Specialty: Consultant Rheumatologist, specialising in lupus and other connective tissue diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, gout and osteoporosis
Conditions seen: lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus), rheumatoid arthritis, early inflammatory arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, reactive arthritis, osteoarthritis, finger joint arthritis, thumb base arthritis, gout, osteoporosis, bone disease, Sjögren’s syndrome and other connective tissue diseases, fibromyalgia, back and neck pain, clicking joints, ligament damage
Tests, treatments and procedures: ultrasound-guided joint injections, zoledronate infusion for osteoporosis, and diagnostic assessment for autoimmune and inflammatory conditions, including autoantibody blood tests
Often consulted by patients with: joint pain, swelling or stiffness, suspected autoimmune disease, inflammatory arthritis, widespread pain or fatigue, or concerns about bone density
Patient ages seen: 18+
Also: Honorary Consultant Rheumatologist at St Mary’s Hospital, London since 2003; over 25 years’ experience; Cambridge medical graduate; published researcher in lupus and fatigue; former Royal College of Physicians Tutor and Programme Director for Foundation Training at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust
Language: English
Dr Colin Tench is a Consultant Rheumatologist at Welbeck’s Rheumatology centre in London, with over 25 years’ experience treating joint, muscle and autoimmune conditions. He has particular expertise in lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus) and other connective tissue diseases, including Sjögren’s syndrome, as well as rheumatoid arthritis, gout and osteoporosis. His wider practice covers inflammatory arthritis, osteoarthritis, finger joint arthritis, thumb base arthritis, bone disease, fibromyalgia, back and neck pain, and clicking joints.
Dr Tench provides diagnostic assessment for patients with suspected autoimmune and inflammatory conditions, including autoantibody blood tests. Welbeck’s on-site Imaging & Diagnostics centre provides MRI and ultrasound imaging to support diagnosis and treatment planning. Dr Tench also performs ultrasound-guided joint injections and offers zoledronate infusions for osteoporosis, working closely with specialists in orthopaedics and other disciplines where needed.
A Cambridge medical graduate, Dr Tench has been an Honorary Consultant Rheumatologist at St Mary’s Hospital in London since 2003. He has extensive experience managing complex rheumatic diseases and receives referrals from around the world for patients with multi-system connective tissue disease.
Alongside his clinical practice, Dr Tench has played an active role in postgraduate medical education, having served as Royal College of Physicians Tutor and Programme Director for Foundation Training at St Mary’s Hospital, part of Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust. He is also a published researcher in lupus and fatigue and lectures on research into treatments for connective tissue diseases and other rheumatic conditions.
"Welbeck provides an opportunity to deliver a first-class rheumatology service with quick and easy access to MRI and ultrasound imaging and excellent links to experts in orthopaedics and other specialities." - Dr Colin Tench
Dr Colin Tench graduated in medicine from the University of Cambridge and completed his specialist rheumatology training at University College London Hospitals and Hammersmith Hospital. During his three-year research MD, he was awarded the St Bartholomew’s Hospital Clinical Research Fellowship and appointed a Junior Clinical Fellow for the Arthritis Research Campaign.
In 2003, he was appointed Honorary Consultant Rheumatologist at St Mary’s Hospital in London, where he continues to practise. He has also held postgraduate medical education roles at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, including Royal College of Physicians Tutor and Programme Director for Foundation Training.
Qualifications:
MB BChir
MA
MD
FRCP
Dr Tench’s doctoral research investigated the effects of aerobic exercise on fatigue and sleep quality in patients with lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus). He has published research on lupus, fatigue and physical disability, and lectures on research into treatments for connective tissue diseases and other rheumatic conditions.
Key publications:
An insight into rheumatology resources available on the World Wide Web. Br J Rheumatol. 1998;37(11):1233–1235. DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/37.11.1233.
The variation in anti-ENA characteristics between different ethnic populations with systemic lupus erythematosus over a 10-year period. Lupus. 2000;9(5):374–376. DOI: 10.1191/096120300678828451.
The prevalence and associations of fatigue in systemic lupus erythematosus. Rheumatology (Oxford). 2000;39(11):1249–1254. DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/39.11.1249.
Aerobic fitness, fatigue, and physical disability in systemic lupus erythematosus. J Rheumatol. 2002;29(3):474–481.
Presentation and prognosis of the shrinking lung syndrome in systemic lupus erythematosus. Semin Arthritis Rheum.2002;31(5):289–298. DOI: 10.1053/sarh.2002.32555.
Fatigue in systemic lupus erythematosus: a randomized controlled trial of exercise. Rheumatology (Oxford).2003;42(9):1050–1054. DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keg289.
Appointments are available at 1 Welbeck Street, London, W1G 0AR.
Enquire online or call 020 3653 2002.
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Dr Tench has a particular research and clinical interest in lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus), having published extensively on the condition in peer-reviewed journals. Diagnosis involves a combination of blood tests for specific autoantibodies, clinical examination, and assessment of symptoms such as joint pain, fatigue, skin rashes, and organ involvement. He develops individualised treatment plans that may include immunosuppressive therapies, lifestyle modifications, and regular monitoring to prevent flares and protect long-term organ function.
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition caused by wear and tear on joint cartilage, while rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the joint lining, causing inflammation. Dr Tench treats both conditions and uses ultrasound-guided injections to deliver targeted relief for inflamed or painful joints. For rheumatoid arthritis, he also manages disease-modifying therapies to slow progression and preserve joint function.
Yes. Dr Tench has specialist expertise in gout, including recurrent or difficult-to-manage cases. He can carry out a thorough assessment of your uric acid levels, kidney function, and any contributing factors, then adjust or initiate urate-lowering therapy to reduce flare frequency. He also treats acute flares with targeted approaches including ultrasound-guided joint injections for rapid relief.
Widespread pain and fatigue can result from fibromyalgia, connective tissue diseases such as lupus or Sjogren's syndrome, or inflammatory arthritis. Dr Tench has published research specifically on fatigue in autoimmune disease and is experienced at distinguishing between these overlapping conditions. A thorough clinical assessment and targeted blood tests can help establish an accurate diagnosis and guide appropriate treatment.
Zoledronate is a once-yearly intravenous bisphosphonate infusion used to strengthen bones and reduce fracture risk in osteoporosis. Dr Tench offers this treatment at Welbeck and can assess whether it’s appropriate for you based on DEXA bone density scan results, fracture history, and overall health. The infusion typically takes around 15 to 30 minutes, and most patients find it a convenient alternative to daily or weekly oral osteoporosis medications.
