What Kind Of Doctor Do You See For Arthritis

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When Should I see a Rheumatologist?

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Arthritis Treatment In Orthopedic Clinics

There are a lot of the ways doctors at orthopedic clinics work together to find you relief. Here are some of the treatments that are used to treat arthritis symptoms and slow the conditions progression. Most patients require a combination of at least 2 of these treatments for effective and long-term results.

Physical Therapy. Exercise can improve your range of motion and strengthen muscles around damaged joints. This method is often combined with medications and surgery for effective results.

Medications. Doctors may prescribe medications to manage pain and inflammation in affected joints. Some drugs used for arthritic pain are:

Over-the-counter painkillers

Biologic response modifiers

Corticosteroids

PRP Therapy. Instead of simply alleviating pain, the main objective of PRP therapy is to heal your tissue. It is recommended when other forms of treatment are not effective.

Surgery. If therapy and medication do not alleviate pain and reduce inflammation, surgery may be the way to go.

Arthroscopy This procedure is used for both the diagnosis and treatment of joint problems. It lets orthopedic surgeons see the inside your joint without making large incisions. They can also repair joint damage through additional small incisions. This is most commonly performed on the knees, shoulders, elbows, ankles, hips, and wrists.

Joint replacement In this procedure, the damaged joint is replaced with artificial pieces. This is most commonly done on the hips and knees.

How Is Spinal Arthritis Diagnosed

Your doctor may use some or all of the following diagnostic methods to confirm spinal arthritis:

Medical history and physical exam
Blood tests for genetic markers and/or RA antibodies
X-rays of the spine to locate the arthritic joint
MRI, CT scan, myelography, bone scan and/or ultrasound to zero in on the damage, detect nerve and spinal cord involvement or rule out other causes
Joint aspiration: testing of the synovial fluid inside a joint

To pinpoint the painful joint, your doctor may numb it with an injection and check whether the pain goes away.

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Then Theyll Run More Tests

Doctors will also likely measure your overall level of inflammation using two common tests: C-reactive protein and the erythrocyte sedimentation rate . Not everyone with rheumatoid arthritis has elevated levels, but when the numbers are high, the findings can help confirm the diagnosis. If a patient has elevated ESR and/or CRP levels, it would imply they have an inflammatory kind of arthritis, versus osteoarthritis, Dr. Cohen says. Your doctor may continue to use these tests to monitor your disease and inflammation levels over time.

What Is Knee Pain

Arthritis Of The Fingers types and patterns

Pain is a common knee problem that can originate in any of the bony structures compromising the knee joint , the kneecap , or the ligaments, tendons, and cartilage of the knee. Knee pain can be aggravated by physical activity, as well as obesity, affected by the surrounding muscles and their movements, and be triggered by other problems . Knee pain can affect people of all ages, and home remedies can be helpful unless it becomes severe.

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Role Of The Rheumatologist

After consulting with your primary care doctor, it may be that your diagnosis is not clear-cut. Or you may seem to have a complicated case. At that point, it may be wise to see a rheumatologist.

A rheumatologist is a physician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of rheumatic diseases, a group of disorders characterized by chronic, often intermittent pain affecting the joints or connective tissues.

Rheumatologists have additional education and training, making them a better choice for complicated cases. As the patient, you may want to a rheumatologist if:

Your pain is unrelenting.
Your symptoms are persistent or worsening despite treatment.
Your doctor is unable to diagnose the underlying cause.
Your symptoms are flaring more frequently or more severely.
You are less able to handle tasks you use to be able to manage.
You are becoming increasingly homebound.
Your condition is lowering your quality of life.

A rheumatologist can also consult on a limited basis to offer a second opinion about whether your treatment plan is appropriate and optimal for your condition. Your primary care doctor won’t resent that you want a second opinion they will more than likely encourage it.

Once you have your second opinion, you can return to your primary doctor for regular follow-up appointments.

A rheumatologist does not perform surgery. If surgery is indicated, an orthopedic surgeon would be your best option.

What Type Of Doctor Should You See For Knee Pain

If the pain is the result of an injury, it is recommended to go to one of Coordinated Healths Orthopedic Walk-In Injury Centers for assessment. For pain that has been occurring for a longer duration of time, schedule an appointment with an orthopedic physician for evaluation and make a personalized treatment plan.

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What Kind Of Doctor Do You See For Joint Pain

This is especially true for orthopedics and rheumatology, as both of these types of physicians treat joint pain. Orthopedists are surgeons who address bone and joint diseases and injuries, such as arthritis, osteoarthritis, and body trauma.

Who will treat you? Orthopaedic surgeons specialise in surgical treatments for problems caused by disease and injury in the bones, joints and other structures involved in making the body move. Most orthopaedic surgeons specialise in particular procedures or areas of the body.

Many people with arthritis have constant pain. Some of this pain can be relieved by rest, heat and cold treatments, exercise, splints, and medication. When these therapies dont lessen the pain, surgery may be considered. Possible Benefits of Surgery Arthritis is usually a chronic condition and sometimes can lead to disability.

They Are Specialists Who Like What They Do

Managing Inflammatory Arthritis | Arthritis Talks

According to a 2018 survey, if rheumatologists had it to do over again, four out of five them would choose to be a doctor and three out of four would choose the same specialty. That satisfaction may be because they can see the impact they make on patients lives and well-being.

If you treat someones high blood pressure and cholesterol, youre helping in the long term to prevent heart disease and stroke, but the patient doesnt feel anything unless they have side effects from the medication. When you treat someone with arthritis and you relieve their pain, they wake up feeling better and normal, and that is the wonderful part about being a physician and a rheumatologist, says Dr. Marchetta.

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Treatment For Hand Arthritis

Treating hand arthritis usually starts with conservative methods of taking anti-inflammatory medications, ice and heat therapy, splinting, and manipulation therapies. If pain persists, doctors may recommend steroid injections for immediate pain relief. However, this treatment method only offers temporary relief. When arthritis pain in the hand progresses and conservative treatments fail to bring relief, there may be damage to the hands joints, in which case, surgery may be necessary.

Why Go To An Orthopedic Clinic

Orthopedic clinics have doctors who are experts in treating conditions like arthritis. Orthopedic physicians work closely with other specialized professionals with a wealth of experience treating musculoskeletal conditions, and this combination of knowledge and expertise are beneficial to patients like you.

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Is It Possible To Have Surgery For Arthritis

repairs or reconstructions to tendons or ligaments. Most people with arthritis wont need surgery, and being referred to an orthopaedic surgeon doesnt mean that youll definitely have orthopaedic surgery. Youll always have the final decision on whether to go ahead with surgery or not.

Arthritis Of The Foot

Arthritis refers to the swelling and inflammation within a joint. This Swelling of the feet and foot pain caused by arthritis makes walking and exercise very uncomfortable. Many treatments are available from the best podiatrist in New York, including orthotics, oral medications, joint injections, and sometimes surgery. Several different types of arthritis can affect your feet, such as:

Osteoarthritis

Surgery when indicated.

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What Did You Look For In Your Rheumatologist

I looked for a gentle, confident, wise, reassuring bedside manner, says Seth D. Ginsberg, cofounder and president of the Global Healthy Living Foundation, an advocacy group for people living with chronic illnesses.

I was interested in someone I could relate to, have a conversation with, and explain my situation to in broader terms than just my aching joints. My wife came with me during the first visit and joined us in the exam room. Her opinion mattered, too, says Ginsberg.

Udell agrees that one of the first things to consider is the doctors personality and how well it meshes with yours especially if your disease is a serious, chronic one such as rheumatoid arthritis.Thats because your relationship with the rheumatologist could be a very long one, which is one reason I went into this specialty, Udell says.

And, he notes, the doctor-patient relationship should be nurtured as time goes on. If there’s an issue that the patient and physician don’t see eye-to-eye on, for example, they need to discuss it.

Or you might want to be more aggressive about treatment options while your doctor wants to be less aggressive this is also something you two must discuss, he says.

How To Tell If You Have Back Or Neck Arthritis

Although back pain is a common symptom, not all people have it, even those with advanced spinal arthritis. On the other hand, some may experience pain even before arthritis can be seen on an X-ray. In certain types of spondyloarthritis, eye inflammation may occur, causing pain, watery eyes and blurred vision.

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What Kind Of Healthcare Professionals Do I Need For Arthritis

Successful management of arthritis requires a combination of different therapies. Management may include medicines, exercise, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and weight control. That’s why you may need many types of healthcare professionals. Your treatment team may include any of the following:

Where Can I See A Rheumatologist For Ra

What kind of arthritis do you have?

Because RA is a long-term disease, youll see this doctor often. Where Do Rheumatologists Work? Youll find them mostly in outpatient clinics. Theyre usually linked with a local hospital, so they can work with people admitted there for treatment of rheumatic diseases. How Do I Find One? Your primary care doctor will refer you to a rheumatologist.

Pain Doesnt Improve With Rest

Rest pain is another sign your arthritis may need more aggressive treatment. Rest often goes a long way toward relief. But when this conservative approach fails, you may have a deeper problem.

If your pain doesnt get better with rest, see a doctor, says Dr. Burg. It may be time to consider medical treatment, including the possibility of surgery for severe back, hip or knee pain. In fact, most orthopedic surgeons wont operate on a person unless they have rest pain thats how much of a red flag it is.

Can An Internal Medicine Doctor Care For My Arthritis

If you are experiencing pain, stiffness, and swelling in your fingers, hands, wrists, hips, knees, or ankles, it may be arthritis. You should consult with a doctor for a diagnosis and treatment plan.

Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for arthritis. However, working closely with your doctor and following an appropriate treatment plan can help you control your symptoms and live a happy, active, and worthwhile life. The question is: which doctor should you see for arthritis?

If you have arthritis, you have a few choices when it comes to choosing a doctor for treatment. Orthopedic physicians can treat arthritis because they are specialists in the bodys musculoskeletal system. Another choice is to see an internal medicine doctor. Internal medicine doctors diagnose, treat, and prevent all types of diseases and conditions in adults, including arthritis.

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Other Possible Causes Of Hand Pain

Hand pain is also a sign of Dupuytrens contracture, a condition in which the tissue of the palm and fingers becomes thickened and tight, causing the fingers to curl inward. Its not clear why Dupuytrens contracture develops, though those who smoke, drink a lot of alcohol, and have seizures or diabetes are more vulnerable to developing it.

Your doctor will also consider whether your hand pain could be due to carpal tunnel syndrome, says Dr. Byram. RA can be a cause of carpal tunnel syndrome, so if we see someone who has carpal tunnel, well want to make sure they dont have RA. Carpal tunnel is a condition that occurs when one of the major nerves to the hand the median nerve is squeezed or compressed as it travels through the wrist, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

Osteoarthritis Of The Spine

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of spinal arthritis. It usually affects the lower back and develops through wear and tear. As the cartilage between the joints slowly breaks down, it leads to inflammation and pain. Because the pain is from mechanical damage, it is typically more noticeable when you bend or twist your back. Past back injuries may also contribute to the development of degenerative arthritis of the spine.

Osteoarthritis of the spine usually affects the facet joints between the vertebrae. It is also known as facet joint arthritis, facet joint syndrome and facet disease. In some cases, degeneration of the spinal discs may contribute to facet joint arthritis. As discs between the vertebrae become thinner, more pressure is transferred to the facet joints. This leads to more friction and more damage to the cartilage.

When these degenerative changes occur in the neck, this condition is called cervical spondylosis. Arthritis in the neck doesnât always cause pain, and many people have no noticeable symptoms.

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.

Rheumatologist Vs Orthopedist: What Kind Of Doctor For Joint Pain Is Right For You

Youve been dealing with joint pain all over for as long as you can remember.

You suddenly started feeling a sharp pain in one of your joints.

Your joints ache when it rains or the weather changes.

Your joint never felt quite the same after that one injury now you live with constant, nagging pain.

Your joint pain is so severe, it keeps you up at night.

Any of these sound familiar?

If so, its probably time to see a joint specialist. Before you book an appointment with a rheumatologist or orthopedic specialist, though, you should first see your primary care physician for a general diagnosis. Even though some insurance providers dont require a referral from a PCP to see a joint specialist, your PCP may recommend a completely different type of joint specialist than you might have consulted otherwise. Your PCP should be able to point you in the right direction based on your symptoms.

That said, its understandable that you want to be as informed as possible about your choice of doctor. The following information will give you a better idea about joint paint, its causes and what kind of doctor for joint pain may be right for you.

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When Should You See A Rheumatologist

Muscle and joint pain are not uncommon, but if you have pain that lasts for more than a few days, visit your primary care physician.

Your doctor can evaluate whether youre experiencing temporary pain from an injury or other inflammatory causes, or if an underlying rheumatic condition may be involved that requires a referral to a rheumatologist.

If the pain youre experiencing gets worse over a short period of time, thats a good indicator that you should see a rheumatologist.

Likewise, if your symptoms decrease with initial treatment, like pain medication, but return once the treatment stops, it may be time to seek out a specialist.

You may want to schedule an appointment with a rheumatologist if you:

experience pain in multiple joints
have new joint pain thats not related to a known injury
have joint or muscle pain accompanied by fever, fatigue, rashes, morning stiffness, or chest pain
have muscle pain with or without other symptoms
are over age 50 and have recurring headaches or muscle aches

Many rheumatic conditions are hereditary, so you should also let your doctor and rheumatologist know if you have any family history of autoimmune or rheumatic disease.

If you have persistent joint, bone, or muscle pain, dont delay seeking treatment. Joint stiffness that lasts more than 30 minutes, especially if its worse in the morning after long periods of inactivity, or any joint swelling should also be promptly evaluated by a doctor.