Rheumatology in Tel Aviv

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 Tel Aviv?

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 Tel Aviv

About Tel Aviv

Tel Aviv-Yafo commonly referred to as just Tel Aviv, is the economic and technological center of Israel. Located on the Israeli Mediterranean coastline, the city is popular for its glimmering beaches, creative culture, non-stop nightlife, and architectural heritage. As Israel is becoming a popular medical tourism hub, thousands of medical tourists who seek medical treatments in this country choose Tel Aviv as their destination. The city’s medical system, as well as its doctors and medical professionals, are world-renowned. It boasts some of the finest medical centers, staffed with highly trained doctors and nurses. International tourists looking for world-class, innovative medical treatments can get any procedure they need for a fraction of the cost they would have to pay in their home countries.

Popular Parts of Tel Aviv

There’s no shortage of activities in Tel Aviv. With at least 300 days of sun per year, this hip and bustling city offer shimmering beaches for any sun-chaser. Gordon Beach is one of the most popular in the city. It boasts clear blue waters, volleyball courts, and a boardwalk full of restaurants serving fresh fish and Israeli cuisine. Besides the beaches, visitors usually go to the Tel Aviv Museum of Art. This impressive gallery is set inside the modern ‘envelope’ building by American architect Preston Scott Cohen. The museum provides a lot of activities and collections to see, but the highlight is the collection of Impressionist and post-Impressionist art, which features works by Pissarro, Renoir, Monet, Picasso, Van Gogh, and many more. Visitors who want to relax can visit Park HaYarkon, which is the city’s largest green space.

Transport in Tel Aviv

International tourists will arrive at Ben Gurion Airport, which is located 20 kilometers southeast of Tel Aviv. It serves flights to and from many cities around the world, including Seoul, Amsterdam, New York, and Beijing. The city’s relatively new overground railway system is the most affordable and easiest way to get around. Buses are available, but the routes can be a bit confusing. Taxis are widely available around the city and they are easy, albeit expensive, way to get around. 

Visas in Tel Aviv

Holders of passports issued by 99 countries, including all EU countries, Canada, Russia, and the US can enter and stay in the country for up to 3 months without a visa. Most other nationals are required to obtain a visa prior to arrival and are recommended to contact their nearest embassy of Israel as some countries need a confirmation from the Israeli government before a tourist visa is issued.

Weather in Tel Aviv

Tel Aviv experience a typical Mediterranean climate. The winters are rainy and the summers are hot. The temperatures in the summer (June to August) can rise to 31°C - 34°C and the humidity can reach over 80%. Spring and fall have pleasant weather since the temperatures are not too high or low. 

Additional Info

1. Local Currency: New Israeli Shekel (ILS) is the official currency. 1 USD will get you approx. 3.5 ILS.
2. Money & Payments: It’s easy to find ATMs around the city. Credit cards are widely accepted. Tipping is common, but typically not expected.
3. Local Language: Hebrew is the official language, while Arabic has a special status as a semi-official language. Most people can speak English fairly well.
4. Local Culture and Religion: Most of the population adheres to Judaism. Islam is the largest minority religion in the city, followed by Christianity.
5. Public Holidays: The city celebrates several public holidays, such as Independence Day, Hanukkah, and Jerusalem Day.