Rheumatology

About this specialty

Osteoarthritis, arthritis, gout, fibromyalgia and long-term joint pain: diagnosis, treatment and follow-up.

Medical consultations

Rheumatology

Rheumatology deals with the musculoskeletal system — bones, joints, muscles and tendons — when the pain does not come from an injury. Rheumatic problems fall broadly into two groups: those caused by overuse or by the passing years, such as osteoarthritis and tendon disorders, and inflammatory diseases such as gout or rheumatoid arthritis. Telling them apart is the first step, because the treatment is very different in each case.

The consultation goes through your symptoms, your family history and signs that are easily overlooked, such as earlier rashes or swellings. Blood tests and imaging, both available in the building, help narrow the diagnosis, and the response to the first treatment helps confirm it. We also keep in mind that pain has an emotional side: it is felt more intensely alongside low mood or exhaustion, and talking about that is part of the appointment.

What we treat

Services in this specialty: Rheumatology

Osteoarthritis and wear-related pain. Knees, hips, hands and spine. The aim is to control the pain and keep you active: signs of wear on a scan do not mean giving up normal life.
Rheumatoid arthritis and autoimmune disease. Diagnosis and monitoring of inflammatory arthritis, which can appear without an obvious trigger and needs regular review.
Gout and raised uric acid. Assessment of excess uric acid, treatment of painful flare-ups and advice on keeping them from coming back.
Fibromyalgia and widespread pain. Assessment of diffuse, persistent pain, with a plan combining treatment, adapted exercise and regular review.
Tendon and overuse problems. Shoulder, elbow or heel pain from repeated load, increasingly common with desk-based, screen-facing work.
Joint injections. Local treatment of the joint or surrounding soft tissue when pain does not settle with the usual medication.
Blood tests and imaging. We request the blood tests and imaging needed to identify which type of rheumatic condition you have; all of them are done on site.
Exercise and rehabilitation. We set out moderate exercise, walking and stretching, and coordinate rehabilitation with the physiotherapists when needed.

Centre Mèdic Palafrugell facilities: Medical consultations

Book an appointment if joint pain has lasted more than a month, if you wake up stiff, if joints swell, or if the pain comes and goes in flare-ups. Bring recent blood tests and a list of your medication with the doses. It helps to arrive with a clear idea of when the pain started and what makes it better or worse. Call 972 30 65 65 or book through the contact form.

Covered by most health insurers. Check yours on the list of insurers.

Professionals in this specialty

Dra. Marie Caroline RuelleRheumatologyRead their profile →

See the whole team

Frequently asked questions about Rheumatology

Osteoarthritis or arthritis: who should I see?

The rheumatologist assesses both. Osteoarthritis is wear in the joint and arthritis is inflammation, and the treatment is quite different in each case; telling them apart combines the examination with blood tests and imaging, all done on site.

What happens at a first rheumatology appointment?

We go through your symptoms, when they started and what makes them better or worse, your family history and signs that are easily overlooked such as earlier rashes or swellings, and then examine the joints. If needed, blood tests and imaging are requested on site and the diagnosis is confirmed at a second appointment.

What should I bring to a rheumatology appointment in Palafrugell?

Bring recent blood tests, along with any reports and scans you already have, even from another centre, and a list of your medication with the doses. Appointments at Centre Mèdic Palafrugell are booked in advance, Monday to Friday 8 am to 8 pm and Saturday 9 am to 2 pm.