Rheumatology in Russian Federation

Rheumatology is a branch of medicine that focuses on the diagnosis and therapy of conditions that affect joints, bones, tendons, ligaments, and muscles, including those known as rheumatic diseases, or autoimmune conditions. Physicians who have had special training in rheumatology are called rheumatologists. Some of the conditions that rheumatologists diagnose and treat include:

Chronic back pain, Lupus, Inflammatory arthritis of the hips, knee, or shoulders, Rheumatoid arthritis, Tendinitis, Osteoporosis, Psoriatic arthritis, Osteoarthritis, Giant cell arteritis, Bursitis, Scleroderma, Behcet’s disease, Polymyalgia rheumatic, Paget’s disease, Polymyositis, Dermatomyositis, Ankylosing spondylitis, Gout, Reiter’s syndrome, Sjogren’s syndrome, Reactive arthropathies, Sarcoidosis, Idiopathic juvenile arthritis.

While rheumatologists diagnose and treat rheumatic diseases, they do not perform surgery. They perform examinations and procedures that help them diagnose, manage, and treat rheumatic conditions. These include:

• Complete physical exams.
• Lab tests, which usually involve taking samples of joint fluid, urine, or blood to check for anti-cyclic citrullinated peptides (anti-CCP) antibodies, synovial fluid, rheumatoid factor, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and C-reactive protein.
• Imaging tests, such as X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, bone density scans (DXA), or ultrasounds.
• Lumbar punctures.
• Joint aspiration.
• Synovial biopsy.
• Joint injections.
• Bursal injections.
• Hyaluronic acid injections.

How Long Should I Stay in Russian Federation?

Rheumatology procedures are usually performed on an outpatient basis, meaning you should be able to leave the hospital or clinic on the same day. Depending on your condition and the type of procedure you will have, you may also be allowed to travel home immediately after. However, it is generally recommended that you stay for 2 to 7 days as you may need to attend a follow-up appointment to discuss the test results with your rheumatologist (if you undergo a diagnostic test) or to monitor your condition.

What's the Expected Recovery Time?

The recovery time depends on your specific condition. After the rheumatology procedure itself, you may not need any downtime, although you will need to take it easy for at least two days after some procedures, such as a lumbar puncture. If your condition causes painful symptoms, your rheumatologist will also recommend that you rest until the pain and discomfort subsides. Make sure to discuss your recovery timeline, including when you can return to work and perform strenuous activities.

What Aftercare is Required?

Your rheumatologist will likely prescribe you medications. It is important that you take the medications as directed. You may also be suggested to see undergo physical therapy or occupational therapy. Physical therapists will teach you exercises that can help you move your joints and improve their strength, while occupational therapists can teach you how to ease the strains on your joints when performing your day-to-day activities. Lifestyle changes are important as well, such as maintaining a healthy weight and staying active. Since most rheumatic diseases are long-term diseases, you probably will need regular checkups.

What's the Success Rate?

With cutting-edge technology, continuous research, and a better understanding of the joints, bones, tendons, ligaments, and muscles, rheumatology procedures are now more accurate and safer. The procedures are also highly successful, giving patients higher satisfaction rates and improvement in their quality of life. 

Are there Alternatives?

The alternatives depend on your specific condition. It is best that you talk to your general physician first, who will be able to refer you to the relevant specialist. If you require surgery, for instance, you need joint replacement surgery, your rheumatologist will refer you to an orthopedic surgeon.

Rheumatology in and around Russian Federation

The Russian Federation, or Russia, is a transcontinental country that stretches over a vast expanse of Eastern Europe and northern Asia. Once a mighty tsarist empire and a communist superpower, this massive country is enigmatic, intimidating, and fascinating all at the same time. It has everything, from the idyllic countryside and historic cities to scenic beauty and artistic riches. Today, Russia is a famous medical tourism destination. The number of medical tourists seeking high-quality healthcare continues to double each year. These medical tourists mainly come from Asian countries, such as China, South Korea, India, Japan, and Vietnam. They come to receive a wide range of medical care, with IVF treatment, dental services, cosmetic surgery, and cardiovascular surgery being the most sought-after.

Popular Parts of the Russian Federation

Most visitors are drawn to the western part of the country, particularly to Moscow and St. Petersburg. Moscow, the capital of Russia, is popular for its show-stopping architecture, rich history, amazing culture, and great food. Some of the most famous landmarks are the St. Basil’s Cathedral, the Red Square and the Lenin Mausoleum, the Moscow Kremlin, The Tretiakov Gallery, and the Wooden Palace of Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich. St. Petersburg, Russia’s second city and imperial capital, is one of the most gracious cities in Europe. People come to this city to visit the State Hermitage Museum, the Grand Palace, and Catherine Park.

Weather and Climate in the Russian Federation

There are four seasons in Russia. December to February are the winter months, which is cold and snowy, with short days and long nights. The average temperature during this season is around -10°C to 3°C. Spring comes in March, bringing warmer, but rainy weather. Summer, from June to August, is hot and humid, with an average temperature of around 12°C to 26°C. The weather can be quite unpredictable in the summer, and downpours can come unexpectedly. Autumn is from September to October and is warm and pleasant.

Getting around in the Russian Federation

The largest airport in Russia that receive the most international flights is Sheremetyevo Alexander S. Pushkin International Airport in Moscow. It serves both domestic and international flights to many cities around the globe. Since Russia is the world’s largest territory, internal flights are the fastest and most convenient way to get around. Trains have an extensive network, and, with many comfortable overnight services, is considered as the best way to get around. Buses are a great option to travel to the areas not covered by the train. Some really remote destinations may only be reached by private cars or taxis. Taxis are relatively inexpensive and widely available.

Tourist Visas in the Russian Federation

Nationals of 62 nations, including Brazil, South Africa, South Korea, North Macedonia, and Hong Kong, can visit and stay in Russia without a visa for a period of 14 to 90 days. Citizens of other countries not listed in the visa exemption agreement need a visa to enter. Electronic visas are available for citizens of several countries, including all EU countries, China, and India.

Additional Information

1. Local Currency: Russian uses the Russian ruble (RUB) as its official currency. 1 USD is equivalent to 77.16 RUB. 
2. Money & Payments: The easiest way to get rubles is by using ATMs, which is available throughout the country. Major credit and debit cards, including MasterCard and Visa, are accepted in larger hotels and restaurants, but cash is more reliable. Some places may offer to accept euros and dollars, but this is illegal. Tipping is expected, around 10% to 15% of the bill. Always tip in cash and give it directly to the waiter.
3. Local Language: There are over 100 minority languages spoken in Russia, but the official and most widely spoken language is Russian. English is spoken to some degree, especially in major cities.
4. Local Culture and Religion: Most of Russia’s population adheres to Christianity, with the Russian Orthodox Church being the biggest Christian denomination. There are also small groups of Muslims, Buddhists, and Jewish.
5. Public holidays: New Year’s Day, Orthodox Christmas Day, Defender of the Fatherland Day, Victory Day, Russia Day, and Unity Day are some of the most important public holidays in Russia.