Tips by a Rheumatologist for Strong, Healthy Joints!

Tips by rheumatologist for healthy joints

By Dr Anindita Santosa, Consultant Rheumatologist Why Prevention Matters More Than You Think We often think about joint health only when pain sets in — like that first hint of knee discomfort, morning stiffness, or aching fingers after a long day. But just like caring for your heart or skin, looking after your joints works […]

Ankylosing Spondylitis: Linked to Morning Back Stiffness?

Man stretching stiff back in the morning due to ankylosing spondylitis

By Dr Anindita Santosa, Consultant Rheumatologist Recognising When Back Stiffness Means Something More We’ve all woken up with a stiff back and blamed it on a bad night’s sleep, an old mattress, or poor posture. But what if the stiffness doesn’t fade after a few stretches — and instead greets you every morning? When back […]

When Joint Pain Isn’t Just Ageing: Early Signs of Arthritis

Woman stretching her stiff fingers in the morning — early arthritis awareness.

By Dr Anindita Santosa, Consultant Rheumatologist When “Normal” Aches Aren’t So Normal… We often dismiss it with a casual “Aiya, it’s just age lah.” But what if those persistent morning aches, stiff fingers, or sore knees are not merely signs of ageing? In Singapore, too many individuals delay consulting a doctor, mistakenly believing joint pain […]

The Difference Between Osteoarthritis & Rheumatoid Arthritis

Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis in hands

By Dr Anindita Santosa, Consultant Rheumatologist Arthritis Isn’t Just One Disease! Many people believe “arthritis” is a single disease — but in reality, it is an umbrella term for more than a hundred joint conditions. Among these, osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are the most common, yet entirely different in cause and treatment. If […]

Why Rain Makes Joint Pain Worse — A Rheumatologist Explains

A person walking in rainy weather in Singapore.

When Weather Meets the Body by Dr Anindita Santosa, Consultant Rheumatologist If you’re one of those who can “predict rain” with your knees, you’re not imagining things. Many individuals with an autoimmune condition such as arthritis — be it osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis — report increased joint pain when the skies turn grey. But what […]

Warning Signs Your Allergy Medicine Has Stopped Working

Man sneezing while surrounded by allergy medications on a table, showing signs of antihistamines losing effectiveness

Warning Signs Your Allergy Medicine Has Stopped Working [Doctor’s Guide] Your once-reliable allergy medication suddenly feels powerless against sneezing fits and watery eyes. This scenario affects millions of Americans who depend on seasonal allergy treatments for daily comfort. Current data reveals that 26% of adults and 20% of children across the United States experience seasonal allergies, […]

Autoimmunity in Teens: Spotting Early Signs Before Diagnosis Delays

Doctor talking to a smiling teenage girl, symbolizing early recognition of autoimmune disease in adolescents

Autoimmunity in Teens: Spotting Early Signs Before Diagnosis Delays by Dr Anindita Santosa Autoimmune diseases are often seen as adult conditions. Yet, many teenagers quietly struggle with symptoms that go unrecognized for years. The teenage years are already a time of rapid change, both physically and emotionally. When autoimmunity strikes, the challenges multiply, and too […]

Psoriatic Arthritis: The Overlap Between Skin and Joint Health Explained

Doctor examining psoriatic skin lesions on patient’s arm while discussing psoriatic arthritis and its impact on joints

Psoriatic Arthritis: The Overlap Between Skin and Joint Health Explained by Dr Anindita Santosa Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is one of the most complex autoimmune conditions because it connects two seemingly separate worlds, the skin and the joints. Many people know psoriasis as a skin condition that causes red, scaly patches. Fewer realize that up to […]

Stroke and Autoimmunity: What Patients Should Know

Doctor discussing stroke and autoimmune disease connection with older couple during consultation

Stroke and Autoimmunity The Hidden Link Patients Should Know About by Dr Anindita Santosa Autoimmune diseases are often thought of as conditions that mainly affect the joints, skin, or internal organs. But research has shown that their impact can extend much further, even influencing the risk of cardiovascular complications, including stroke. For patients and caregivers, […]

ANA Test and ENA Test in Autoimmune Diseases Diagnosis

ANA and ENA blood test tubes beside a microscope, representing autoimmune disease diagnostics

ANA Test and ENA Test in Autoimmune Diseases Diagnosis by Dr Anindita Santosa When doctors suspect an autoimmune condition, two common blood tests often come up: the ANA (antinuclear antibody) and the ENA (extractable nuclear antigen) tests. Many patients find these results confusing — and that’s understandable. These tests can give us important clues, but […]