Dr Pooja Belani- Consultant Rheumatologist

Dr Pooja Belani- Consultant Rheumatologist Vadodara’s 1st DM Rheumatologist with expertise in Rheumatology & Clinical Immunology.

Qualified Joint Pain Specialist providing advanced care across Baroda & South Gujarat.

09/08/2026

Not all arthritis needs the same kind of exercise.

If you have knee or back pain, you may think that the same exercises will work for everyone. But inflammatory arthritis and osteoarthritis are different conditions, and your exercise approach should be tailored accordingly.

With osteoarthritis, the focus is often on strengthening the muscles supporting the affected joint, improving mobility and maintaining function without unnecessarily aggravating pain.

The key takeaway?
Exercise is important but the right exercise for the right condition matters.

Don’t blindly copy exercises from the internet just because they worked for someone else. Your symptoms, diagnosis, disease activity and joint involvement should all be considered.

We’ve created a FREE PDF guide covering appropriate knee and spine exercises to help you get started safely.

Comment “OA” below and we’ll send the guide to your DM.

And remember: if you have persistent pain, swelling, prolonged morning stiffness or difficulty with movement, get the underlying cause evaluated rather than treating every type of arthritis the same way.

Move smarter. Build strength. Protect your joints.



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30/07/2026

Back pain kept me bedridden for 3 years. But the problem wasn’t simply my back - Khanzaadi, Former Big Boss Contestant.

One of the biggest challenges with persistent back pain is understanding what kind of pain you actually have.

Many people assume it’s because of long working hours, sitting at a desk, poor posture, travelling, lifting weights or simply “getting older.” But sometimes, persistent back pain, especially in younger people, can have an inflammatory cause, such as Ankylosing Spondylitis / Axial Spondyloarthritis.

So how do you know when your back pain deserves a rheumatology evaluation?
Check out pdf to know early warning signs.

In comparison, mechanical or work-related back pain is often related to particular movements, posture, strain or activity and may improve with appropriate rest.

These signs alone cannot diagnose Ankylosing Spondylitis, but they can tell you when your back pain shouldn’t simply be ignored.

And that’s exactly why we’ve created a FREE Back Pain Checklist PDF.
Comment “PDF” below and we’ll send you the checklist in your DM.

Use it to understand your symptoms better and know when it may be time to consult a rheumatologist.

Early recognition can mean earlier treatment, better mobility and fewer years spent wondering why the pain isn’t going away.



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Joint pain isn’t always “just age.”When joint pain comes with prolonged morning stiffness, swelling, warmth, fatigue, sy...
25/07/2026

Joint pain isn’t always “just age.”

When joint pain comes with prolonged morning stiffness, swelling, warmth, fatigue, symmetrical joint involvement, rashes, mouth ulcers or persistent dry eyes, it may need a closer look.

Some of these symptoms can be associated with inflammatory or autoimmune rheumatic conditions, where timely evaluation can make a significant difference. Identifying the underlying cause early can help guide appropriate treatment and reduce the risk of long-term joint damage.

If your joint pain keeps returning or is affecting your everyday activities, don’t simply learn to live with it. Get it evaluated.



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24/07/2026

Being “too flexible” isn’t always a good thing.

Many people take pride in touching their toes, bending their fingers backwards, or performing advanced yoga poses with ease. But if your joints move beyond the normal range, it could be a sign of joint hypermobility and for some people, this may lead to long-term problems.

Excessive joint flexibility can increase the risk of:
• Recurrent joint dislocations or subluxations
• Ligament sprains and soft tissue injuries
• Chronic joint and muscle pain
• Joint instability
• Earlier wear and tear, increasing the risk of osteoarthritis in certain joints

This doesn’t mean you should stop exercising. It simply means that the right kind of exercise matters.

For people with hypermobile joints, the priority is usually:
• Strengthening the muscles around the joints
• Improving balance and joint control (proprioception)
• Building stability instead of increasing flexibility
• Performing yoga or stretching with appropriate modifications when needed

Remember, strong joints are more important than overly flexible joints. The goal isn’t to move further, it’s to move better and protect your joints for the long term.

If you’ve always been “very flexible” but struggle with repeated injuries, joint pain, or instability, consult a rheumatologist for a proper evaluation.
Strength protects. Stability supports. Smart exercise heals.



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Dry eyes? Dry mouth? Persistent fatigue?These symptoms are often dismissed as minor inconveniences, but they could be si...
23/07/2026

Dry eyes? Dry mouth? Persistent fatigue?

These symptoms are often dismissed as minor inconveniences, but they could be signs of Sjögren's Syndrome, a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the body's moisture-producing glands and can also involve the joints, lungs, kidneys, nerves, and other organs.

Because its symptoms develop gradually and overlap with many other conditions, Sjögren's Syndrome is frequently diagnosed late. Timely recognition and appropriate treatment can help manage symptoms, reduce complications, and improve quality of life.

On this World Sjögren's Day, let's spread awareness about this often-overlooked autoimmune condition and encourage those experiencing persistent symptoms to seek expert evaluation.

Early diagnosis can make a meaningful difference.

If you or someone you know has ongoing dryness, unexplained fatigue, or joint pain, consult a rheumatologist for the right diagnosis and personalized care.

Awareness. Early Diagnosis. Better Outcomes.



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21/07/2026

Not every joint pain is caused by arthritis. Sometimes, the real problem is excessive flexibility.

Many people with hypermobility (increased joint flexibility) are often told that they are “naturally flexible” or are encouraged to stretch more. However, for some individuals, excessive flexibility can make the joints unstable, forcing the surrounding muscles and ligaments to work harder to keep them in place. Over time, this can lead to pain, fatigue, repeated sprains, and even joint injuries.

This is why more stretching or certain yoga poses may not always be the right solution. In people with hypermobility, pushing joints beyond their normal range can sometimes worsen pain instead of relieving it.

Instead, the focus should be on:
• Building muscle strength to stabilize the joints.
• Improving balance and proprioception (joint awareness).
• Learning controlled movement rather than excessive stretching.
• Practicing modified yoga or physiotherapy exercises under professional guidance.

If you’ve been experiencing joint pain despite being young, active, or very flexible, don’t ignore it or assume it’s “normal.” A proper evaluation can help identify the underlying cause and guide the right treatment.

Remember: Flexibility is an advantage only when it is supported by stability and strength.

If you relate to these symptoms or have persistent joint pain, consult a rheumatologist for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.



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Specialist rheumatology care is now available in Bharuch.Consult Dr. Pooja Bellani (DM Rheumatology) for expert evaluati...
03/07/2026

Specialist rheumatology care is now available in Bharuch.

Consult Dr. Pooja Bellani (DM Rheumatology) for expert evaluation and management of autoimmune and joint-related conditions including arthritis, SLE, spondyloarthritis, gout, vasculitis, myositis, and other complex rheumatological diseases.

📍 Venue: Aksharam Pathology Laboratory, Bharuch
🕒 Time: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
📅 Date: 12/05/26

Early diagnosis and the right treatment plan can help control disease progression and improve quality of life. Book your appointment and consult a specialist.



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People often remember the doctor who healed them.But few remember the sleepless nights, the difficult decisions, the emo...
01/07/2026

People often remember the doctor who healed them.

But few remember the sleepless nights, the difficult decisions, the emotional weight of every patient, and the countless moments that happen behind the mask.

A doctor’s strength isn’t measured only by knowledge or skill, it is measured by compassion when hope is fading, resilience when days are long, and the courage to keep showing up for every patient.

This Doctors’ Day, let’s celebrate the human behind the white coat. The one who comforts before treating, listens before prescribing, and carries every patient’s story long after the consultation ends.

To every doctor who heals with both science and empathy, thank you for making the world a healthier place.



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World Scleroderma Day | 29 JuneScleroderma is a rare autoimmune disease that goes beyond the skin. While skin tightening...
29/06/2026

World Scleroderma Day | 29 June

Scleroderma is a rare autoimmune disease that goes beyond the skin.
While skin tightening is one of its most recognized features, the condition can also affect the joints, blood vessels, lungs, heart, kidneys, and digestive system.

Because its symptoms often develop gradually, many patients experience delays in diagnosis. Recognizing the early signs and seeking timely rheumatology consultation can help prevent complications and improve long-term outcomes.

On this World Scleroderma Day, let’s spread awareness, encourage early diagnosis, and stand with everyone living with scleroderma.

Every patient deserves understanding, appropriate treatment, and hope.

Awareness. Early Diagnosis. Better Outcomes.



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Expert rheumatology care is now available in Gandhidham (Kutch).Consult Dr. Pooja Belani (MD, DM Rheumatology – JIPMER) ...
22/06/2026

Expert rheumatology care is now available in Gandhidham (Kutch).

Consult Dr. Pooja Belani (MD, DM Rheumatology – JIPMER) for specialized diagnosis and management of joint pain, arthritis, autoimmune diseases, SLE, spondyloarthritis, gout, vasculitis, myositis, and other complex conditions.

📍 Venue: Aatmiya Hospital, Gandhidham
📅 Date: 26th and 27th April, 2026
⏰ Time: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Timely diagnosis and the right treatment can help prevent long-term complications and improve quality of life.

Don’t ignore persistent joint or autoimmune symptoms, consult a specialist.

📞 Appointments: 63571 47214 (WhatsApp)

Kindly book your appointment at least 20 days in advance.



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Address

Bhailal Amin General Hospital, Bhailal Amin Marg, Gorwa
Vadodara
390003

Opening Hours

Monday 10:30am - 1pm
5:30pm - 7:30pm
Tuesday 10:30am - 1pm
5:30pm - 7:30pm
Wednesday 10:30am - 1pm
5:30pm - 7:30pm
Thursday 10:30am - 1pm
Friday 10:30am - 1pm
5:30pm - 7:30pm

Telephone

+919974142914

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