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A Rheumatologist's health blog

AP Therapy, a Myth or Reality?

One of the queries on my facebook page asked me for my opinion about AP therapy by Dr. McPherson Brown. Explaining everything in detail is quite a task on the post so I thought, I’d include this in my blog for the benefit of other patients.

First, let me give you a background of AP therapy. It is an antibiotic protocol therapy propagated on the premise that rheumatic diseases including Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) results from mycoplasma infections and prolonged antibiotics can resolve the arthritis1.

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Local placement of Estrogen & Androgen may prove beneficial in Advanced Osteoarthritis

Rheumatoid_arthritis_s4_normal_affected_joints

The April issue of Arthritis & Rheumatism brings with it good news, which I would like to share with all the readers. I’m excited to know that even in the case of a degenerative arthritis called Osteoarthritis, lot of new researches are happening and the latest evidence has shown the presence of CPC ie, chondrogenic progenitor cells even in the late stages of Osteoarthritis and cartilage tissues had receptor for estrogen and androgen.  Local placement of these hormones may prove beneficial in future studies. I’m eagerly awaiting results. If you want to read the full article please see below,

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Who is a Rheumatologist?

There seems to be a lot of confusion amongst patients who are suffering with joint and muscle pains about whom to consult in such a situation. I thought, I will give you a clear perspective about rheumatology and a rheumatologist so that you will be able to decide for yourself at an early stage to avoid unnecessary experimentation which in the long run may cause severe disabilities. 

Just like chest pain requires the expertise of a cardiologist and in case of cough, a chest physician (pulmonologist) is to be consulted as they have undergone a specialised training for 2-3 years after completing their MD (Medicine) course which in lay man's language is equivalent to a post graduation in Medicine.

Similarly, to take care of patients suffering from joint and muscle diseases, a separate superspecialisation has evolved, which is called Rheumatology. Rheumatism in India is often known as bai or a systemic musculoskeletal syndrome. What arthritis is in a joint, is what rheumatism is in the body. A Rheumatologist is a qualified physician, with an additional training and experience in the diagnosis and treatment of arthritis and related musculoskeletal conditions. 

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