Emergency

Rheumatology

Back pain, swollen joints or severe stiffness in the morning: rheumatic conditions present in a wide variety of ways and are often not correctly diagnosed until at a late stage. In the Rheumatology Department at Zuger Kantonsspital, we investigate and treat musculoskeletal complaints. Over 300 rheumatic conditions are recognised; this makes a careful diagnosis all the more important as the basis for any treatment. 

+41 41 399 41 90+41 41 399 41 91rheumatologie@zgks.ch

What is rheumatology?

Rheumatology is the medical speciality dealing with conditions that frequently manifest themselves in the musculoskeletal system, i.e. with symptoms affecting the bones and joints as well as the surrounding soft tissues such as tendons, ligaments and muscles. These include inflammatory joint diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, spondyloarthropathies (formerly Bechterew’s disease), tick-borne arthritis or gout, wear-and-tear-related joint problems (osteoarthritis), bone disorders such as osteoporosis ((insert link)) and connective tissue disorders such as tennis elbow, heel spurs or hypermobility. However, rheumatology also deals with complex systemic autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis, Sjögren’s syndrome, and inflammatory muscle and vascular diseases (myositis and vasculitis) involving internal organs (e.g. lungs, kidneys).

Many of these conditions are chronic. If they are detected early and treated consistently, the course of the disease – and, in many cases, the pain, functional limitations and organ involvement – can be significantly improved.

When a rheumatological assessment is advisable

Joint pain persisting for several weeks, recurrent swelling, morning stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes, or unexplained back pain in younger people are typical signs of a rheumatic disease. In rarer cases, however, inflammation of unknown cause, certain skin changes or changes to internal organs may also be an initial sign of a rheumatic condition. Around 1.5 million people in Switzerland live with rheumatic symptoms; approximately 300,000 of them are severely affected. Referrals are usually made by a GP. However, you can also contact us directly.

Your journey from diagnosis to treatment

We begin with a detailed consultation and a physical examination. Depending on the specific issue, we supplement the assessment with laboratory tests and imaging – X-rays, ultrasound or MRI – in collaboration with our Institute of Radiology. For complex conditions, we work in partnership with other specialist departments, such as nephrology or pulmonology, to carry out the necessary investigations.

On this basis, we will agree on a treatment plan with you. The range of options extends from medication (in some cases including modern anti-inflammatory biologics) through targeted injections to physiotherapy and occupational therapy. Where appropriate, we work closely with the Department of Orthopaedics & Traumatology, the Osteoporosis Clinic and other specialist departments. The aim is to alleviate your symptoms, maintain mobility and prevent further damage to the joints as far as possible.

Why choose Zuger Kantonsspital?

Our team treats patients with rheumatic conditions in close collaboration with other specialist departments. As part of the Medical Clinic, we are closely linked with GP practices in the canton of Zug and provide long-term support for chronic conditions.

Services

  • Evaluation and treatment of back pain
  • Evaluation and treatment of all inflammatory rheumatic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, collagenoses such as systemic lupus erythematosus, gout, borrelia arthritis etc.
  • Evaluation and treatment of degenerative joint diseases (osteoarthritis)
  • Evaluation and treatment of local soft-tissue rheumatic diseases (e.g. tennis elbow, heel spurs, etc.)
  • Generalised soft-tissue rheumatic diseases (fibromyalgia)
  • Sports medicine consultation
  • Ultrasound diagnosis of the musculoskeletal system
  • Evaluation and treatment of osteoporosis with risk profiling and DXA scan bone density assessment
  • Interdisciplinary pain consultation rheumatology/anaesthesia
  • Specific forms of therapy such as hyaluronic acid and autologous blood injections, manual therapy, sonographically controlled interventions

Partnerships

Rheumaliga Schweiz

Further Information

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What does a rheumatologist do?

Rheumatologists diagnose and treat disorders of the musculoskeletal system and systemic autoimmune diseases. The musculoskeletal system comprises bones, joints, tendons, ligaments and muscles. The conditions they treat include non-inflammatory disorders such as osteoarthritis and osteoporosis, as well as inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus and vasculitis (inflammation of the blood vessels). Treatment is usually non-surgical, involving medication and complementary therapies.

When should I see a rheumatologist?

A rheumatological assessment is advisable if joint pain persists for several weeks, joints swell repeatedly, morning stiffness lasts longer than 30 minutes, or back pain occurs at a young age without any apparent cause. However, unexplained inflammatory activity or changes to organs for which no other cause can be found may also be a sign of a rheumatic condition. Start by speaking to your GP. Referrals to a rheumatology department are usually made via your GP’s surgery.

How many types of rheumatic diseases are there?

There are over 300 different known rheumatological conditions. The most common are back pain, osteoarthritis, inflammatory joint diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis, osteoporosis and soft-tissue rheumatic disorders; less common are systemic autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus, systemic sclerosis and inflammation of the blood vessels (vasculitis).

Can rheumatism be cured?

Most rheumatic conditions are chronic and cannot be cured in the strict sense of the word. The aim of treatment is to control inflammation, relieve pain and maintain mobility. If an inflammatory condition is diagnosed and treated at an early stage, its course can often be significantly improved.

What can I expect at my first appointment with the rheumatology department?

Your first appointment will begin with a detailed discussion of your medical history and a physical examination of the affected joints. Depending on the nature of your condition, this may be followed by blood tests and imaging tests such as X-rays, ultrasound or MRI. Please bring any previous medical reports, X-ray images and a list of the medicines you are taking with you.