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DR. ONG KEE LEONG

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

The initial symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis may be minimal and not easily noticeable. However, it is vital to diagnose the disease as soon as possible, as early treatment can significantly reduce long-term complications.

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Causes

Rheumatoid arthritis occurs when your immune system’s antibodies mistakenly attack and destroy healthy cells or the synovium in the case of RA. The synovium is a soft tissue lining around your joints to protect them. The actual reason is largely unknown, but many believe specific genetic components or viruses might play a significant role.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)?

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune and chronic inflammatory condition where your immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells in your body, causing inflammation and pain in the affected area.

It normally develops in your joints at first and may eventually affect other tissues and organs such as the heart, lungs and eyes.

Types of RA

Seropositive RA

If you have seropositive RA, it means that you have a positive rheumatoid factor (RF) or anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) blood test result. This indicates the presence of antibodies that cause your immune system to damage your joints.

Seronegative RA

For seronegative RA, you have a negative RF or anti-CCP blood test result. Although these antibodies and proteins are absent, you may still develop rheumatoid arthritis, which is generally less severe.

Juvenile RA

This type of RA occurs in children aged 16 and below.

Signs & Symptoms

  • Fatigue
  • Decreased joint mobility and function
  • Joint pain, stiffness, swelling or tenderness
  • Eye inflammation or redness
  • Inflammation of other organs such as the heart and lungs

Diagnosing RA

The initial symptoms of RA may be minimal and not easily noticeable. However, it is vital to consult an experienced orthopaedic specialist to diagnose the disease as soon as possible. Early treatment can significantly reduce long-term complications.

A physical examination will be conducted to check for joint tenderness and swelling as well as joint reflexes and range of motion.

A combination of the following tests may also be performed to diagnose RA:

  • Blood tests for the presence of RF/anti-CCP antibodies
  • Imaging tests such as an x-ray, ultrasound or MRI scan

 

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Treatment Options

There are various treatment options for RA. One or more of these options may be used:

Medications

  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen) and corticosteroids
  • Conventional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) such as methotrexate
  • Biologic agents (a newer form of DMARDs) such as abatacept (Orencia)

Physical therapy

Gentle stretching and strengthening exercises can restore the range of motion and mobility of joints.

Surgery

Surgery to repair damaged joints may be recommended if medications fail to prevent or deter joint damage.

Why Do Patients Choose Dr Ong Kee Leong?

  • Dr. Ong Is Passionate In Sports, Giving Him A Deep Understanding Of Sports-Related Injuries And How They Can Be Treated
  • Personalised And Professional Approach To Deliver High-Quality Orthopaedic Care Based On The Most Up-To-Date Literature
  • Detailed Aftercare Plan To Ensure Smooth, Long-Term Recovery
  • Fellowship Trained Surgeon With 15 Years Of Experience In Orthopaedic Conditions
  • Problem-Oriented, Well-Organised and Individualized Treatment Plans Catered To Your Specific Needs
  • Specialist In The Management Of Sports Injuries And Degenerative Conditions Of The Shoulder And Knee Joints
  • Knowledgeable And Pleasant Clinical Staff To Assist You With Your Every Need Detailed Aftercare Plan To Ensure
  • Our Care Is Conveniently Accessible At Mount Elizabeth Novena and Farrer Park Hospital
  • Minimal Waiting Time For Initial Consultation
  • Assistance With Medical Claims (e.g. Medisave & Integrated Shield Plans)

“At our clinic, we generally try to explore non-surgical treatment such as activities modification, physiotherapy and orthotics before recommending invasive intervention options.”

Dr. Ong Kee Leong

About Dr. Ong Kee Leong

Senior Consultant, MBBS (Singapore), MMed (Ortho), FRCSEd (Ortho)

Dr Ong Kee Leong is a senior consultant orthopaedic surgeon with subspecialty training in shoulder, knee, and arthroscopic sports surgery.

  • Completed a fellowship in Germany, gaining focused, hands-on exposure to complex joint conditions beyond the scope of general orthopaedic practice.
  • Served as Director of Sports Service at Changi General Hospital, managing a wide range of sports-related injuries in both recreational athletes and national-level competitors before entering private practice.
  • Subspecialty focus on shoulder and knee conditions, including arthroscopic (keyhole) surgery.
Hospital & Clinic Affiliations

Dr Ong practises at a clinic in Singapore with access to accredited hospital facilities for surgical procedures. Patients have access to diagnostic imaging (X-ray, MRI, and ultrasound), day surgery facilities for arthroscopic procedures, and structured rehabilitation services.

Please contact the clinic directly for the current practice address, nearest MRT station, and details of affiliated surgical facilities.

Patient Care Philosophy

Dr Ong’s clinical approach is grounded in a single principle: exercise and sports are highly beneficial for long-term health. This reflects a genuine belief that physical activity is central to long-term health, and that the goal of orthopaedic care is to return you to the activities that matter to you, not simply to resolve your imaging findings.

In practice, this means prioritising joint preservation wherever possible. Rather than moving quickly to joint replacement or highly invasive procedures, the focus is on treatments that protect and restore the body’s natural structures.

Every plan is shaped by what you want to do with your body, whether that is returning to competitive sport, running at weekends, or simply walking without pain.

Beyond acute treatment, Dr Ong incorporates injury prevention and load management guidance into his consultations. Understanding why an injury occurred, and how to modify training to reduce the risk of recurrence, is part of the long-term care approach.

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    Mt Elizabeth Novena
    • 38 Irrawaddy Road #06-59/60/61 Mt Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre Singapore 329563
    • (65) 6884 6788
    • (Ask for Dr Ong)
    • (65) 9652 5022

    • Mon – Fri :    9:00 am – 5:00 pm
      Sat :    9:00 am – 1:00 pm

    other practice locations
    Farrer Park Hospital
    Mt Alvernia Medical Centre

    Billing & Payment

    Consultation fees are charged based on length of consultation, and start from SGD$200 (within 30 minutes).

    Modes of Payment

    We accept the following modes of payment:

    • Cash
    • PayNow & PayLah
    • All major Credit Cards

    If you are insured and would like to use a Letter of Guarantee (LOG) from the major insurers in Singapore, please contact us and our friendly clinic staff will assist you and provide more information if required.

    Can I Claim Through My Medisave Account? (For Singaporeans and PR)

    Yes, you can. Our Clinic is an accredited day surgery clinic by the Ministry of Health. Singaporeans and Permanent Residents may use their Medisave for eligible orthopaedic inpatient procedures and hospitalizations.

    The exact amount would depend on the complexity of the procedure. If you have any enquiries, feel free to speak to our friendly clinic staff about using your Medisave account.

    Integrated Shield Plans (Singaporeans and PRs)

    Yes, patients who have purchased Integrated Shield plans with riders for co-insurance and deductibles will be able to use them in our clinic for eligible procedures. For more information, contact us to find out if your procedure is claimable.

    The 5 Approved Integrated Shield Insurers are:

    • NTUC Income’s IncomeShield and Enhanced IncomeShield
    • American International Assurance International Co’s (AIA) HealthShield Gold
    • Great Eastern Life Assurance Co’s SupremeHealth and SupremeHealth Plus
    • Prudential Assurance Co’s PRUShield
    • AXA Shield
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