You Might Need To See A Rheumatologist For Joint Pain If:
- You have joint pain all over or pain in multiple joints
- Youre experiencing new joint pain that isnt associated with an injury
- You have joint pain and psoriasis
- You have joint pain and morning stiffness that includes fever, fatigue, chest pain or a rash
- Youve experienced unexplained, ongoing symptoms including fever, sweats or weight loss
- You are experiencing joint pain after a tick bite
Orthopedic specialists, also called orthopaedic doctors or orthopaedic surgeons, also treat the musculoskeletal system, which is why it can be unclear which doctor to see for joint pain. Orthopeaedic doctors, however, focus on bones, joints, ligaments, tendons and nerves, as well as the conditions that affect them.
Can Orthopedic Doctors Treat Rheumatoid Arthritis
Can orthopedic doctors treat rheumatoid arthritis?
There are different kinds of chronic inflammatory disorders which can affect other part of your body than joints alone. One of the most talked about such disorder is rheumatoid arthritis. This disorder has been found to affect different parts of the patients body. Along with joints, rheumatoid arthritis is also found to have causing disorders in various body systems such as lungs, eyes, heart, skin, blood vessels and so on. As joints are the starting point of rheumatoid arthritis patients often run to local orthopedic doctors for immediate relief.
Hand Surgeon In San Antonio Texas
At the Center for Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, our hand surgery team diagnoses and treats a broad range of hand injuries and conditions, including arthritis.
Our extensive education and training enable us to treat the most complex hand issues. For any type of hand or wrist pain and injury, call the Center for Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine at 692-7400 or request an appointment now. We are happy to provide you the highest quality care for your hand condition.
Recommended Reading: Rheumatoid Arthritis Better With Movement
How Can Orthopedic Doctors Help With Arthritis
Arthritis is defined primarily by joint inflammation, so this type of specialist will offer several treatment options. Mild to moderate cases of the disease may be alleviated with nonsurgical treatment. This often involves Anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen or naproxen. Physical therapy may be prescribed for strengthening, restoring motion or modalities like ultrasound, electrical stimulation or massage. Dietary and exercise plans aimed at encouraging weight loss may also be prescribed.
Symptoms Of Rheumatoid Arthritis
It is well known that this particular disorder is associated with joints. Apparently over 40 percent of patients who are suffering from rheumatoid arthritis have shown symptoms and experiences that does not involve joints or bones. After showing some known symptoms, the disease keeps progressing and may spread to other parts of the body like elbows, ankles, hips, shoulders and knees. This prompts the patients to consult orthopedic surgeons for immediate relief. Another interesting characteristic of this disease is that one symptom may not last for long time. One symptom may disappear after a certain amount of time and make way for the patient to experience an entirely different symptom. In such cases local orthopedic doctors find it difficult to find the root cause of the disorder.
Also Check: Does Rheumatoid Arthritis Hurt All The Time
What Does A Rheumatologist Do
Rheumatology studies the causes, impact, and treatments of inflammatory autoimmune disorders on the human body. In an autoimmune disorder, a patients own immune system malfunctions and turns its attack on his own healthy body tissue, rather than on invading or external disease agents.
Rheumatologists can be internists or pediatricians who have additional training and qualifications. They have the experience to diagnose and treat many of the over 100 systemic forms of adult, juvenile, and temporal arthritis. They treat mechanical joint, bone, muscle, and soft and connective tissue diseases.
Often referred to as arthritis doctors, rheumatologists treat many other diseases too.
Do You Need To See An Orthopedic Physician Or A Rheumatologist
Patients should use the guidelines below to help determine if they should choose an orthopedic physician or rheumatologist for their arthritis and joint pain.
Patients might need an orthopedic physician if they have:
- Joint or musculoskeletal pain that began after an injury
- Gradually progressive hip or knee pain that is worse with weight bearing
- Joint pain that is severe and interfering with function
- Moderate or advanced arthritis of the knee or hip
- Previous unsuccessful treatment for joint pain
- Been told by their doctor they might need a joint replacement
Patients might need a rheumatologist if they have:
- Pain involving many joints
- New joint pain not associated with any injury
- Joint or musculoskeletal pain associated with morning stiffness, fever, fatigue, rash or chest pain
- Joint pain that followed a tick bite
- Joint pain associated with back pain
- Joint pain and psoriasis
- Muscular pain with or without any other symptoms
- New headaches or muscle aches and are over the age of 50
- Back pain with or without pain in the legs
- Unexplained, ongoing symptoms such as fever, sweats or weight loss
A patients’ medical needs are important and unique, that is why UMass Memorial Medical Center offers specialty trained physicians that have devoted their education and career to treating specific medical conditions to serve you.
Read Also: Can You Get A Rash With Rheumatoid Arthritis
What Do Rheumatology Doctors Do
Rheumatologists are experts in the treatment of inflammatory autoimmune disorders. These conditions, such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, involve the patients immune system attacking its own healthy body tissue rather than invading external disease agents. Your primary care provider may refer you to a rheumatologist if you experience joint pain, especially if there was no prior injury. If your joint pain is accompanied by fatigue, fever, rash, or stiffness, it could also indicate an inflammatory disorder. Sometimes abnormal blood test results can also indicate a rheumatic illness.
The Decision Is Yours
Joint surgery is not for everybody. Even if your doctor and surgeon determine your condition would be improved by surgery, the decision to have the operation is up to you. You need to weigh your options and understand what the surgery will involve–before, during, and after surgery, and over the months of physical therapy. It will require patience and the willingness to follow through with physical therapy. Your commitment is the key ingredient in the success of joint surgery. If you’re not sure about having surgery, ask for a second opinion from another doctor. Ask your doctor to suggest a surgeon with arthritis experience. Sign a release form and ask that your medical records and X-rays be sen to the consulting physician. Consider the advice of all your doctors carefully. Doctors, nurses, physical and occupational therapists, and social workers are part of the team that will work to make the surgery a success. Your family and friends are also members of the team. Look to them for emotional support and for assistance during your recovery. But the most important team member is you.
Don’t Miss: What Arthritis Mean
What To Include In Your Arthritis Nutrition Treatment Plan
- Low-calorie foods that help you to achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
- Salmon, sardines, mackerel, and other oily fish that contain omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce inflammation.
- Oily fish, fortified milk, orange juice, and other foods containing vitamin D.
- Oranges, bell peppers, pumpkins, and other brightly-colored fruits and vegetables.
Experienced Knee Surgeon In Raleigh
If you are experiencing knee pain, especially if it is limiting the things you can do, its time to seek help. There are many options for treatment that can improve your knee mobility.
Our friendly team is here to answer your questions and to help you find the treatment you need. Call the offices of Dr. Brett Gilbert at 788-8797 or request an appointment via our online form, and let us help you get on the road to living pain-free once again.
Also Check: Vicks Vaporub For Joint Pain
Why See A Hand Specialist
The reason you should see a hand specialist if you are experiencing arthritis pain in the hands is simple: hand specialists are experts in treating conditions like arthritis pain in the hands. No other physician can give you the expert care that this type of physician offers.
Would you see a heart specialist for your diabetes condition or an endocrinologist if you broke a bone? Of course not! There are a variety of medical doctors specializing in every subfield of medicine possible. Because no single doctor can specialize in every subfield of medicine, patients see specialized doctors for specific needs. Arthritis is an orthopedic condition that affects the musculoskeletal system. Orthopedic physicians are experts in treating all types of musculoskeletal issues. Therefore, you should see an orthopedic physician if you have arthritis.
Further, arthritis can affect any joint in the body. Orthopedic physicians often have specializations in different parts of the body. Hand specialists are orthopedic physicians who have specialized education and experience treating orthopedic issues in the hands and wrists. This makes them experts in this particular subfield of orthopedic care.
What To Expect At The Orthopedic Physician
When you arrive at your orthopedic doctorâs office, the medical team will ask questions about the location, severity, and onset of your pain. They will likely also ask about your medical history and physical activity level â all to understand how your pain affects your day-to-day activities.
Depending on your unique situation, your orthopedic doctor may also have you perform physical tests to assess your range of motion or degree of injury. They may also order additional testing, such as an X-ray, CT scan , magnetic resonance imaging , an ultrasound, or an electromyography .
Show Sources
Read Also: Best Thing For Arthritis In Hands
Risk Factors & Prevention
Risk factors for arthritis include:
- Family history. Some types of arthritis run in families, so you may be more likely to develop arthritis if your parents or siblings have the disorder. Your genes can make you more susceptible to environmental factors that may trigger arthritis.
- Age. The risk of many types of arthritis including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and gout increases with age.
- Gender. Women are more likely than are men to develop rheumatoid arthritis, while most of the people who have gout are men.
- Previous joint injury. People who have injured a joint, perhaps while playing a sport, are more likely to eventually develop arthritis in that joint.
- Obesity. Carrying excess pounds puts stress on joints, particularly your knees, hips and spine. Obese people have a higher risk of developing arthritis.
- Genetics. Specific genes are associated with a higher risk of certain types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus , and ankylosing spondylitis.
Reduce the onset of arthritis by:
When To See An Orthopedist For Joint Pain
The primary symptoms of a joint injury or condition are pain, stiffness, swelling and loss of movement and range of motion. Some causes of joint pain like acute tendinitis or bursitis resolve within a few weeks with rest, ice and medications. Other causes of joint pain like arthritis are chronic and cause long-term pain and symptoms.
Its time to see an orthopedist for an evaluation if youre experiencing the following:
- Joint pain or symptoms that occur several times in a month, or consistently for several weeks
- Pain, swelling and stiffness in one or more joints
- Joint stiffness thats worse in the morning and after periods of inactivity
- Joints that are red, tender or warm to the touch
- Difficulty moving a joint as much as usual
- Pain that prevents you from performing normal daily activities
The symptoms listed above may be early warning signs of arthritis. Arthritis pain and symptoms progress over time, so its important that you see an orthopedist as soon as possible once symptoms begin. Early treatment and lifestyle changes can help slow the progression of the disease.
Don’t Miss: Does Arthritis Pain Come And Go
What Do Orthopedics Doctors Do
Orthopedists are specialists in the musculoskeletal system, including the bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues. These specialists are trained in diagnosing and treating bone and joint disease and injuries, which may involve orthopedic surgery. Your primary care provider is likely to refer you to an orthopedist if you have joint or musculoskeletal pain from a previous injury. A primary care provider may also refer you to an orthopedic surgeon if they suspect youll need surgical treatment to correct joint pain, such as a total knee or hip replacement. Orthopedists often treat conditions such as osteoarthritis , nerve pain, sports injuries, herniated discs, osteoporosis, and many other conditions. Although orthopedics involves surgical correction of many musculoskeletal problems, being referred to an orthopedic surgeon doesnt necessarily mean you will absolutely need surgery to correct your joint pain or injury.
What Does An Orthopedic Doctor Do
An orthopedic doctor identifies, diagnoses and treats all diseases, injuries and conditions that affect the musculoskeletal system. The musculoskeletal system includes the bones of the skeleton, plus all the structures that support and stabilize the skeleton joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, cartilage and nerves. Because all the components of the musculoskeletal system are connected, damage or an injury to one component can impact multiple other structures within the system.
At Integrity Spine and Orthopedics, our board-certified orthopedic doctors diagnose and treat a wide range of acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions, including joint pain. The leading cause of joint pain is osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis. Osteoarthritis develops when the cartilage covering the ends of bones starts to erode, leading to pain, inflammation and swelling in the joints. As osteoarthritis progresses, the disease causes gradual degeneration of the cartilage, joint, underlying bone and connective soft tissues.
Other injuries and conditions that commonly cause joint pain include rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, gout, bursitis, soft tissue injury or inflammation , and dislocations. Because joints enable smooth, fictionless movement, joint damage that develops from an injury or disease can significantly impact your ability to move.
Don’t Miss: Rheumatoid Arthritis Over The Counter Medication
Whether To Choose An Orthopedic Doctor Or Primary Care Physician
You may wonder which type of doctor you should see first for a musculoskeletal injury or condition. If you need a referral because of insurance restrictions, you may need to first seek authorization from your primary care physician who can refer you to see an orthopedic doctor.
If you suffer an acute trauma or sports injury, you need to see an orthopedic surgeon immediately. Broken bones, dislocations, or a tendon or ligament tear should be treated by an orthopedic surgeon for optimum results.
Orthopedic surgeons treat pain, injury, and joint problems using the least-invasive method that would work in each patients case. Medications like anti-inflammatories, physical therapy, steroid injections, and muscle relaxers are all interventions that an orthopedic doctor may use to address pain before recommending surgery.
Orthopedic Surgeon For Arthritis Treatment
Orthopedic surgeons are specially trained in the surgical treatment of bone and joint problems that affect movement, like arthritis. Some surgeons specialize in disease of the hip, knee, or spine while others treat disease in several joints of the body, including hands and feet.
Read Also: Can Arthritis Cause Itching
Rheumatologist Vs Orthopedic Specialists
Your first thought may be to go to a general physician or rest and avoid using your limbs when the pain, stiffness, and discomfort from arthritis flares up. However, regular physicians do not have the many years of practice or specialized training that orthopedic specialists have. Also, it is standard practice for patients to see rheumatologists for treatment in many areas. While rheumatologists are essential for some types of arthritis care, their primary focus is on inflammatory autoimmune disorders.
The difference between rheumatologists and orthopedics is the type of care they provide. Orthopedic surgeons provide a wide variety of treatments that include surgery to help address joint symptoms from arthritis causes to help reduce pain and improve mobility. Rheumatologists, however, focus on symptom management.
Orthopedic Treatments For Knee Arthritis
If your osteoarthritis of the knee worsens, you might find that the noninvasive therapies are not getting you the level of pain relief that you need to enjoy your active life. When this happens, your orthopedic surgeon has a number of procedures or surgeries that can be performed to get you up and moving again.
Steroid injections into the painful knee will help decrease inflammation in the joint, thereby allowing more freedom of movement and resulting in much less pain or no pain at all. Your bodys natural response to injury is to cause inflammation around the injury, and cortisol is a naturally occurring steroid in your own body that can help to counteract swelling and pain. By injecting medication that is similar to cortisol into the joint, your orthopedic surgeon is helping your body eliminate the swelling that is causing the pain.
Many people experience same-day relief from this treatment however, it could take a day or two to experience the full benefit. It is important to understand that this type of injection cannot be done too frequently, or your joint could become damaged. It is safe to repeat these injections in the future as long as they are at least 3 months apart.
Read Also: How Can I Relieve Arthritis Pain In My Hands
What Is The Difference Between Orthopedics And Rheumatology
If there is a significant crossover between the fields, what is the actual difference between them?
First of all, its important to note that, for some conditions, there is not a definite difference between them. For example, suppose you experience arthritis in a particular joint. In that case, both an orthopedics expert and a rheumatologist will likely offer you similar treatment.
But there are differences.