Rheumatoid Arthritis Specialist Singapore

Arthritis Specialist Singapore

Dr. Bryan Tan

MBBS (Singapore)

MMed (Ortho)

FRCS Ed (Orth)

Arthritis is a common disorder that affects your joints, causing joint damage resulting in pain, inflammation and loss of mobility. There are many types of arthritis, and each form causes different symptoms. While arthritis usually affects older adults, it can develop in people of any age. Understanding your symptoms and seeking medical treatment as soon as possible is vital, as early diagnosis and management can reduce arthritis complications.

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Dr. Bryan Tan

Orthopaedic Surgeon

Sports have always played a big part in Dr Bryan’s life. His interest in sports and varied sporting activities give him a deep understanding of sports injuries and the mindset of an athlete.

The condition often develops gradually over time and is difficult to detect. This painful condition affects 2-5% of the general population.

Dr Bryan Tan is a fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon, based in Singapore. He completed 2 fellowships in Orthopaedic Sports, Shoulder and Elbow Surgery in Sydney, Australia and Nice, France. Prior to private practice, Dr Bryan was a consultant in the Division of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery in National University Hospital (NUH), Singapore. He is currently still a visiting consultant at NUH where he actively teaches medical students and young orthopaedic surgical trainees. In addition, he travels to regional countries to teach advanced arthroscopic surgical techniques.

MBBS(Singapore)
MMed (Ortho)
FRCS Ed(Orth)

Dr. Bryan has a special interest in keyhole surgery and performs most of his surgeries using advanced, modern keyhole surgical techniques. He regularly visits fellow surgeons from other countries to ensure his skills and knowledge are cutting edge.

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What Is Arthritis?

Arthritis is the swelling and inflammation of one or more joints in the body, commonly involving the knees, hips, shoulders, elbows, or spine. However any joint in the body can be affected. Arthritis is also commonly associated with joint pain and stiffness, which usually worsen with age and time.

The most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

What Are the Symptoms of Arthritis?

Common symptoms of arthritis include:

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How Is Arthritis Diagnosed?

Your doctor will likely perform a physical examination of your joints to check for mobility and strength.

In addition, the following imaging tests may also be conducted:

X-rays (can show cartilage loss, bone damage and bone spurs)
CT scans (provide a more detailed image of the joints)
MRI (reveal surrounding soft tissues around the joints)
Blood, urine or joint fluid tests (to determine the type of arthritis)

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How Is Arthritis Treated?

Non-Surgical Treatment

Common treatment methods include:

Rest
Warm compression to minimise pain
Taking pain relievers and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen
Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) to slow the progression of rheumatoid arthritis
Corticosteroid injections
“Gel” injections to lubricate the joint
Protein solution injections using proteins derived from your own blood, to reduce inflammation within the joint
Simple and gentle stretching exercises to slowly regain shoulder mobility and strength

Surgical Treatment

Surgery may be recommended if your arthritis symptoms worsen or if non-surgical treatment options are ineffective.

Common surgical options include:

Keyhole surgery. For this procedure, loose cartilage and debris within the joint can be removed to prevent them from getting caught within the joint during movements. These types of procedures are typically performed arthroscopically through 2 small incisions over the joint.
Joint replacement. This procedure removes the damaged joint and replaces it with an artificial one made up of plastic and metal.
Joint fusion. This procedure is typically performed for smaller joints, such as those in the wrist, ankle and fingers. A joint fusion removes the ends of the two bones in the joint and then locks them together until they heal into one rigid unit.

What Causes Arthritis?

Common causes of arthritis include:

What’s the first step?

Your Treatment Roadmap with Dr. Bryan

step 1

Book An Appointment
With Dr. Bryan

Our friendly clinic staff will assist you with your registration, ensuring an efficient and hassle-free process for you. Fill up this form to schedule an appointment with Dr. Bryan.

step 2

Initial Consultation & Diagnosis of your Condition

During your consultation, Dr. Bryan will evaluate your medical history and the pain you are experiencing. You may also ask Dr. Bryan any questions you may have about your condition.

step 3

Treatment & Follow Up Visits With Dr. Bryan

After your consultation with Dr. Bryan, our friendly clinic staff will assist you with your follow-up appointment, and provide you with instructions/information for any prescribed treatment plans from Dr. Bryan.

Frequently Asked
Questions

Is arthritis serious? When should I visit a doctor?

While arthritis is typically not life-threatening, it can still bring significant pain and discomfort. Symptoms usually vary from mild to severe. Some may come and go, while others may persist for a long time.

You should seek immediate medical attention if your symptoms worsen or are not improving despite using non-surgical treatment methods.

Can arthritis be prevented?

Unfortunately, in many cases, arthritis cannot be prevented. However, you can seek
early treatment for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or other forms of inflammatory arthritis before they lead to more severe damage to the joints.

Take the First Step