Living with a rheumatic or musculoskeletal disease can be challenging — but you do not have to navigate it alone. We are here to help you understand your condition, know your options, and connect you with the right support.
Plain-language information from a world-class rheumatology team.
The Division of Rheumatology at the University of Cape Town is one of Africa's leading academic centres for the diagnosis and treatment of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases. We see patients from across South Africa and beyond — and we believe every patient deserves to understand what is happening in their body.
This page is written for you. Whether you have just received a diagnosis, are waiting for a referral, or have been managing a condition for years, we hope you find the information here honest, clear, and genuinely useful.
Rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) affect the joints, muscles, bones, and surrounding tissues. They range from common conditions like osteoarthritis and gout to more complex autoimmune diseases. Many can be effectively managed with the right treatment and support.
Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks the joints, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness. Early treatment is key to protecting your joints.
The most common joint condition, osteoarthritis involves the gradual breakdown of cartilage. It most often affects knees, hips, hands, and the spine. While it cannot be reversed, symptoms can be managed well with the right approach.
Lupus (SLE), scleroderma, myositis, and Sjögren's syndrome are autoimmune diseases where the immune system attacks the body's own tissues. These can affect multiple organs and require specialist management.
Gout causes sudden, severe joint pain — often in the big toe — triggered by a build-up of uric acid crystals. It is one of the most treatable forms of arthritis, and attacks can be prevented with medication and lifestyle changes.
Osteoporosis means your bones have become weaker and more likely to break. It is often called a 'silent' disease because there are no symptoms until a fracture occurs. It is preventable and treatable.
Some rheumatic conditions are rarer and affect the blood vessels or multiple organ systems. These complex conditions require specialist diagnosis and close monitoring — the kind of care our division is equipped to provide.
Many people live with joint pain for months or years before seeking specialist help. Some symptoms are worth taking seriously sooner rather than later. If you recognise any of the following, speak to your doctor about a possible referral to a rheumatologist.
If your joints are hot, swollen, or very stiff first thing in the morning for more than 30 minutes, or if your symptoms are affecting your ability to work, move, or sleep — do not wait. Early assessment and treatment leads to significantly better outcomes.
Living with a chronic condition is a long road — we aim to walk alongside our patients every step of the way, with evidence-based care and genuine human support.
As an academic division affiliated with the University of Cape Town and Groote Schuur Hospital, we provide comprehensive specialist rheumatology care alongside our teaching and research work.
Complex and unclear presentations are our specialty. Our team uses clinical expertise alongside laboratory and imaging investigations to reach an accurate diagnosis — often when other avenues have been exhausted.
For patients with established diagnoses, we provide regular monitoring and treatment review. Our goal is to keep your disease under control, protect your long-term function, and maintain your quality of life.
Rheumatic conditions affect more than just joints. Our team works with physiotherapists, occupational therapists, nurses, and other specialists to address your condition holistically — body and quality of life.
We believe an informed patient is an empowered patient. We take time to explain your diagnosis, treatment options, and what to expect — in plain language, without rushing.
We connect patients with relevant support groups where you can share experiences, access peer support, and find additional resources. Community matters in managing a chronic condition.
As an active research division, eligible patients may have access to clinical trials evaluating new treatments. Participation is always voluntary and supported by full informed consent.
You are not alone. South Africa has a number of patient organisations and support groups dedicated to people living with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases. These groups offer information, peer connection, and advocacy.
The links below connect you to national and disease-specific organisations. We review these connections regularly to ensure they are current and credible.
If you are looking for support specific to your diagnosis and cannot find it listed here, please contact our division. We will do our best to direct you to appropriate resources or connect you with our social work team.
Contact Our TeamThe national body supporting people with all forms of arthritis. Offers patient information, educational events, and connections to local support groups across South Africa.
Contact details to be confirmed by the division
Dedicated to supporting people living with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Provides awareness campaigns, peer support, and educational resources for patients and families.
Contact details to be confirmed by the division
Promotes bone health awareness and supports those living with osteoporosis. Offers information on prevention, diagnosis, and fracture risk reduction.
Contact details to be confirmed by the division
Supporting patients living with scleroderma, myositis, and related connective tissue diseases. Peer connections and condition-specific information.
Contact details to be confirmed by the division
For patients managing gout or other crystal arthritis conditions. Information on dietary guidance, medication, and lifestyle approaches to reducing attacks.
Contact details to be confirmed by the division
For those living with axial spondyloarthritis and related conditions. Exercise guidance, physiotherapy tips, and peer support networks.
Contact details to be confirmed by the division
Answers to questions we often hear from patients and their families.
A rheumatologist is a specialist doctor trained in diagnosing and treating diseases of the joints, muscles, and connective tissues. You should ask your GP for a referral if you have persistent joint pain, swelling, or stiffness — especially if it is affecting your daily life, if your joints feel warm or look swollen, or if morning stiffness lasts more than 30 minutes. Early referral generally leads to better outcomes.
Referrals to our division are made through your primary healthcare provider — your GP, clinic doctor, or another specialist. Ask your doctor to send a referral letter to Groote Schuur Hospital's Rheumatology Department. Private and state referral pathways are both available. Our referral details are listed in the contact section below.
Your first appointment typically involves a detailed medical history, a thorough physical examination of your joints and muscles, and a review of any tests or imaging you have already had. We may request additional blood tests or X-rays. We will explain our findings clearly and discuss a management plan with you. Please bring any previous test results, medication lists, and your referral letter.
The answer depends on the specific condition. Some rheumatic diseases, like gout, can be effectively controlled and attacks prevented. Others, like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, are chronic conditions — meaning they cannot currently be cured but can be managed very effectively with modern treatments. Many people with well-managed rheumatic diseases live full, active lives. The goal of treatment is to reduce inflammation, relieve symptoms, prevent joint damage, and maintain your quality of life.
Yes — when prescribed and monitored appropriately. Rheumatological treatments range from anti-inflammatory medications to disease-modifying drugs (DMARDs) and newer biological agents. All carry some potential side effects, which is why regular monitoring is an important part of your care. Your rheumatologist will explain the benefits and risks of any medication and monitor you accordingly. Never stop a prescribed medication without speaking to your doctor first.
For many rheumatic conditions, lifestyle plays an important supporting role alongside medical treatment. A balanced diet, maintaining a healthy weight, regular appropriate exercise, not smoking, and managing stress can all positively influence outcomes. For gout in particular, dietary changes can significantly reduce attacks. Your rheumatologist and the multidisciplinary team — including physiotherapy and dietetics if needed — will guide you on what is most relevant for your specific condition.
We work within the Groote Schuur Hospital environment, where interpreter services are available. Please let the clinic staff know if you would prefer to consult in Afrikaans or another language, and we will do our best to accommodate you.
How to access specialist rheumatology care at UCT — whether you are a patient or a referring clinician.
Discuss your symptoms and ask whether a referral to a rheumatologist is appropriate for your situation.
A referral letter is sent to the Rheumatology Department at Groote Schuur Hospital, or to our private consulting rooms. Include any relevant test results.
Our administrative team will contact you with an appointment. State patients are seen through Groote Schuur Hospital; private referrals are accommodated separately.
Bring your referral letter, all medications (or a complete list), any prior test results or imaging, and your medical aid card if applicable.
Our division is based at Groote Schuur Hospital, in Observatory, Cape Town — a major academic teaching hospital affiliated with the University of Cape Town.
For general patient enquiries, referral queries, and support group information:
View Full Contact Details