Rheumatology at TCH


To book an appointment please contact us or call 01382 549088 Option 1

Our Rheumatologists

Dr Vinod Akula

Consultant Rheumatologist

Having trained in rheumatology and general medicine in Aberdeen, I have been working as a consultant rheumatologist in Tayside since Feb 2009. My work and learning are appraised annually and have been revalidated by GMC which is essential for all clinicians practicing in United Kingdom every 5 years. I brought in a number of innovative changes in my clinical practice through audits and service improvement plans. I was instrumental in bringing ultrasound scan facility for rheumatology practice in Tayside and often use it as well as for developing fast track pathway for giant cell arteritis. I had worked in Scottish Medicines Consortium which assesses and approves new medicines to be used in NHS Scotland and an active member of British society for rheumatology, Royal college of physicians of Edinburgh and Scottish society for rheumatology. I have expert skills in assessing joint pain and other problems caused by immune system and their management.

The following are some of the conditions I diagnose and manage in my clinical practice.

*Inflammatory Arthritis

Either gradual or sudden recent onset pain and swelling of one or several joints

 *Inflammation in the spine

Recent onset (3 months) back pain which is worse at rest and at night and improves with mobility, anti-inflammatory tablets like ibuprofen

*Lupus

Photo sensitive rash, frequent mouth ulceration, white fingers, persistent pins and needles, chest pain caused by pleurisy or pericarditis, joint pain, clots in the legs, recurrent miscarriages

 *Sjogren’s

  Dry eyes, dry mouth, dry throat, dry skin, joint pain

 *Scleroderma

White fingers, puffy fingers due to thickened skin on arms and legs, difficulty in swallowing, breathlessness

 *Myositis

Recent onset weakness around shoulders(difficulty working above shoulder levels) and pelvis(difficulty getting up from low chairs or climbing stairs), breathing difficulties, swallowing difficulties

 *Fibromyalgia

Pain all over body, exhaustion, sleep disturbance etc. This is a diagnosis of exclusion as there are no tests to confirm this condition.

 *Polymyalgia rheumatica

Recent fairly sudden onset pain and to a lesser extent weakness in muscles around shoulders and pelvis

 *Gout and Pseudo Gout

 *Vasculitis

There are several conditions that fall under the category, please discuss with your GP if you are concerned and request a referral.

 *Osteoarthritis in the early stages

Joint pain is due to reduced cartilage in the joint and pain becomes prominent on use of joint and improves with rest. Unfortunately, there is no cure but can be managed with the aim of reducing pain levels and improving function

 *Soft tissue rheumatism

This covers conditions like plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, golfers elbow, trochanteric bursitis and tendinopathy etc

 *Abnormal rheumatological tests

 * Hypermobility syndrome

What do Rheumatologists do?

 

These are specialists who look after joints and muscles including conditions such as:

  • Arthritis (Rheumatoid)

  • Fibromyalgia

  • Vasculitis

  • Gout

  • Osteoarthritis

  • Vasculitis

  • Joint Pain

  • Connective Tissue Disease

  • Soft Tissue Rheumatism


They see and investigate patients with a range of symptoms including problems with joints, muscle aches and inflammation.

What services do they offer?

 

Our specialist clinicians offer a range of consultation and investigation options.

New Patient Consultation

This is an introductory consultation to determine the cause of your symptoms. As part of this consultation the specialist will ask questions about your symptoms, examine you and suggest if any tests are required.

These tests may include blood tests, which can be taken immediately; other tests such as scans that can be arranged quickly and conveniently at a time that suits you.

After the consultation, a letter summarising the consultation and any recommendations for investigations is provided electronically to you and, with your permission, to your GP.

How much would this cost?


New Consultation £202

Return Consultation £127

If you have a condition that requires check-up appointments, these can be arranged and you can register for our text reminder service.

How to book?

 

You can contact us to self refer or you can ask your GP/health professional to refer you to Tayside Complete Health.

To book an appointment please contact us or call 01382 549088