Rheumatology in Telangana

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 Telangana?

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 Telangana

About Telangana

Telangana is the 29th state in the country. Although the state is relatively new, it is rich in cultural heritage and historical sites. It is also the twelfth-largest and twelfth-most populated state in India. In recent years, Telangana has emerged as a major Indian state with a top-class ecosystem to support medical tourism. High-quality healthcare, warm hospitality, competitive pricing, and improvement in-flight connectivity have dramatically transformed the state into a hotspot for inbound medical tourists in India. A majority of the patients come from Oman, Tanzania, the Middle East, Bangladesh, Nepal, as well as Southeast Asian countries. The most sought-after medical treatments are brain and spine surgery, IVF, dental procedures, bariatric surgery, and preventative health checkups. 

Popular Parts of Telangana

Telangana has so much to offer its visitors, from beautiful temples and intriguing history to beautiful nature and interesting wildlife. The most popular destination, both for vacation and medical tourism, is its capital city, Hyderabad. This city is steeped in history, with its Old City being one of the most evocative ancient quarters of India. Here, visitors can admire the impressive Islamic architectures, visit the magnificent Golconda Fort, and explore its busy lanes lined with chai shops and spice merchants. The state’s second city, Warangal, should not be missed either. It was the capital of the Kakatiya Kingdom and it has numerous historical sites and temples, such as Warangal Fort and Thousand Pillared temple.

Transport in Telangana

The only international airport in Telangana is the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, which is located in Hyderabad. It has direct flights from many countries around the world. Lower-cost airlines that operate from this airport include AirAsia, GoAir, and IndiGo. To get around the state, buses are available. Inside big cities, metro, buses, and auto-rickshaws are available.

Visas in Telangana

Citizens of Maldives, Bhutan, and Nepal are allowed to visit and stay in India without a visa. Citizens of other countries will need to obtain a visa. A visa on arrival is available for holders of passports issued by Japan, the UAE, and South Korea, while e-Visa is provided for 150 other countries.

Weather in Telangana

Summer, from March to May, is very hot, with an average temperature of 39°C. From June to September is the monsoon season, which experiences a lot of wet days. During this season, the temperature is a lot cooler than summer, but the humidity level increases significantly. Winter, between November and early January, is mild with pleasant weather. The average temperature in winter is around 13°C to 28°C.

Additional Info

1. Local Currency:  The local currency of Telangana is the Indian Rupee (INR). The exchange rate for 1 USD is approx. 73 INR.
2. Money & Payments:  ATMs can be found in many parts of the state. Credit cards are accepted in most establishments, but always bring cash with you. Tipping is not obligatory. 
3. Local Language: The official language is Telugu, which is spoken by the majority of the people. However, most educated people can also speak Hindi and English, especially in major cities. 
4. Local Culture and Religion: About 84% of Telangana’s population adheres to Hinduism. Other religions are also present, with Islam and Christianity being the biggest minor religions. 
5. Public Holidays: New Year’s Day, Sankranti, Doljatra, Babu Jangjivan Ram Birthday, Independence Day, Bathukamma Starting Day, Vijaya Daasami, and Deepavali are some of the most important public holidays.