Compassionate care tailored to your needs

Compassionate
care tailored
to your needs

Expert diagnosis and treatment for rheumatological conditions

Expert diagnosis and treatment for rheumatological conditions

Collaborative approach for informed decision-making

Collaborative
approach for informed
decision-making

Conveniently located in Cairns for accessible care

Conveniently located
in Cairns for
accessible care

Focus on improving function and relieving pain

Focus on improving function and relieving pain

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis is an inflammatory arthritis, triggered by the immune system attacking the joint lining, and most commonly affecting the hands, wrists, knees and feet. It typically causes joint pain, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints. It can also affect larger joints and is usually symmetrical.

Causes of
Rheumatoid Arthritis

The cause of Rheumatoid Arthritis is becoming increasingly well known, though the exact mechanisms are complex. There is an interplay between genetics, environmental exposures, and a “trigger”.

We are aware of several risk factors that increase the risk:

  • Female gender
  • Family History
  • Smoking

Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis

  • Pain, swelling and tenderness in joints
  • Symmetrical symptoms in joints
  • Morning stiffness of joints

Are you experiencing any of the above symptoms?
Book a consultation with Dr Grundy today.

Diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis

A Rheumatologist will determine the specific type of arthritis if one is present, through a combination of history, physical examination, and testing, including blood tests and Xrays if required. It is common to require one to two visits, and investigations, in order to make a confident diagnosis, particularly if there is little visible swelling.

Treatment Options for Rheumatoid Arthritis

If Rheumatoid Arthritis is confirmed, at FNQ Rheumatology, we will work together to develop a treatment plan personalized for you. This may include a combination of both lifestyle, physical therapy, and pharmacological therapy. We will be happy to discuss this in detail during our consultation, and provide targeted information pertaining to the most appropriate therapies in your case.

The medication based treatments that may be discussed include:

  • Non-Steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
  • Corticosteroid medicines or injections (i.e. prednisone)
  • Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs)
  • Biologic DMARDs (injectable therapy)

Contact Us

If you feel you have a condition or symptoms that may benefit from a Rheumatologist opinion, please seek a referral from your usual treating General Practitioner, and arrange for this to be forwarded to our clinic rooms. Once this referral is received our reception staff will contact you to discuss a booking time.

For further queries, please contact the clinic either by phone during business hours Monday-Friday, or by email.

CALL US EMAIL US

©2025 FNQ Rheumatology | All Rights Reserved | Sitemap
BOOK NOW