Rheumatology
Rheumatology services
Rheumatology is a medicine concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases in the joints such as rheumatoid arthritis, and autoimmune connective tissue diseases like lupus.
Rheumatology divides cases of arthritis into osteo-arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteo-arthritis is characterised by the general breakdown of the joint cartilage over time. This causes inflammation and pain in the join in question which is treatable with anti-inflammatories. Rheumatoid arthritis is more systemic, a painful swelling in all or most joints at once.
Rheumatology services we provide:
- An outpatient-based service at Tauranga and Whakatāne Hospitals.
- A Paediatric rheumatology clinic at Tauranga Hospital.
- Some inpatient care of rheumatology patients who are admitted under general medicine.
Related information/resources
- arthritis.org.nz Arthritis New Zealand