Rheumatologist Consultation at Mashtaler Clinic in Lviv

A rheumatologist is a specialist who diagnoses and treats autoimmune and inflammatory diseases of the connective tissue and musculoskeletal system. A consultation helps patients determine whether pain, swelling, and stiffness are related to an inflammatory process, impaired uric acid metabolism, or a systemic disease.

A rheumatologist consultation in Lviv at Mashtaler Ortho&Trauma includes a comprehensive assessment, development of an individual treatment plan, and creation of a rehabilitation program. We provide long-term support. When you come to us, you receive an action plan for the years ahead, which can be adjusted when necessary.

‍

What Conditions a Rheumatologist Treats

A rheumatologist works with:

‍

• arthritis and osteoarthritis;
• spondyloarthritis;
• gout;
• osteoporosis;
• vasculitis;
• chronic rheumatic heart disease;
• Raynaud’s syndrome;
• systemic connective tissue diseases — systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, dermatomyositis;
• inflammatory and degenerative joint conditions.

Below is a more detailed explanation of the symptoms these conditions may cause.

Joint Pain and Stiffness

This type of complaint is typical of:

• rheumatoid arthritis;
• psoriatic arthritis;
• анкілозивного спондиліту;
• ankylosing spondylitis;

‍

Morning stiffness in the small joints of the hands requires particular attention, especially when movement becomes easier only after some time. If the pain is symmetrical, persistent, or recurrent, the doctor will assess signs of inflammation, the extent of tissue involvement, and how the symptoms affect your daily activities.

Chronic Inflammation and Swelling

Persistent swelling, local warmth, tenderness, and fever may indicate an active inflammatory process. These symptoms may occur in:

• rheumatoid arthritis;
• gout;
• reactive arthritis;
• vasculitis;
• some systemic connective tissue diseases.

‍

Extra-articular signs are also assessed: skin rashes, changes in finger color in response to cold, dryness of the mucous membranes, muscle weakness, and general fatigue.

Limited Mobility and Joint Deformity

When a finger, hand, knee, or another joint no longer works through its full range of motion, the doctor determines the cause of this limitation. It may result from:

• long-standing inflammatory arthritis;
• advanced osteoarthritis;
• consequences of gout;
• chronic damage to periarticular structures.

‍

If a deformity has already developed, it is important to assess disease activity, preserve function, and reduce the risk of further damage.

‍

Symptoms That Require a Rheumatologist Consultation

A doctor’s consultation is needed when symptoms do not go away, recur, or affect several areas at once. It is especially important to seek medical attention early if symptoms are worsening and already affecting mobility, sleep, or the usual way of life.

‍

The most important symptoms include:

• pain in the joints and spine at rest or during movement;
• morning stiffness that recurs every day;
• swelling, redness, or a feeling of heat around the joints;
• muscle weakness and rapid fatigue;
• skin rashes, thickened skin areas, changes in finger color;
• limited movement, crepitus, deformity;
• attacks of sharp joint pain, especially at night;
• fever without an obvious cause together with joint symptoms.

‍

Diagnosis of Rheumatological Diseases in Our Clinic

The first stage is an examination and medical history taking. The doctor clarifies the location of pain, duration of symptoms, presence of swelling, morning stiffness, skin changes, associated diseases, and previous treatment.

‍

Further investigations are selected based on the individual clinical situation. They may include:

• blood tests, including erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), rheumatoid factor (RF), and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibodies;
• serum uric acid, complete blood count (CBC), and blood biochemistry tests;
• immunological tests, when indicated;
• ultrasound examination of the joints and soft tissues;
• X-ray and MRI to evaluate structural joint changes;
• additional imaging studies, if needed, to determine the extent of disease involvement.

‍

Methods of Treating Rheumatic Diseases

Rheumatology at Mashtaler Ortho&Trauma is based on a comprehensive approach. Its goals are to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, preserve joint function, and slow down or prevent disease progression.

‍

The main treatment methods include:

• anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving medications to control symptoms;
• short courses of glucocorticoids when indicated;
• disease-modifying therapy for autoimmune arthritis, including biologic therapy;
• medications to control uric acid levels in gout;
• local treatment of individual joints;
• recommendations on physical activity, body weight,, and daily activity routine.

‍

When necessary, the rheumatologist works together with other specialists to provide comprehensive care. This is particularly important for systemic rheumatic diseases, which may affect not only the joints but also other organs and body systems. Early recognition and regular monitoring of these manifestations help reduce the risk of complications.

Once the initial test results are available, the rheumatologist may adjust the treatment plan if needed. The doctor provides individualized recommendations, explains which symptoms should be monitored at home, and advises when to schedule a follow-up appointment.

‍

How Does a Rheumatologist Consultation Take Place?

1. Medical history taking. The doctor clarifies when the symptoms appeared, which joints are affected, what worsens the pain, and whether there have been previous flare-ups.
2. Examination. Swelling, tenderness, range of motion, muscle strength, the presence of deformities, and extra-articular manifestations are assessed.
3. Prescription of diagnostic tests. After the initial assessment, the doctor creates a list of laboratory tests and instrumental examinations without using a one-size-fits-all approach.
4. Conclusion and treatment recommendations. The patient receives an explanation of the likely cause of the symptoms, the next steps, and the timing of a follow-up visit.

‍

Rheumatologist Consultation Price at Mashtaler Ortho&Trauma

Below are the prices for the main rheumatology services in our clinic. The cost depends on the type of consultation, the nature and severity of the problem, and the need for specific diagnostic methods. Book a consultation at Mashtaler Ortho&Trauma Medical Center to clarify the cost of treatment.