Rheumatology

We diagnose and treat autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and collagen diseases. If you have stiff joints when you wake up in the morning, or if your family has rheumatoid arthritis or other autoimmune diseases, please visit the Rheumatology Department.

First visit

Please make a reservation in advance by phone and bring your health insurance card.

Revisit

Please make an appointment in advance by phone and bring your health insurance card and patient registration card.

Rheumatology (Reservation Required)

This clinic is for people aged 16 and over.

Doctor introduction

Kazuo Takada

Tokyo Midtown Clinic

Part-time/Rheumatologist

Biography

Graduated from Kyushu University in 1994.
He completed his clinical training in internal medicine at Beth Israel Medical Center (New York) in the United States and his training in collagen disease medicine at the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Since 2002, he has been affiliated with the Department of Collagen Disease and Rheumatic Diseases at Tokyo Medical and Dental University.

Certifications

Japan Rheumatology College-certified rheumatologist
American Rheumatology Specialist
Certified general internal medicine specialist by the Japanese Society of Internal Medicine
American Board of Internal Medicine
medical doctor

Reliable inspection system

① Speedy in-hospital testing

We have specialized staff and testing equipment for blood test, urine test, electrocardiograms, X-rays, ultrasound tests, and more, to investigate the cause of symptoms in a comprehensive manner.

② Results of general blood tests will be given to you on the same day.

As we have a clinical laboratory within the hospital, results for general blood tests, excluding tumor markers, can be obtained within about an hour.

3. Supports a wide range of precision testing

We have a variety of testing equipment, including a 3.0 Tesla MRI and an 80-slice CT scan, and can provide detailed examinations for a variety of symptoms.

Comprehensive support on one floor

We work in cooperation with each department of our clinic and external medical institutions to provide appropriate treatment and support as a team. On the same floor, you will also find Tokyo Midtown Dermatology and Plastic Surgery Noage, Tokyo Midtown Dental Clinic, Healthcare Shop TMMC Plus, and a dispensing pharmacy.

Main responses by disease

Rheumatoid arthritis

• This is the disease
  • It is an autoimmune disease that primarily causes chronic inflammation of the joints, causing inflammation of the joint lining, which can lead to swelling, pain, and ultimately destruction and deformation of the joints.
• Symptoms and signs of rheumatoid arthritis
  • Arthralgia, joint swelling, morning stiffness, weight loss, fever, etc.
• Causes and risk factors
  • The causes are not fully understood, but it is thought to result from an interaction between genetic predisposition and environmental factors. Smoking and obesity increase the risk.
• Diagnostic methods
  • Blood tests (rheumatoid factor, anti-CCP antibodies, etc.), X-rays, MRIs, ultrasound scans, etc.
• Treatment Examples
  • Drug therapy to slow progression of the disease and relieve pain
  • Rehabilitation combining physical therapy and exercise therapy
  • Guidance on lifestyle habits
  • There is no cure for the disease, but with proper treatment the symptoms can be controlled.

Collagen disease

• This is the disease
  • This refers to a group of diseases caused by abnormalities in the autoimmune system. Collagen diseases include many diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren's syndrome, and polymyositis. It is a disease that is more common in women.
• Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis
  • Fatigue, joint pain and swelling, rash or purpura (bleeding spots under the skin), muscle pain, fever, etc.
• Diagnostic methods
  • A detailed medical history and physical examination, blood tests, and specific organ function tests, if applicable (e.g., pulmonary function tests, electrocardiogram)
• Treatment Examples
  • Medication to relieve symptoms and slow disease progression
  • Physiotherapy to maintain joint function and improve muscle strength

Psoriatic arthritis

• This is the disease
  • This disease is characterized by skin lesions and arthritis, which is accompanied by joint inflammation. Genetic factors play a large role, and it has been shown that certain genes (such as HLA-B27) are associated with it. Environmental factors and lifestyle factors (such as smoking) also increase the risk of developing the disease.
• Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis
  • Arthralgia, swelling, and stiffness in joints, psoriasis symptoms on the skin, changes in nails, etc.
• Diagnostic methods
  • A thorough medical history and physical exam, evaluation of skin and nail conditions, blood tests (including inflammatory markers), and x-rays and MRIs of the joints
• Correspondence example
  • Drug therapy to reduce inflammation and joint damage
  • Physiotherapy to maintain joint function and manage pain
  • Improve joint flexibility and muscle strength through exercise therapy
  • Skin care with topical medications

Other medical departments