Leong Keng Hong Arthritis and Medical Clinic

Characterised by pain and stiffness in and around the spine, ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a form of chronic inflammation of the spine and joints in the lower back.

Over time, the chronic inflammation can lead to a complete fusion of the spinal bones, causing spinal immobility.

On top of this, untreated cases of AS can also result in serious complications like difficulty breathing, eye inflammation and increased risk of osteoporosis and heart disease.

Thankfully, appropriate management strategies such as medications, physiotherapy and exercise regimens can help slow the progression of AS.

For more advice on how to keep AS under control, reach out to us at 📞𝟲𝟰𝟳𝟮 𝟰𝟯𝟯𝟳 today.

Together with A/Prof Leong Keng Hong, we wish all Singaporeans a Happy National Day! Happy 59th Birthday, Singapore!

A/Prof Leong Keng Hong is a firm believer that true medical practice is more than just about delivering effective treatments, but also rendering service to the community.

Guided by this belief, A/Prof Leong continually devotes part of his time to charitable causes, where he founded the Osteoporosis Society (Singapore) as well as initiated the Lupus Association Singapore (LAS).

In addition to providing practical support and raising awareness at the LAS, A/Prof Leong also regularly volunteers at the Singapore Action Group of Elders (SAGE) Counselling Centre and offers his medical expertise through volunteer work overseas.

Read more about A/Prof Leong at https://www.leongkenghong.com/profile/aprof-leong-keng-hong.html

Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, occurs when the protective cartilage in the joint wears out, resulting in pain and stiffness of the joints.

While osteoarthritis is commonly associated with ageing and obesity due to increased stress on weight-bearing joints, other factors such as heredity or joint injury can also contribute to its development.

As a degenerative disease, symptoms of osteoarthritis often manifest slowly and are likely to worsen over time, which can eventually cause reduced function and disability.

If you suspect you may be at risk of osteoarthritis, get assessed by a rheumatologist today. 📞𝟲𝟰𝟳𝟮 𝟰𝟯𝟯𝟳

Sjogren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disease that affects the tear- and saliva-producing glands, which causes them to stop working, resulting in abnormal dryness of the eyes and mouth.

While the disease cannot be cured at the moment, its symptoms can be well managed through effective treatments.

Dry eyes can be relieved through the use of artificial tears or punctal plugs, while dry mouth can be treated through certain mouthwashes, gels and toothpastes.

A/Prof Leong Keng Hong has over 25 years’ experience in treating Sjogren’s syndrome, reach us at 📞𝟲𝟰𝟳𝟮 𝟰𝟯𝟯𝟳 if you frequently experience dryness of the eyes and mouth.

To A/Prof Leong Keng Hong, patient empowerment is crucial in cultivating a trusting relationship with his patients, which in turn allows for better patient outcomes and satisfaction.

As such, he always encourages his patients to take on an active role in understanding their condition by learning as much as they can from medical-related information online and asking questions during consultations.

A/Prof Leong would also make it a point to keep his consultations jargon-free and tailored to his patients' needs and preferences, so as to help them to understand and manage their condition better.

📞 𝟲𝟰𝟳𝟮 𝟰𝟯𝟯𝟳
🌐 https://www.leongkenghong.com/

Scleroderma is an autoimmune disease that involves an overproduction of collagen which can cause hard and thickened patches of skin to form.

Scleroderma is usually classified into two forms: limited and diffuse scleroderma.

In 𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘀𝗰𝗹𝗲𝗿𝗼𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗮, symptoms are usually localised to specific areas of the body, such as the face, hands, fingers, arms and legs.

𝗗𝗶𝗳𝗳𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝘀𝗰𝗹𝗲𝗿𝗼𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗮, on the other hand, has a more widespread effect where it can affect any part of the body. Major internal organs such as the heart, lungs, kidneys and nervous system can also be affected, which may impair normal organ function.

Should you notice symptoms of scleroderma, promptly reach out and seek medical advice from our experienced rheumatologist. 📞𝟲𝟰𝟳𝟮 𝟰𝟯𝟯𝟳

Arthritis refers to the inflammation of one or multiple joints, which can cause joint pain and stiffness that worsen over time.

While certain individuals are more prone to developing arthritis due to age, gender or a close genetic link to a relative who has the condition, others may develop this condition as a result of other risk factors, which include:

• A poor diet
• Injury
• Smoking
• Excessive weight
• A sedentary lifestyle
• Work that involves constant standing or heavy lifting

If you have any of these risk factors, reach out for prompt diagnosis and treatment today. 📞𝟲𝟰𝟳𝟮 𝟰𝟯𝟯𝟳

While 𝗔/𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗳 𝗟𝗲𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗞𝗲𝗻𝗴 𝗛𝗼𝗻𝗴 may have had other aspirations in his youth, he decided at a young age to pursue a career in medicine.

It was a decision largely driven by his desire to help his loved ones who were afflicted with severe illnesses, and this same desire has since become the foundation of his practice today.

For over 25 years and counting, A/Prof Leong has been treating a wide spectrum of rheumatic disorders, including autoimmune diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis.

Should you experience persistent pain and swelling in your joints, reach out to schedule a consultation with us today.

📞 𝟲𝟰𝟳𝟮 𝟰𝟯𝟯𝟳
🌐 https://www.leongkenghong.com/

Certain food choices can increase the uric acid level in the body, leading to the development of 𝗴𝗼𝘂𝘁, a form of arthritis characterised by intense pain and swelling of joints.

While prescribed medications can be taken to keep gout in check, appropriate dietary and lifestyle changes are still crucial in preventing future attacks.

To keep gout at bay, limit food rich in purine (eg. red meats and seafood), and take foods low in purine and fruits high in vitamin C such as walnuts, almonds, pineapples and lemons.

If you find yourself experiencing pain in your joints, particularly your big toe, visit an experienced rheumatologist who can best assess your condition. 📞𝟲𝟰𝟳𝟮 𝟰𝟯𝟯𝟳

At our rheumatology clinic, we offer comprehensive diagnosis and treatment for every form of rheumatic disorder.

Rheumatic disorders refer to diseases that affect the joints and connective tissue, which include autoimmune diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis, as well as forms of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis, gout and ankylosing spondylitis.

Our senior consultant rheumatologist 𝗔/𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗳 𝗟𝗲𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗞𝗲𝗻𝗴 𝗛𝗼𝗻𝗴 has dedicated over 25 years tailoring effective treatment plans to help patients manage their condition for a better quality of life.

For a comprehensive list of rheumatic disorders treated at 𝗟𝗲𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗞𝗲𝗻𝗴 𝗛𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝗿𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗰, visit https://www.leongkenghong.com/ or reach us at 📞𝟲𝟰𝟳𝟮 𝟰𝟯𝟯𝟳.

In observance of 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗟𝘂𝗽𝘂𝘀 𝗗𝗮𝘆, let’s take a moment to recognise the impact lupus can have.

Lupus is an autoimmune disease where healthy cells are under attack by the body’s own immune system, resulting in tissue inflammation and damage.

When left untreated, lupus can progress and cause complications throughout various organs in the body, including the heart, kidneys, and central nervous system.

Should you or your loved ones experience symptoms like joint/chest pain, butterfly-shaped rash on cheeks or dry eyes, seek help from an experienced rheumatologist. 📞𝟲𝟰𝟳𝟮 𝟰𝟯𝟯𝟳

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease where the body’s own immune system mistakenly attacks several joints around the body, resulting in pain, stiffness and swelling.

Though the exact cause of RA remains unknown, certain risk factors have been identified that can predispose one to the condition, which include:

• Gender, where women are more susceptible than men
• Age, commonly begins between the ages of 40 to 60
• Exposure to harmful chemicals
• Family history of RA
• Obesity
• Smoking

If you have any of these risk factors, call 𝟲𝟰𝟳𝟮 𝟰𝟯𝟯𝟳 to schedule a consultation with our experienced rheumatologist for proper assessment and treatment.

For A/Prof Leong Keng Hong, he believes that medical education is not just about imparting knowledge, but also instilling a sense of empathy and care in students.

He elaborates, “The compassion aspect of medicine is very important. The heart is very important and you can’t teach that through textbooks but role modeling.”

To that end, A/Prof Leong has devoted time to teaching medical doctors-in-training; and was formerly an Adjunct Associate Professor at the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine (NUS).

🖥️ https://www.leongkenghong.com/profile/aprof-leong-keng-hong.html

A/Prof Leong Keng Hong wishes all a blessed Hari Raya Aidilfitri!

Sjogren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system attacks its own tear ducts (lacrimal) and salivary glands.

With the tear and saliva production affected, this could make the eyes and mouth prone to dryness and infection.

While there is no known cure for the condition, medications and other symptomatic treatments are available to help increase tear and saliva production and alleviate symptoms.

In light of 𝗦𝗷𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗻’𝘀 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵, if you regularly experience dry eyes, dry mouth, along with joint pain and swelling, consult a rheumatologist for treatment advice 📞𝟲𝟰𝟳𝟮 𝟰𝟯𝟯𝟳

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is an inflammatory disease that is linked with psoriasis, where psoriatic symptoms like red, scaly rashes may surface first.

Besides the onset of red, itchy and scaly skin patches characteristic of psoriasis, PsA also causes pain, stiffness and sausage-like swelling that attacks various joints in the body, especially in areas such as the knees, fingers, toes and lower back.

Thankfully, PsA can be managed through prescribed medications, including disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve symptoms and mitigate joint damage.

For effective treatment, reach out for prompt assessment with our experienced rheumatologist 📞𝟲𝟰𝟳𝟮 𝟰𝟯𝟯𝟳

Scleroderma is an autoimmune condition characterised by dry, hardened patches of skin due to an overproduction of collagen.

As the disease progresses, it can also impair the functioning of other tissues in vital organs like the heart, lungs and blood vessels.

While there is currently no cure for scleroderma, targeted treatment like steroid medications or medications can help suppress the impaired immune system and alleviate symptoms, while also delaying disease progression.

If patches of hardened skin are noticed, especially on the face or upper and lower limbs, seek medical attention early 📞𝟲𝟰𝟳𝟮 𝟰𝟯𝟯𝟳

Pain in the joints is often attributed to an injury, wear and tear or inflammation.

However, if the pain persists or occurs alongside other symptoms, it may signal something more serious. This includes autoimmune and rheumatological disorders, infections or even cancer.

Should you be experiencing persistent joint pain, consult with a rheumatologist for proper diagnosis and treatment 📞𝟲𝟰𝟳𝟮 𝟰𝟯𝟯𝟳

Unlike other specialties that focus on one organ system, rheumatology is a multi-organ specialty that involves a wide breadth of internal medicine, which was one of the key aspects that drew A/Prof Leong Keng Hong to rheumatology.

At the same time, he was also fascinated by the close association between rheumatology and immunology where the mechanisms behind autoimmunity and cancer are very similar.

25 years on, A/Prof Leong remains committed as ever to his practice, helping individuals cope with their rheumatic conditions through effective, personalised treatments with quality outcomes.

📞 𝟲𝟰𝟳𝟮 𝟰𝟯𝟯𝟳
🌐 https://www.leongkenghong.com/

Beyond the early 30s, bone loss can occur faster than bone formation, which weakens bone and makes one more susceptible to fractures and osteoporosis development.

While bone loss is a normal part of ageing, other factors like low physical activity or medical conditions that result in reduced absorption of calcium and vitamin D can also exacerbate bone loss, increasing the risk of osteoporosis.

Should you suspect you may be at risk of osteoporosis, seek a personalised assessment from our rheumatologist today 📞𝟲𝟰𝟳𝟮 𝟰𝟯𝟯𝟳

During a gout attack, intense joint pain, redness and swelling – primarily at the big toe – can occur due to a build-up of uric acid in the body.

Fortunately, gout attacks can be managed through prescribed medications like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, colchicine and corticosteroids to help alleviate symptoms of gout and reduce the chances of future attacks.

If you are suffering from gout, schedule a consultation with our experienced rheumatologist at 📞𝟲𝟰𝟳𝟮 𝟰𝟯𝟯𝟳 for personalised treatment of your condition.

A/Prof Leong Keng Hong and team wish all a prosperous Lunar New Year with good health and good fortune!

When it comes to treating rheumatic disorders, it is imperative to obtain an accurate diagnosis as early as possible as many rheumatic conditions respond best to treatment in their early stages.

Specially trained in the assessment and treatment of rheumatic diseases, an experienced rheumatologist can accurately identify the cause and administer effective treatments to help patients alleviate their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

With over two decades of experience, A/Prof Leong is skilled in diagnosing and managing all forms of rheumatic disorders. To schedule an appointment, call us at 📞𝟲𝟰𝟳𝟮 𝟰𝟯𝟯𝟳.

When it comes to managing osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease, 𝘄𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗹 can play just as important a role.

While 1kg of weight gained can feel as heavy as 5kg of load on weight-bearing joints, this also works in reverse. A modest weight loss of even 3kg can reduce pressure off the bones, to the point that patients can even discontinue painkillers.

This makes managing one's weight so important to prevent too much pressure on the joints, especially those that support our body weight.

For further advice on how to better manage osteoarthritis, reach out to speak with our experienced arthritis doctor 📞𝟲𝟰𝟳𝟮 𝟰𝟯𝟯𝟳