Rheumatology Helpline
Our helpline number can be used if you have any questions about your disease, medication or if you are experiencing a flare. This number is also used for patients who are under the PIFU (Patient Initiated Follow-Up) system.
The helpline is manned by a non-clinical person. If someone is not available to take your call you will be asked to leave a message so that the nurses can contact you. They will aim to get back to you within two working days.
When leaving a message with our helpline, please leave your name, date of birth, contact telephone number and a brief message explaining the reason for your call. If there are parts of the day you cannot be contacted, please let us know this when you phone. The nurse’s working day is 08.30-16.30 Monday- Friday.
The helpline should not be used for result requests or appointment arrangements. You can contact the secretaries via your local hospital switchboard for appointments.
What is a flare-up?
At times, one or more of your joints may become more painful and swollen. This is called a ‘Flare-up’.
At times, the trigger could be an infection, for example, chest infection or urine infection. If you have any signs of infection, you should see your GP for review.
Increased stress may also cause your joints to flare.
You may experience:
- Increased tiredness (may feel like flu-like symptoms)
- Increased pain in your joints.
- Increased joint stiffness
This video provides patients with detailed guidance on how to self-examine for tender and swollen joints.
How to manage a flare-up at home
If your joint had just begun to flare, we have listed some advice below on how to manage your flare-up at home. If you are having regular flare-ups, you should discuss this with your Rheumatologist/specialist nurse. It may be that you need to review your treatment.
Medication
- Increase your pain killers e.g. Paracetamol or Co-codamol, but do not go over the recommended dose.
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAID) such as Ibuprofen, if not prescribed one already, taken regularly may help.
- Continue to take your prescribed medication.
- Do not increase any prescribed medication.
Rest/Exercise
- Do the essentials and leave the rest. Ask for help and pass on chores to others if possible.
- Take regular rest throughout the day. Ensure your joints are supported. Using a resting splint may help.
- It is important to put your joints through a full range of movement as your pain allows. You should try this at least once a day, more if you are able. Carrying this out will help with the stiffness and prevent muscle weakness.
- Do not stay in bed all day or stay in the same sitting position as this will cause stiffness, pain and muscle weakness.
Treatment for your joints
- Cold – an ice pack or frozen peas over a swollen joint can ease the pain. Remember to cover the ice pack or frozen bag with a towel or pillowcase before applying it to the skin to prevent ice burn.
- Hot – a warm bath or shower may be helpful. The use of a hot pack or hot water bottle over a stiff painful joint may ease the pain. Remember to cover the hot pack or hot water bottle before applying to your skin to prevent burning. A pillowcase or towel could be used.
 Rheumatology​ Physiotherapy Advice
Your symptoms may be due to your rheumatology condition but other common MSK conditions could be causing your symptoms.
Your Feedback – comments, concerns and complaints
NHS Lanarkshire is committed to improving the service it provides to patients and their families. We therefore want to hear from you about your experience. If you would like to tell us about this please visit our feedback page.
