Early Signs Of Arthritis
While some signs of arthritis develop and worsen with time, other symptoms are often present at the onset of the disease. Common early signs of arthritis are morning stiffness,4 fatigue,5tingling,6 and numbness of the joints.
Individuals with early onsite arthritis may feel unusually fatigued doing normal daily activities, and this fatigue may come or go on certain days. Tingling and numbness may be mild sensations in the beginning. Stiffness in the morning that only lasts a few minutes is often an early warning sign of a degenerative form of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis. Meanwhile, individuals who experience morning stiffness that lasts a few hours may be feeling an early warning sign of rheumatoid arthritis or another form of inflammatory arthritis.6
Do I Need To Go To A Rheumatologist Or An Orthopedist
With so much overlap between medical disciplines and specializations, it is often difficult for an individual to discern which type of doctor to see for their problem.
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. Rheumatologists are internal medicine physicians who focus on autoimmune conditions and the non-surgical treatment of such diseases, such as arthritis, where medications and/or physical therapy can provide the proper treatment.
It is important to understand the areas these two specialties cover in order to make an informed decision.
When It’s Time To See A Doctor For Joint Pain
If you are having joint symptoms that cause concern, you may have arthritis. Learn when you need to see a doctor.
People are often surprised to learn that arthritis isnt a diagnosis. Its a general term that covers more than 100 diseases and related conditions. Knowing which type of arthritis, you have is the first step in getting the right treatment and management plan for your situation.
Some types of arthritis require prompt action. If you have a type of arthritis that can cause permanent joint damage, getting treatment quickly can help preserve joint function and prevent other serious health problems.
On the other hand, infrequent or mild joint pains may not require a special or urgent doctor visit. While its good idea to talk with your doctor about your joint health and risks for arthritis, in general, you might be able to save the conversation for your next check-up.
When to See a Doctor
Watch for these potential signs and symptoms of arthritis:
- Pain, swelling, or stiffness in one or more joints.
- Joints that are red or warm to the touch.
- Joint tenderness or stiffness.
- Difficulty moving a joint or doing daily activities.
- Joint symptoms that cause you concern.
Make an appointment with your doctor if you have any of the following:
- Joint symptoms that last three days or more.
- Several episodes of joint symptoms within a month.
Which Type of Health Care Provider to See
After an Arthritis Diagnosis
Hello,
Read Also: How To Relieve Spinal Arthritis Pain
Type Of Doctor To See For Knee Pain
A lot of people are confused about which doctor to see for knee pain. To get the best possible treatment, choose an orthopedic doctor. Orthopedic doctors have the specialized knowledge and training needed to treat a wide variety of problems affecting the musculoskeletal system bones, joints, cartilage, muscles, and nerves including the knees. Orthopedic doctors can treat acute and chronic knee pain and improve your quality of life. They can also provide preventive care for patients who would like to protect their knees and make them last a long time.
Do You Have Joint Pain We Can Help
At Orthopedic Specialists of Southwest Florida, we understand how chronic pain disrupts your quality of life. At our practice, we can help you find the relief you crave from your joint pain, sports injuries, or other orthopedic concerns. If youve sustained disability or suffer from arthritis pain, body trauma, an injury accident, or something similar, our orthopedics treatments can help.
For more information or to schedule a consultation at Orthopedic Specialists of Southwest Florida, please call 215-2008 today or reach out online to book an appointment.
Categories:
Read Also: What’s The Best Diet For Rheumatoid Arthritis
They Are Specialists Who Like What They Do
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.
The Benefits Of Involving Your Doctor
Based on your condition, you and your doctors can develop a joint treatment plan to minimize your symptoms, help you preserve joint function, and improve your quality of life by enabling you tostay as active as possible, says Dr. Brown.
When the signs of osteoarthritis begin to limit your daily activities, its time to take action and call your doctor.
And staying active provides you at least two additional benefits:
- Extra pounds raise your risk for serious health problems such as diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure. Extra pounds also add stress on weight-bearing joints and contribute to arthritis.
- Physical activity strengthens your muscles and helps you maintain better balance. The Arthritis Foundation reports that people with osteoarthritis have as much as a 30 percent higher risk of falling and a 20 percent greater risk of fractures. Seeking treatment for osteoarthritis can help you stay on your feet.
Also Check: Is Advil Good For Arthritis
If You Have Joint Pain And Swelling That Won’t Budge It’s Time To Book An Appointment
Occasional joint pain doesn’t usually require medical treatment, but pain that won’t go away or that gets worse shouldn’t be ignored. See your healthcare provider if you have any of these symptoms for more than a couple of weeks:
- Morning joint stiffness for more than 30 to 60 minutes after you get out of bed
- Pain, stiffness, or swelling in three or more joints
- Heat or warmth around any of your joints
- Symmetrical joint pain
- Low-grade fever and fatigue
Try to get an appointment as soon as possibleideally, within a weekto find out what’s causing your pain. If it is rheumatoid arthritis , early treatment will give you the best chance of slowing or even stopping the disease .
If your primary care physician can’t see you within a week, consider making an appointment directly with a rheumatologist. Ask your regular HCP for a referral or find a rheumatologist on your own. Lists of rheumatologists are available through the American College of Rheumatology or at Sharecare.com. Some hospitals and medical centers also have arthritis centers. Contact your local hospitals and ask if they can help you find programs like these.
Recommended
Can You Prevent Knee Pain
There can be many reasons for knee pain. Therefore, there are different strategies to prevent the pain depending on the underlying cause. Running on soft surfaces or decreasing the amount of running can help if the pain is due to overuse. Avoiding any direct injuries to the knee including wearing a seatbelt can prevent traumatic injuries. Weight loss can be helpful for many different forms of knee pain.
Recommended Reading: Which Glucosamine Is Best For Arthritis
Joint Pain Or Swelling It Could Be Arthritis Regardless Of Your Age
Youve noticed that your joints seem swollen and a bit painful. They might even be a bit stiff. But youre too young for arthritis, so it must be something else, right? Not exactly.Arthritis can happen to anyone at any age, regardless of gender or race, says Linwood T. Joyner II, M.D., a family medicine physician with Riverside Eastern Shore Family Medicine. More than 50 million adults and 300,000 children have some type of arthritis. In the U.S., arthritis is the leading cause of disability. Dr. Joyner explains the different types of arthritis, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and when to see a doctor.
You Might Need To See An Orthopedic Specialist For Joint Pain If:
- You have joint pain that started after an injury
- Your joint pain is so severe it is limiting function or daily activities
- You have moderate to advanced arthritis
- Your hip or knee pain has become progressively worse and worse while bearing weight
- Your previous or current treatment for joint pain was unsuccessful
If you are experiencing joint pain and have questions about what doctor you should see for treatment, please feel free to contact us. Wed be happy to help point you in the right direction for proper treatment.
You May Like: What Causes Arthritis Pain In The Knee
Board Certification And Strong Educational Background
Consider the doctors board certification. The best knee pain doctors are board-certified in the field of pain management. This denotes that theyve gone through advanced residencies and fellowships, which makes them far more experienced than regular knee pain doctors. You should also consider the knee pain doctors education background and go for doctors who have graduated from Ivy League universities or those of equivalent stature.
When To Call Your Doctor
You have good reason to make an appointment with your doctor if any of these joint symptoms last three days, or you experience several episodes of these symptoms within a month, says orthopedic surgeon Dennis Brown, MD. Symptoms include:
Keep in mind that joint symptoms tend to come on gradually not suddenly. But when the signs of osteoarthritis begin to limit your daily activities, its time to take action and call your doctor.
Don’t Miss: What To Do About Arthritis In Your Back
Do I Need To See A Doctor About Arthritis Good Question Wed Say That If Joint Pain Is Regularly Affecting Your Quality Of Life Its Time To Be Proactive About Getting The Treatment You Need
Youre fairly certain the joint pain youre experiencing is the result of Osteoarthritis. Now what? Are their effective ways to treat joint degeneration? Do you need to go see a doctor, and if so, how soon should you schedule an appointment?
First, its important to assess your symptoms. Understanding the types of symptoms youre experiencing and gauging their severity will help you determine whether or not its time to see a doctor.
Are you experiencing one or more of the following symptoms?
-
Pain and tenderness in the joint area
-
Stiffness and limited range of motion
-
Swelling of the joint
Ask yourself the following additional questions:
-
Does my pain increase with movement?
-
Is the stiffness most noticeable just after rest?
-
Have my symptoms become gradually worse over time?
-
Is joint pain affecting my quality of life?
If you have one or more of the symptoms listed and you answered yes to one or more of the questions above, then its time to act. You asked, Do I need to see a doctor about arthritis? and our answer is: YES!
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.
Recommended Reading: Does Psoriatic Arthritis Get Worse
Knee Pain Treatment At Home
If you develop knee pain that was not caused by a , and there is no visible deformity of the knee joint, you can try treating it at home. To care for your knee pain at home:
-
Apply ice to the top of the knee for 15 minutes at a time, alternating with 15 minutes of no ice. Be sure to place a towel or other barrier between your skin and the ice pack to avoid injuring your skin.
-
Elevate the knee on cushions to reduce any minor swelling. You also can sleep with a pillow under your knees to see if it helps the pain.
-
Rest the knee by avoiding any activities that cause pain including bearing weight. If you think the pain is from repetitive activity, try alternating your activities, such as swimming for a few weeks instead of running.
-
Take an over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication, such as ibuprofen or naproxen sodium .
-
Wear a compression sleeve for a few days to provide support to the knee joint.
Also Check: What Is The Best Knee Walker
When To See A Doctor
If you experience any signs of arthritis, its important to visit your primary care doctor. Theyll examine you to determine if your symptoms are due to arthritis or a different medical problem.
If your doctor believes you do have arthritis, they may refer you to a rheumatologist or orthopedist. These are doctors who specialize in arthritis and related conditions.
To make an appointment with Dr. Joyner for your joint pain, swelling or stiffness, call 757-442-6600.
You May Like: Is Gin Good For Arthritis
These Doctors May Be Your Doctor For Life
Some specialists consult on your diagnosis and treatment plan, then send you back to your primary care doctor for most follow-up care. Not true for rheumatologists.
After making sure we have the right diagnosis, we obtain the appropriate lab work to make sure youre safe starting medication, and then see you every two to three months. Some people require less frequent follow-up, but we typically see patients more than their primary care doctors. In fact, we might become their primary care doctors, says rheumatologist Liana Fraenkel, MD, MPH, adjunct professor of medicine at the Yale University School of Medicine.
When To Seek Treatment For Signs Of Arthritis
If unexplained joint pain persists or worsens, it is time seek the experience of a trained medical professional. It is common to begin the treatment process by making an appointment with a primary care physician, who may refer the patient to an arthritis specialist, called a rheumatologist.
A physician may recommend using arthritis pain relief creams, such as JointFlex, oral medications, joint injections, or perhaps weight reduction based upon the early warning signs of arthritis. However, its important to remember that a prompt diagnosis can help preserve joint function and mobility for many years to come.
Also Check: What Can You Take For Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain
What Does Arthritis Feel Like
Arthritis feels like pain in the joints, but theres a lot more to it than just that. In addition to the early signs of arthritis described above, individuals who are in the early stages of developing arthritis may experience general weakness,7 difficulty sleeping,10 loss of appetite,6 and weight loss. It is also common to have dry mouth, dry eyes, eye discharge, or chest pain early-on.
Should I See A Rheumatologist For Osteoarthritis
What does a rheumatologist doctor do? A rheumatoid arthritis specialist doctor specializes in the diagnosis of arthritis and other bone and joint conditions. There are several types of arthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis doctors in your area are skilled in diagnosing and explaining each of these conditions. However, if youre looking for cutting-edge back pain treatments and knee pain treatments for arthritis pain, visiting an interventional pain doctor is your best option.
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis and is a result of overuse or common wear and tear in your joints. It is caused by a breakdown of the protective cartilage that covers the end of your bones. This breakdown occurs as we age, and can also be a result of overusing a joint with repetitive motions.When your cartilage is damaged, it makes movements painful and limits your range of motion. Swollen joints, pain while walking, and stiffness are common symptoms of osteoarthritis.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that attacks the joints in your body, causing pain and inflammation. The cause of rheumatoid arthritis is unknown, but causes pain, stiffness, and swelling in your knees, ankles, neck, wrists, feet, and jaw.
You May Like: How To Apply Dmso For Arthritis
What Doctor Should I See For Knee Pain
Do you have swelling and stiffness in your knees? Is the knee pain accompanied by a general sensation of weakness or instability? Can you hear some popping sounds in your knees when you walk? These are all signs and symptoms of knee pain and its an indication that you should probably see a knee pain doctor soon.
Knee pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal issues that affects all kinds of people in the world. You experience when some part of your knee joint, be it your muscles, tendons, ligaments, or bones, get fractured, injured, or develop other diseases. Knee pain may be acute if its caused by knee injuries. However, in some cases, knee pain can also be chronic, which means that it will only get worse with time.
If you experience extreme knee pain or fever, its possible youre suffering from chronic knee pain caused by issues like osteoarthritis, ptllfmrl n syndrome, tllr tndn, knee bursitis, iliotibial band syndrome, or chondromalacia patella. If youre suffering from any of these issues, its vital that you visit a good knee pain doctor.
Furthermore, its important to visit the right knee pain doctor. Some doctors will simply prescribe opioids that will provide temporary relief but wont actually cure the problem. Some doctors will jump straight to surgeries, which can be dangerous. Its necessary to find a good knee pain doctor who can diagnose the root cause of knee pain and treat it specifically.