This is a potentially serious condition where the arteries, particularly those at the side of the head (the temples) become inflamed. It requires urgent treatment as it can lead to vision being affected and inflammation in the major blood vessels of the body. Symptoms of GCA The symptoms depend on which arteries are affected. Usual [...]

Corticosteroids may be used as part of the treatment in rheumatic disease. They have a disease-modifying effect in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but they should not be used as the sole treatment. In polymayalgia rheumatica however, they are often the only effective treatment and may be used as a single agent. Adverse effects to steroids are [...]

Low back pain with referred pain can vary in severity and quality. It is felt as an achy dull discomfort which moves around and tends to come and go and often varies in intensity. This referred pain is usually felt in the low back area and tends to radiate into the groin, buttock and upper [...]

Sjögren's Syndome (pronounced Show-grin's) A condition that affects parts of the body that produce fluids like tears and saliva. It usually starts in people aged 40-60years and is more common in women. Symptoms  Dry eyes burning, stinging or itchy eyes a feeling of grit or sand in your eyes sore, red and swollen eyelids discomfort when looking at lights [...]

The shoulder is a common joint to be injured and also inflamed. Joint injection with a long-acting steroid and local anaesthetic is often an extremely successful treatment for disorders of the shoulder joint and capsule. The shoulder joint injection should be considered if other treatments such as physiotherapy and pain relief with NSAIDs have been [...]

From 2019, Dr David will also be consulting at 136 Harley Street, London. There is on site imaging with X-Ray and ultrasound imaging and interventional radiology facilities

The word ARTHRITIS originates from the Ancient Greek and translates as “joint inflammation”. Both osteoarthritis (OA) and Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are characterized by joint inflammation. Inflammation is  recognized by the presence of pain, heat, swelling, redness and loss of function. So, what are the differences in these two painful joint conditions? The first difference lies in [...]

Raynaud’s phenomenon is a common condition that affects the blood supply to the fingers and toes (but can include the tip of the nose, lips and ears)   Raynaud’s is usually triggered by cold temperatures or anxiety. The condition occurs because the blood vessels go into spasm, which blocks the flow of blood. This causes the affected [...]

Fibromyalgia is a disorder associated with chronic widespread pain and poor quality sleep (not necessarily the quantity of sleep). Individuals experience very tender points on their body, in an around the joints and muscles – referred to as trigger points. The condition is frustrating and at times maybe difficult to manage for the patient and [...]

Biologic drugs for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are made from proteins. They work by specifically blocking the activity of chemicals or cells involved in the inflammation that gives rise to joint swelling and other symptoms. In the 1980s it was discovered that the inflamed joints contain many different chemicals that cause inflammation. Cytokines [...]