stiffness in the mornings, when even simply putting on shoes or climbing stairs can be difficult. Others find that getting out of the car or lifting a shopping bag becomes almost impossible because of the pain in some joints.

Mobility limitations often mean that activities that used to be taken for granted - hiking, gardening or even just taking a long walk - are often pushed into the background. Pain can be dull, aching or burning - especially in small joints such as the fingers, or in larger joints such as the knee or hip. Some patients report feeling as if tiny pins and needles are pricking their joints with every step, while others experience a tight, cramping sensation that makes simple movements difficult.

Joint pain may also appear as a constant tightness or a pulling, tearing sensation. The pain often increases in the evening and does not go away with rest. It can feel uncomfortable lying down, tossing and turning in bed, and waking up at dawn with a numb, aching sensation. In the longer term, this can lead not only to physical but also mental exhaustion, reduced concentration and a negative impact on the ability to work.

It's important to know that these diseases are not just specific to old age, young adults and even children can be affected. In many cases, the symptoms are caused by inflammatory or autoimmune processes, which can be treated if they are recognised in time.

When should you see a rheumatologist?

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, you should seek medical advice as soon as possible:

• joint pain that has persisted for more than 8 days, is continuous, intermittent or occurs with certain movements and makes daily routine difficult.
• Limited mobility, joint stiffness, especially in the morning, but also during the day when you feel as if your joints are "stuck" or clicking and only improve after more or less movement.
• Pain radiating from the spine to the limbs, which increases when sitting or standing and can even prevent walking.
• Recurring or persistent back, back and neck pain, which often leads to absenteeism from work or limitation of daily activities.
• Numbness or tingling in the limbs, which can make it difficult to make fine movements, such as writing or holding small objects.
• Arthritis that prevents movement of the hand or wrist, especially in people who do a lot of computer work or physical work.
  From tendonitis - Latin tendovaginitis - is particularly common in people who do work that involves repetitive movements of the hands: office workers, IT professionals, cashiers, artists or manual workers. As the disease progresses, moving the hand or wrist becomes increasingly difficult and painful. Patients often complain stabbing, sharp pain, which suddenly tears into the forearm or wrist during certain movements, such as opening a bottle or grasping a small object. Along the inflamed tendon sheath there are often swelling also develops, the area pressure sensitive and the pain can occur even when you are resting. In many cases, patients find that their hands are "stuck" in the morning and can only be used after prolonged movement. The complaints crackling, clicking sounds may also accompany movement, indicating a narrowing caused by inflammation. In more advanced stages, tendonitis can also prevent you from writing, typing, cooking or even brushing your teeth, which can severely limit your independence in everyday life. If the inflammation does not subside over time, it can become chronic, leading to a long-term permanent limitation of mobility.
• Night-time joint pains that interfere with sleep and you wake up tired and exhausted in the morning.

You can register now online or by phone: +36300993379, +3662444493

Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent the onset of permanent disability and preserve your quality of life in the long term.

Rheumatology services at the Korda Clinic

At our rheumatology clinic, we also investigate and treat the following problems, among others:

Treatment of inflammatory rheumatic diseases:

These conditions are often sudden-onset joint inflammation with swelling and severe pain. Rheumatoid arthritis, for example, typically affects the joints of the hands and toes, but can later spread to other joints. Ankylosing spondylitis mainly affects the spine, causing stiffness and pain at dawn.

• Rheumatoid arthritis (rheumatoid arthritis)
• Ankylosing spondylitis (ankylosing spondylitis)
• Psoriatic arthritis (arthritis associated with psoriasis)
• Arthritis associated with inflammatory bowel diseases
• Reactive arthritis (arthritis following infection)
• Gout (arthritis caused by uric acid crystals), which most often starts with severe pain in the big toe at night

Diagnosis and treatment of autoimmune diseases:

In many cases, these diseases cause systemic complaints such as constant fatigue, fever, skin rashes or hair loss. Sjogren's syndrome can be associated with frequent dry mouth and eyes, while systemic lupus erythematosus is often associated with skin rashes and joint pain.

• Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE, systemic autoimmune disease)
• Sjogren's syndrome (inflammatory disease of the salivary and lacrimal glands)
• Systemic sclerosis (hard skin disease)
• Myositis (inflammatory muscle diseases), which can cause gradual weakening of the muscles
• Antiphospholipid syndrome (an autoimmune disease that predisposes to blood clots)
• Vasculitis (inflammation of the blood vessels), which can even compromise the functioning of internal organs

Abrasive, degenerative joint diseases:

Arthrosis (arthritis) often occurs in the knees, hips or fingers, and after prolonged sitting or standing it becomes difficult to move around. In discopathies and lumboischialgia (sciatic nerve pain), pain radiating from the waist and increasing with movement is common.

• Arthrosis (joint cartilage wear)
• Discopathies (diseases of the intervertebral disc)
• Lumboischialgia (sciatic nerve pain)

Other treatment options:

Osteoporosis is often asymptomatic, but even minor falls can cause bone fractures. Our clinic offers both screening and medication. If necessary, we can also perform joint puncture (removal of joint fluid and/or injection of anti-inflammatory, cartilage regenerating agents) - for example, with hyaluronic acid to improve joint lubrication or steroid injections to reduce inflammation.

• Treatment of osteoporosis (osteoporosis)
• Joint punctures and injectable treatments (e.g. hyaluronic acid, steroids)

Why choose Korda Clinic?

Our experienced, empathetic specialists will provide you with personalised care from diagnosis to the end of treatment.

• Modern diagnostic background: laboratory tests, imaging procedures help to ensure an accurate diagnosis.
• Flexible appointment booking: even available online.
• A pleasant, relaxed environment.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

Don't delay your check-up - book an appointment today!

Early detection and professional care are key for rheumatological complaints. The sooner you are assessed and targeted treatment is started, the greater the chance of pain relief and regaining freedom of movement.

Take the first step today for your health!