Arthritis Doctors in Chennai

Joint pain and stiffness can make everyday activities difficult. Simple tasks such as walking, climbing stairs, opening a bottle, holding objects or getting up from a chair may become uncomfortable when arthritis affects the joints.

Arthritis is a broad term used to describe conditions that cause joint inflammation, pain and stiffness. It can affect people of different age groups and may involve the knees, hips, hands, wrists, shoulders, feet and other joints.

Some people experience gradual joint discomfort over several years, while others develop swelling, stiffness and pain over a shorter period. The symptoms depend on the type of arthritis and the joints involved.

Finding the cause of joint pain is important because different forms of arthritis require different treatments. People searching for an Arthritis Doctor in Chennai should understand that treatment may involve medication, physiotherapy, lifestyle changes or surgery, depending on the condition and its severity.

What is Arthritis?

Arthritis refers to a group of conditions affecting the joints and surrounding tissues. It can cause pain, inflammation, swelling, stiffness and difficulty with movement.

The condition may develop due to cartilage damage, autoimmune activity, crystal deposits or other underlying factors.

Arthritis does not affect everyone in the same way. Some patients experience occasional discomfort, while others may have persistent symptoms that interfere with work, sleep and daily activities.

An accurate diagnosis helps determine the type of arthritis and the most appropriate treatment approach.

Arthritis Doctor in Chennai: Understanding Your Orthopaedic Care Options

Arthritis can affect different joints and may have several underlying causes. Understanding the type of arthritis is important before deciding on treatment.

At Bharath Orthopaedics, orthopaedic assessment includes evaluating joint symptoms, mobility, medical history and relevant investigation findings. Treatment options may include non-surgical care, rehabilitation and surgical evaluation where appropriate.

Dr. Bharath Loganathan’s orthopaedic practice includes the assessment and management of musculoskeletal conditions, hip and knee joint problems, primary joint replacement and revision joint replacement procedures.

For patients experiencing arthritis-related knee or hip problems, an individual assessment can help establish the extent of joint involvement and identify suitable treatment options.

Patients with suspected inflammatory or autoimmune arthritis may also require evaluation by a rheumatologist.

The appropriate treatment plan should be based on the diagnosis, the patient’s general health and the effect of symptoms on everyday activities.

Dr. Bharath Loganathan

Dr. Bharath Loganathan- Orthopaedic Surgeon, MBBS, MS (Orthopaedic Surgery), MRCS (Edinburgh)

Clinical experience: Over 20 years, according to the professional profile.

Dr. Bharath Loganathan is an orthopaedic surgeon based in Chennai with clinical experience in the assessment and management of musculoskeletal conditions.

He completed his MBBS at Stanley Medical College, Chennai, followed by an MS in Orthopaedic Surgery from Grant Medical College and JJ Group of Hospitals, Mumbai. He also holds the MRCS qualification from the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh.

His additional training includes the Ranawat Adult Joint Reconstruction Fellowship, Rothman Ranawat Travel Fellowship and advanced training in hip and knee joint replacement surgery.

His areas of orthopaedic practice include:

• Assessment of knee and hip joint conditions.
• Management of degenerative joint conditions.
• Total knee replacement.
• Total hip replacement.
• Revision knee replacement.
• Revision hip replacement.
• Management of other orthopaedic conditions.

Patients with arthritis-related joint problems may require different treatment approaches depending on the diagnosis and extent of joint involvement. Dr. Bharath Loganathan’s orthopaedic practice includes evaluating these conditions and discussing suitable treatment options.

For inflammatory and autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, rheumatology assessment may also be necessary.

What are the Different Types of Arthritis?

Understanding the type of arthritis is an important part of treatment. Some of the commonly encountered forms include:

1. Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint condition in which the cartilage that cushions the ends of bones gradually changes and deteriorates.

It commonly affects the knees, hips, hands and spine. Patients may experience pain during movement, stiffness after resting and reduced joint flexibility.

Age, previous joint injuries, excess body weight and other factors can increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis.

2. Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the joints.

It commonly affects the hands, wrists and feet, although other joints can also be involved. Symptoms may include swelling, warmth, pain and prolonged morning stiffness.

Early diagnosis and treatment are important because uncontrolled inflammation can cause permanent joint damage.

3. Gout

Gout is an inflammatory arthritis caused by the deposition of uric acid crystals in the joints.

It often affects the big toe but can also involve the ankles, knees and other joints. An attack may cause sudden, intense pain, redness, swelling and tenderness.

Treatment focuses on managing acute attacks and reducing the risk of future episodes.

4. Psoriatic Arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory joint condition associated with psoriasis, a skin disease.

It can cause joint pain, swelling, stiffness and changes involving the fingers, toes and nails. Some patients develop joint symptoms before noticeable skin symptoms.

5. Ankylosing Spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis is an inflammatory condition that primarily affects the spine and sacroiliac joints.

It may cause persistent lower back pain and stiffness, particularly in the morning or after periods of inactivity. Movement may help improve symptoms.

6. Post-Traumatic Arthritis

Post-traumatic arthritis can develop after an injury involving a joint. Fractures, ligament injuries and other forms of joint damage may contribute to cartilage deterioration over time.

Symptoms can include pain, stiffness and reduced movement in the previously injured joint.

What are the Common Symptoms of Arthritis?

Arthritis symptoms vary according to the type of condition and the joints affected.

Some common symptoms include:

• Pain in one or more joints.
• Stiffness, particularly after waking up.
• Swelling around the affected joints.
• Warmth or tenderness in the joints.
• Difficulty bending or straightening a joint.
• Reduced flexibility and range of movement.
• Difficulty walking, climbing stairs or standing for long periods.
• Pain that increases with certain activities.
• Fatigue, particularly in some inflammatory conditions.

In osteoarthritis, discomfort may increase with activity and improve with rest. In inflammatory arthritis, stiffness may be more prominent after waking up or following inactivity.

Persistent symptoms should be assessed rather than assumed to be a normal part of ageing.

When Should You Consult an Arthritis Doctor?

Occasional joint discomfort does not always indicate arthritis. However, persistent pain, swelling or stiffness deserves medical attention.

Consider consulting an appropriate medical specialist if you experience:

• Joint pain that continues or repeatedly returns.
• Morning stiffness that affects normal movement.
• Swelling in the fingers, wrists, knees or feet.
• Difficulty walking or performing everyday activities.
• Pain that interferes with sleep.
• Reduced joint movement.
• Repeated episodes of sudden joint inflammation.
• Joint symptoms accompanied by unexplained fatigue.

Important: A suddenly painful, hot and swollen joint, particularly when accompanied by fever, needs urgent medical evaluation. A joint infection must be ruled out. Do not assume that it is simply an arthritis flare.

Which Doctor Should You Consult for Arthritis?

The appropriate specialist depends on the type of arthritis, the affected joints and the patient’s symptoms.

Orthopaedic Surgeon

An orthopaedic surgeon evaluates conditions affecting bones, joints, cartilage, ligaments and other musculoskeletal structures.

Patients with osteoarthritis, significant joint damage, post-traumatic arthritis or advanced hip and knee arthritis may require an orthopaedic assessment.

Orthopaedic treatment may include non-surgical management, rehabilitation and surgical procedures such as joint replacement when indicated.

Rheumatologist

A rheumatologist specialises in inflammatory and autoimmune conditions affecting the joints, muscles and connective tissues.

Patients with suspected rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, lupus-related joint problems or other systemic inflammatory conditions may require rheumatology evaluation.

Physiotherapist

A physiotherapist helps patients maintain or improve joint movement, muscle strength, flexibility and functional ability through an appropriate rehabilitation programme.

Which specialist is appropriate?

Not every patient with arthritis needs surgery or an orthopaedic consultation alone. A patient with suspected autoimmune arthritis may need a rheumatologist, while someone with advanced structural damage to the knee or hip may benefit from an orthopaedic assessment. In some cases, both specialists work together.

How is Arthritis Diagnosed?

Arthritis diagnosis begins with understanding the patient’s symptoms and medical history. The doctor may ask when the pain started, which joints are affected, how long stiffness lasts and whether symptoms change throughout the day.

The assessment may include the following:

1. Clinical Examination

The doctor examines the affected joints for swelling, tenderness, warmth, deformity and restricted movement.

Joint examination can help identify patterns that suggest degenerative or inflammatory arthritis.

2. X-rays

X-rays may help identify joint-space narrowing, bone changes, deformities and other features associated with osteoarthritis or previous joint injuries.

3. Blood Tests

Blood tests may be recommended when inflammatory or autoimmune arthritis is suspected.

Depending on the symptoms, investigations may include:

• ESR and CRP to assess inflammation.
• Rheumatoid factor (RF).
• Anti-CCP antibodies.
• Serum uric acid, where clinically relevant.

Blood test results need to be interpreted alongside symptoms and examination findings. A single abnormal result does not establish every type of arthritis.

4. MRI and Ultrasound

MRI scans can provide detailed information about cartilage, bone and soft tissues. Ultrasound may help identify joint inflammation, fluid accumulation and certain soft-tissue abnormalities.

5. Joint Fluid Analysis

In selected cases, fluid may be collected from an affected joint and examined to identify crystals, inflammation or possible infection.

Not every patient requires all these investigations. The doctor recommends tests according to the suspected condition.

What are the Treatment Options for Arthritis?

Arthritis treatment depends on the type of disease, severity of symptoms, affected joints and overall health of the patient.

The aim is to manage symptoms, preserve joint function, maintain mobility and prevent or reduce further damage where possible.

1. Medication

Medicines may be prescribed to manage pain and inflammation.

Depending on the diagnosis, treatment may include pain-relieving medication, anti-inflammatory medicines or other condition-specific drugs.

Rheumatoid arthritis and certain inflammatory conditions may require disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) under rheumatology supervision.

Patients should not start or change arthritis medication without medical advice, especially if they have kidney disease, stomach problems, heart conditions or take other regular medicines.

2. Physiotherapy and Exercise

Appropriate exercise can help maintain joint flexibility and strengthen the muscles surrounding affected joints.

A physiotherapist may recommend:

• Range-of-motion exercises.
• Muscle-strengthening exercises.
• Balance training.
• Low-impact aerobic activities.
• Functional movement training.

Exercise should be adapted to the patient’s condition. Activities that cause significant pain or aggravate joint inflammation may need modification.

3. Weight Management

Maintaining a healthy body weight can reduce the mechanical load on weight-bearing joints, particularly the knees and hips.

For patients with osteoarthritis, suitable weight-management measures may help improve mobility and reduce discomfort.

4. Lifestyle Changes

Daily habits can influence joint health and overall physical function.

Patients may benefit from:

• Maintaining regular physical activity.
• Avoiding prolonged periods of inactivity.
• Following a balanced diet.
• Maintaining a suitable body weight.
• Getting adequate sleep.
• Avoiding smoking.
• Following prescribed treatment and review schedules.

5. Joint Injections

Certain patients may be considered for joint injections, depending on the type of arthritis and clinical findings.

Corticosteroid injections may provide temporary symptom relief in selected cases. However, their suitability, frequency and potential risks should be discussed with the treating doctor.

6. Joint Replacement Surgery

Joint replacement may be considered when severe arthritis has caused significant joint damage, persistent pain and difficulty performing everyday activities despite appropriate non-surgical treatment.

Total Knee Replacement

In total knee replacement, damaged joint surfaces are replaced with artificial components. It may be considered for selected patients with advanced knee osteoarthritis.

Total Hip Replacement

In total hip replacement, damaged portions of the hip joint are replaced with artificial components. It may be recommended in selected cases of advanced hip arthritis.

Surgery is not required for everyone with arthritis. The decision depends on the degree of joint damage, functional limitations, general health and the patient’s preferences.

Can Arthritis Be Managed Without Surgery?

Yes. Many patients with arthritis can be managed without surgery, particularly when the condition is diagnosed early or joint damage is not advanced.

Non-surgical treatment may involve medication, physiotherapy, appropriate exercise, weight management and activity modification.

However, the response to treatment varies. Some patients with advanced joint damage may continue to experience significant pain and restricted movement despite these measures.

An orthopaedic assessment can help determine whether continued non-surgical management or surgical evaluation is appropriate.

How Can You Manage Arthritis in Everyday Life?

Living with arthritis may require some adjustments to daily routines. Small, consistent changes can help patients remain active and manage joint-related difficulties.

Consider the following:

• Avoid remaining in one position for long periods.
• Use suitable footwear for comfortable walking.
• Choose low-impact physical activities.
• Follow exercises recommended by your physiotherapist.
• Avoid sudden increases in physical activity.
• Use walking support when recommended.
• Maintain a healthy body weight.
• Follow your prescribed medication schedule.
• Attend regular medical reviews.

Patients with inflammatory arthritis should follow their specialist’s treatment plan even when symptoms improve. Stopping prescribed medicines without medical advice can lead to a flare-up or worsening inflammation.

Read also Can You Remove Arthritis.