Mihir D. Wechalekar is a rheumatologist based in North Terrace, Adelaide, SA. Rheumatology is about conditions that affect joints, soft tissue, and the lining of the body when the immune system is involved. In day to day practice, that can mean long stretches of symptoms that come and go, plus days when things flare up and feel harder to manage.
Dr Wechalekar works with people who have arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis, and ongoing joint inflammation like synovitis. He also looks after gout and people with vasculitis, where blood vessels become inflamed. Skin and joint conditions often link up, so he may see patients who have psoriasis along with aches, swelling, or stiffness.
Sometimes the body needs a closer look to work out what’s going on. Depending on the situation, this can include tissue biopsy to help confirm a diagnosis. At times, endoscopy is also used as part of the assessment process, especially when doctors need more information beyond blood tests and scans.
There are also cases that involve more complex blood and tissue conditions. For example, myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) may come up in discussions and investigations when symptoms overlap with what other specialists are seeing. In many cases, this kind of care is about making sure the diagnosis is clear, and then helping patients understand what treatment options fit their situation best.
Over time, rheumatology care is often a mix of managing symptoms and watching how things change. That might mean reviewing medicines, checking for side effects, and keeping an eye on inflammatory markers. It can also mean helping with day to day coping, like planning around flare-ups and knowing when to seek help.
Dr Wechalekar has completed medical training and further education in rheumatology. He aims to keep appointments practical and grounded, with clear next steps. If you’re dealing with joint pain, repeated inflammation, or a condition that seems to shift over months and years, having steady specialist support can make a real difference.
