Rheumatology Services
Dr Atish Sirkar provides specialist rheumatology services in Durban for patients with inflammatory arthritis, autoimmune connective tissue diseases, gout, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis and selected rheumatology procedures.
If you are unsure which section applies to your symptoms, please contact the rooms or speak to your referring doctor for guidance.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid Arthritis is an inflammatory autoimmune condition that commonly affects the joints and may cause swelling, pain, stiffness and reduced function. Early assessment is important because persistent inflammation can affect daily activities and may require long-term monitoring.
Dr Sirkar assesses symptoms, examination findings, blood results and imaging where appropriate to support diagnosis and management planning. Care may include monitoring disease activity, reviewing medication response and coordinating follow-up with the broader healthcare team.
Psoriatic Arthritis
Psoriatic Arthritis may occur in people with psoriasis or a family history of psoriasis. It can affect joints, tendons, fingers, toes, the spine or other areas of the musculoskeletal system.
Assessment focuses on understanding the pattern of joint symptoms, skin or nail involvement, stiffness, swelling and impact on function. Where needed, care is coordinated with dermatology or other healthcare professionals.
Gout & Crystal Arthropathies
Gout and other Crystal Arthropathies can cause sudden, painful episodes of joint inflammation. Flares often affect one joint at a time but may become recurrent or more complex if not properly assessed.
A rheumatology review can help clarify whether symptoms are consistent with gout or another crystal arthropathy, review risk factors, interpret investigations and plan ongoing management where clinically appropriate.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a common joint condition associated with pain, stiffness and functional limitation. While it is often described as "wear and tear", symptoms and impact vary between patients.
Dr Sirkar can assist with clinical assessment, education, treatment planning and referral coordination where other interventions or allied-health support may be required.
Ankylosing Spondylitis & Spondyloarthritis
Ankylosing Spondylitis and related spondyloarthritis conditions may cause inflammatory back pain, prolonged morning stiffness, spinal symptoms and sometimes joint, tendon, eye or bowel-related features.
Assessment considers symptom patterns, examination findings, relevant imaging and blood tests where appropriate. The aim is to distinguish inflammatory back pain from more common mechanical back pain and guide the next steps in care.
Connective Tissue Diseases
Connective Tissue Diseases include systemic autoimmune conditions such as Lupus, Scleroderma and Sjögren's syndrome. These conditions may affect joints, skin, blood vessels, glands, muscles and internal organs.
Dr Sirkar's Internal Medicine background supports a comprehensive approach to recognising systemic features, reviewing investigations and monitoring patients over time.
Vasculitis
Vasculitis refers to inflammation of blood vessels and can present in different ways depending on the vessels and organs involved. Symptoms may be general, localised or multisystemic.
Because vasculitis can be complex, assessment requires careful clinical review, appropriate investigations and coordinated follow-up. Patients with sudden, severe or rapidly worsening symptoms should seek urgent medical care.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a bone-health condition associated with reduced bone strength and increased fracture risk. It may be linked to age, hormonal changes, medication exposure, inflammatory disease or other risk factors.
Rheumatology care can support fracture-risk assessment, interpretation of bone-density results where available and management planning in the context of a patient's broader health profile.
Biologic Therapy Assessment & Monitoring
Biologic therapy and other advanced treatments may be considered for selected inflammatory rheumatic diseases when clinically appropriate. These treatments require careful assessment, monitoring and patient education.
Dr Sirkar can review disease activity, treatment history, safety considerations and monitoring requirements as part of an evidence-based rheumatology care plan.
Joint Aspirations & Injections
Joint aspiration and joint injections may be considered in selected clinical situations, such as a swollen joint requiring assessment or symptom management where appropriate.
The decision to perform a procedure depends on the clinical context, examination findings, risks, benefits and patient consent. Patients will be advised what to expect before and after any procedure that is recommended.
Have Questions About Your Symptoms?
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