ABOUT
Dr Andre Griesel is a qualified physician who specialises in all areas of physiological health, but has a particular interest in rheumatology. He treats connective tissue diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and Lupus from his private practice at Life St. George’s Hospital in Port Elizabeth.
Dr Griesel attained his Medical Degree with distinction from the University of the Free State. He completed his Masters of Medicine (MMed) in Internal Medicine from the South African Colleges of Medicine. Dr Griesel worked as a registrar at the Universitas Academic Hospital in Bloemfontein over four years before he started his practice. He aims to introduce advanced ultrasound technology to improve diagnostics in rheumatology.
Services includes :
- Joint pain caused by inflammatory joint diseases
Joint pain may arise due to inflammation. Symptoms of joint inflammation include pain, slight warmth and swelling. Also, joint stiffness in the morning for at least thirty minutes is to be expected. Joint inflammation may occur as a result of autoimmune diseases, joint fusion or dislocations, synovitis or damage to the ligaments. Patients who suffer joint pain struggle to perform routine tasks. Dr Griesel resolves joint pain and aims to enhance his patient’s mobility. - Connective tissue diseases
Naturally, connective tissue comprises of elastin and collagen. Connective tissue diseases are a collection of illnesses that target the elastin and collagen of tissues. Specific types of autoimmune diseases accidentally target the connective tissue and attack its components. Rheumatoid arthritis affects the joint lining and causes stiffness and pain. Lupus attacks every area of the body and causes severe complications, especially to the blood cells and kidneys. Dr Griesel diagnoses and treats connective tissue diseases accordingly - Spondyloarthritis
Spondyloarthritis is a collection of inflammatory diseases that affect the joints and the region where ligaments and tendons connect to the bone. Ankylosing spondylitis is a well-known inflammatory disease that causes back pain. This type of pain lasts for more than four weeks and spreads from the lower back to the neck. Back pain becomes worse over time, especially at night. Psoriatic arthritis is another type of inflammatory disease that occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. Usually, psoriasis accompanies this inflammatory disease. - Metabolic systematic diseases with joint complications
Hypertension, diabetes and obesity exacerbate joint damage. Gout plays a role in metabolic disorders. Excessive uric acid in the body causes gout. When uric acid levels increase, crystals form, these crystals can move into the joint cartilage and accumulate. Uric acid crystals lead to joint inflammation and cause severe pain. Gout is, however, a manageable type of arthritis. Treatment aims to reduce uric acid levels in the bloodstream and minimise the effects of metabolic diseases. - Adult vasculitis
Vasculitis happens when blood vessels become inflamed. Vasculitis occurs when the immune system mistakenly targets blood vessels, causing them to thicken, swell or restrict. Ultimately, the condition affects blood flow to organs and tissues. Without sufficient oxygen and nutrients, organ damage can occur. Damage to the heart and kidneys is a severe problem. To treat vasculitis, Dr Griesel prescribes immune-suppressant medication and steroids, also known as glucocorticoids. In some cases, bypass graft surgery is necessary to regulate healthy blood flow. - Hypertension & heart failure
Hypertension is a prevalent cardiovascular illness that arises due to high blood pressure. Even though it’s normal for blood pressure to fluctuate at times, constant high blood pressure can be detrimental to one’s heart health. Hypertension can go unnoticed until severe symptoms of the condition begin to show. When left untreated, hypertension can lead to kidney or heart failure. Because of high blood pressure, the heart muscle works twice as hard and may thicken over time. Treatment aims to manage high blood pressure and prevent the build-up of fluid in the body. - Endocrinology & metabolism
Endocrinology is the management of hormonal disorders and other related metabolic dysfunctions. When the body secretes excessive or limited hormones, it can affect vital processes. Menstrual disorders, thyroid problems and growth hormone deficiency are endocrine diseases. Thyroid issues can cause a person to lose or gain weight. Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism interfere with one's hormonal balance. Too much or very little of the thyroid hormone affects the person's weight. Managing glucose levels in diabetes patients decrease the risk of thyroid disease. Treatment, however, requires life-long management.
