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Innovative Strategies in Rheumatology Care
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Innovative Strategies in Rheumatology Care

A special issue of Healthcare (ISSN 2227-9032). This special issue belongs to the section "Chronic Care".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2025 | Viewed by 3728

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Gabriel Gijón-Noguerón

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department Nursing and Podiatry, Universidad de Malaga, Malaga, 29100 Spain
Interests: foot and ankle pathology; sports injuries; rheumatic diseases; badminton; pediatric podiatry; application of VR in teaching and clinical practice
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Laura Ramos-Petersen

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department Nursing and Podiatry, Universidad de Malaga, Malaga, 29100 Spain
Interests: rheumatoid arthritis; foot; quality of life

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In the field of rheumatology, advancing treatment approaches is crucial to improving patient outcomes and quality of life. This Special Issue aims to explore the latest innovations and strategies in rheumatology care, providing a comprehensive platform for sharing cutting-edge research and clinical practices.

Rheumatology is constantly evolving with new pharmacological therapies, treatments, and personalized medicine approaches. The integration of novel therapeutic strategies and the refinement of existing ones are vital to addressing the complex needs of patients with rheumatic diseases. This issue will delve into these advancements, highlighting studies that offer new insights into effective treatment methodologies.

We invite researchers and clinicians to contribute original research articles and reviews that discuss the efficacy, safety, and application of new treatment approaches in rheumatology. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Clinical trials of new treatments;
  • Advances in new treatments;
  • Personalized treatment plans based on patient-specific factors;
  • Multimodal treatment strategies combining pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches;
  • Innovations in pain management and rehabilitation;
  • Impact of new treatments on patient quality of life.

Your contributions will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of rheumatology care, providing valuable evidence-based insights, and fostering a collaborative environment for ongoing advancements. This Special Issue aims to be a key resource for clinicians and researchers, offering practical recommendations and comprehensive reviews of the current state of rheumatology treatment.

We look forward to receiving valuable submissions and to advancing the field of rheumatology together.

Prof. Dr. Gabriel Gijón-Noguerón
Dr. Laura Ramos-Petersen
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Healthcare is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • rheumatology
  • pharmacological therapies
  • treatments
  • personalized medicine
  • pain management
  • rehabilitation
  • quality of life
  • conservative treatment

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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11 pages, 491 KiB  
Article
Impact of Foot Surgery and Pharmacological Treatments on Functionality and Pain in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Five-Year Longitudinal Study
by Amparo Campos-Cano, Alejandro Castillo-Dominguez, Ana-Belen Ortega-Avila, Laura Ramos-Petersen, Gabriel Gijon-Nogueron, Maria-Jose Perez-Galan and Andres Reinoso-Cobo
Healthcare 2025, 13(9), 1004; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13091004 - 27 Apr 2025
Viewed by 128
Abstract
Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) frequently leads to foot deformities, significantly impacting pain, mobility, and quality of life. Surgical and pharmacological treatments are prescribed to manage symptoms, but their long-term effects on foot function remain unclear. This study evaluates the impact of different treatment [...] Read more.
Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) frequently leads to foot deformities, significantly impacting pain, mobility, and quality of life. Surgical and pharmacological treatments are prescribed to manage symptoms, but their long-term effects on foot function remain unclear. This study evaluates the impact of different treatment approaches, including surgery, methotrexate (MTX), and biological therapy (Bio), on foot functionality and pain progression over five years. Methods: A longitudinal cohort study was conducted with 103 RA patients classified into five groups: surgery, MTX < 10 years, MTX ≥ 10 years, Bio < 10 years, and Bio ≥ 10 years. Data from 2018 and 2023 were compared using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), the Manchester Foot Pain and Disability Index (MFPDI), and the Foot Function Index (FFI). Statistical analyses included ANOVA, Kruskal–Wallis, and ROC curve analysis to assess differences between groups and identify key progression factors. Results: Patients with ≥10 years of disease duration and non-biological treatment (MTX ≥ 10 years) experienced the most severe deterioration in foot function, with a mean FFI increase of +11.89 points (p < 0.01). In contrast, MTX < 10 years was the only group to show an improvement in foot function (FFI: −5.29, p = 0.02). The surgery group exhibited moderate but highly variable functional changes, while patients on biological therapy showed less progression in pain and disability compared to their non-biologic counterparts. Hallux abductus valgus severity increased across all groups. Conclusions: Patients with long-standing RA on non-biologic therapy exhibited the greatest decline in foot function, whereas early treatment with MTX (<10 years of disease duration) appeared to slow deterioration. Surgery did not consistently provide functional benefits, and biologics helped mitigate progression, though outcomes varied. These findings underscore the importance of early intervention and personalized treatment strategies for foot preservation in RA. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Strategies in Rheumatology Care)
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14 pages, 2109 KiB  
Article
Relationship Between Metabolic Profile, Pain, and Functionality in Patients with Frozen Shoulder: A Cross-Sectional Study
by Dina Hamed Hamed, Celia Rodríguez-Pérez, Leo Pruimboom and Santiago Navarro-Ledesma
Healthcare 2024, 12(23), 2444; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12232444 - 4 Dec 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1414
Abstract
Background: Frozen shoulder (FS), or adhesive capsulitis, is a disabling condition characterized by pain and restricted shoulder mobility. Aims: This study investigates the relationship between metabolic biomarkers—liver enzymes and thyroid function—and pain and shoulder functionality in patients with FS. Methods: A total of [...] Read more.
Background: Frozen shoulder (FS), or adhesive capsulitis, is a disabling condition characterized by pain and restricted shoulder mobility. Aims: This study investigates the relationship between metabolic biomarkers—liver enzymes and thyroid function—and pain and shoulder functionality in patients with FS. Methods: A total of 32 patients (22 women and 10 men) were included in this cross-sectional study. Participants underwent clinical evaluations and blood tests to assess metabolic biomarkers, including aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). Pain and functionality were measured using the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI). Correlation and multiple regression analyses were performed to assess the associations between biomarkers, pain, and functionality. Results: Significant negative correlations were found between AST (r = −0.528, p = 0.029), ALT (r = −0.533, p = 0.027), GGT (r = −0.602, p = 0.011), and TSH (r = −0.556, p = 0.017) with total pain scores. A significant negative correlation was also observed between TSH and SPADI scores (r = −0.511, p = 0.039). Multiple regression analysis showed that GGT (β = −0.335, p = 0.008) and TSH (β = −0.298, p = 0.014) were the strongest predictors of pain. These findings suggest that metabolic biomarkers, particularly liver enzymes and thyroid function, play a significant role in the pathophysiology of frozen shoulder. The results highlight the importance of assessing these biomarkers for better understanding and managing pain and functionality in patients with FS. Conclusions: Further research is needed to explore the underlying mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Strategies in Rheumatology Care)
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13 pages, 265 KiB  
Article
Self-Perception of Physical Problems in Patients with Non-Vascular Type of Ehlers–Danlos Syndrome: A Qualitative Study
by Inmaculada C. Palomo-Toucedo, María Reina-Bueno, Pedro V. Munuera-Martínez, María del Carmen Vázquez-Bautista, Gabriel Domínguez-Maldonado and Fatima Leon-Larios
Healthcare 2024, 12(23), 2392; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12232392 - 28 Nov 2024
Viewed by 881
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Ehlers–Danlos syndrome is a group of inherited connective tissue disorders characterized by joint hypermobility, skin hyperextensibility, and tissue fragility. Ehlers–Danlos syndrome is associated with a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations, including chronic pain, severe fatigue, and a range of physical and psychological [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Ehlers–Danlos syndrome is a group of inherited connective tissue disorders characterized by joint hypermobility, skin hyperextensibility, and tissue fragility. Ehlers–Danlos syndrome is associated with a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations, including chronic pain, severe fatigue, and a range of physical and psychological complications. This study aims to identify, in patients with non-vascular type of Ehlers–Danlos syndrome, the most common physical symptoms, the impact of these symptoms on daily life, and individuals’ perceptions of their health. Methods: A qualitative descriptive study based on content analysis was employed, reviewing 24 individual interviews to gain a comprehensive understanding of participants’ experiences. The study was conducted in accordance with the COREQ (Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research) guidelines, which include a 32-item checklist commonly used in qualitative research. Results: Four main themes were identified: (1) Common physical symptoms, (2) Impact on daily life, (3) Impact on social and family relationships, and (4) Health perception and well-being. Conclusions: The analysis of the interviews reveals that individuals with Ehlers–Danlos syndrome face significant physical and emotional challenges. Physical symptoms, particularly chronic pain, fatigue, and joint issues, severely impact their ability to lead a normal life. These symptoms, along with perceived uncertainty and stress, contribute to a reduced quality of life, affecting both physical and emotional well-being. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Strategies in Rheumatology Care)

Other

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11 pages, 1593 KiB  
Case Report
Iatrogenic Hallux Varus in a Patient with Rheumatoid Arthritis
by Mercedes Ortiz-Romero, Alvaro Fernandez-Garzon, Manuel Pabon-Carrasco, Aurora Castro-Mendez and Luis M. Gordillo-Fernandez
Healthcare 2025, 13(3), 217; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13030217 - 21 Jan 2025
Viewed by 802
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Iatrogenic hallux varus is a rare complication often arising after hallux valgus surgery, characterized by medial deviation of the hallux. This report presents the case of a 58-year-old female with iatrogenic hallux varus complicated by rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The objective is to [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Iatrogenic hallux varus is a rare complication often arising after hallux valgus surgery, characterized by medial deviation of the hallux. This report presents the case of a 58-year-old female with iatrogenic hallux varus complicated by rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The objective is to highlight the challenges and outcomes of surgical treatment in RA patients with complex foot deformities. Methods: The patient presented with severe medial deviation of the hallux and claw positioning of the lesser toes, resulting in pain and functional limitations. Radiological analysis indicated overcorrection of the first intermetatarsal angle and deformity of the lesser toes. Surgical management included arthrodesis of the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint using K-wires and resection arthroplasty of the lesser metatarsals. Results: Postoperative outcomes revealed correct alignment, pain reduction, and restoration of functional capabilities. However, a non-union was observed in the first MTP arthrodesis after 24 months, which remained asymptomatic. Conclusions: This case underscores the importance of careful surgical planning in RA patients to balance joint preservation and deformity correction. Arthrodesis proved effective for stability and pain relief in RA-associated deformities, although long-term follow-up remains critical to address complications. Tailored interventions are necessary to improve the quality of life in RA patients with complex foot deformities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Strategies in Rheumatology Care)
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