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.
Why Go To A Hand Specialist For Arthritis
Painful and swollen hands are the first signs of arthritis. Arthritis can affect any part of your body, even the joints in your hands. It can make simple tasks like holding up a glass or mug, brushing your teeth, or turning a doorknob difficult.
While there is no cure for arthritis, you can manage symptoms and slow down the degeneration of your joints. Arthritis sufferers who get treatment and guidance from orthopedic doctors can live normal lives despite their condition.
An orthopedic hand specialist is trained and knowledgeable in various treatments that can ease the symptoms of arthritis in the hands and wrists. A hand specialist who is also a hand surgeon can perform surgical procedures that can help repair damaged joints and tendons in the hand due to arthritis.
Do Dermatologists And Rheumatologists Ever Work Together
- Combined rheumatology-dermatology clinics are a newer frontier in the treatment of psoriatic arthritis, with just over 20 clinics in the United States
- Depending on the clinic, some rheumatologists and dermatologists may see a patient at the same time in the same room. Sometimes, separate back-to-back visits are required
- Studies show this combined care approach could achieve better outcomes for both skin and musculoskeletal symptoms
- A survey from the Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Clinic Multicenter Advancement Network found over 80% of doctors thought a combined clinic accelerated an accurate diagnosis
- Challenges are largely related to scheduling and billing
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What Are The Different Types Of Arthritis
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As it is stated, arthritis is a disease that causes the stiffness of joints inducing painful inflammation. At some point of the day, if you get involved in strenuous activities, you may feel something similar, but that could not be called arthritis as not all fever can be called malaria or viral. People then start opting for diagnosis to get an effective treatment by visiting various orthopaedic doctors, x ray facility in Nairobi and other specialists who could provide relief from the stiffness.
Gone are the days when there was one common treatment for all having the stiffness of the joints. Today there are full-fledged facilities offering the best arthritis treatment in Kenyato ensure that it is healed.
Before jumping to the conclusion that you have arthritis and need treatment for it, you would require to get to know about the type it is.
Joint Injections And Aspirations
A rheumatologist can treat joint inflammation and pain by either injecting an anti-inflammatory medication, such as corticosteroid, directly into the affected joint or by aspirating the joint.
When a rheumatologist aspirates a joint, they use a needle attached to a syringe to remove excess joint fluid. They use joint aspiration to reduce patients joint swelling and pain and to analyze the joint fluid as a part of the diagnostic protocol.
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You Have Arthritis Pain Along With Other Conditions
Many people deal with some type of arthritis along with other conditions, like GERD or stomach ulcers. But if this is your case, be especially careful with self-medication.
Heres why: Many times, drugs to treat pain and inflammation conflict with drugs to treat other conditions. For example, long-term use of non-steroidal antiinflammatories can make digestive issues like ulcers worse, especially if youre taking a proton pump inhibitor for heartburn or GERD. Likewise, many pain medications raise your risk levels if you have heart disease or be dangerous if you have kidney disease.
If you take multiple drugs for multiple conditions, check with a doctor before treating your arthritis on your own, Dr. Burg recommends. Without proper guidance, adding more medications to the mix might do more harm than good.
Joint Pain From Orthopedic Injuries
Traumatic orthopedic injuries can leave a lasting impression both on your psyche and on your joints. What most people dont realize, however, is that even minor orthopedic injuries can result in lingering joint pain.
Thats because joints are more than just bones and cartilage they are also made up of tendons, ligaments, muscles and small, fluid-filled sacs called bursae that also help cushion bones.
Whether youve suffered a traumatic injury in the past, have an overuse injury or think you tweaked something, your joint pain could be caused by an injury to anyone or more components in your joint. Two common orthopedic conditions that cause joint pain are bursitis and tendinitis.
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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.
What Kind Of Doctor Treats Hip Arthritis
Rheumatologists are specialists in arthritis and diseases that involve bones, muscles and joints. They are trained to make difficult diagnoses and to treat all types of arthritis, especially those requiring complex treatment. You may be referred to an orthopedist if you have a type of degenerative arthritis.
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What To Do For Hip Pain In Adults
Hip pain often gets better on its own and can be managed with rest and painkillers you can buy from a pharmacy, such as paracetamol and ibuprofen . Where do you feel the pain? When and how did the pain start? Does anything make the pain worse? Does anything make the pain better? Can you walk and bear weight on it?
Prepare For The Journey Of Arthritis
Many people who are newly-diagnosed want the quick fix or cure for arthritis. For most people with arthritis, however, there is no cure. There have been significant advances in treatment options over the years, but finding the right course of treatment can be a journey. It is not uncommon to start one course of treatment and have to change several times before you find what works best.
Also, it is important to realize that what brings relief to one person may be totally ineffective for you. There are many things to try, including exercise, so try to be patient as you go through the process of finding what works for you. Even after you have been treated for a period of time, it’s very important that you talk to your doctor about new or persistent symptoms. It may be time to change your treatment if your response is no longer satisfactory.
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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.
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.
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How Is Psoriatic Arthritis Treated
Today, there are many treatment options for psoriatic arthritis. A treatment plan often includes several of the following:
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Therapy
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Medicine
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Surgery
Therapy : These therapies can reduce pain. They can make it easier to move and do everyday tasks. If therapy can help, your doctor will write a prescription for the type of therapy you need. Your therapist will work with your doctor and report your progress.
Patient education: Learning about psoriatic arthritis is important. The more you know, the better you can control this disease. Take time to learn the signs and symptoms. Ask your doctor what you should do when the arthritis flares. Learn about arthritis-friendly exercises and exercises that you should not do, at least for a while.
Exercise and rest: Each plays an important role. Arthritis-friendly exercises can help reduce pain, make it easier to move, and sometimes restore lost movement. Rest is important when psoriatic arthritis flares.
Devices to protect joints: Braces, splints, and supports can protect affected joints and prevent further damage. They offer support for painful areas and can stop painful movements. You should not buy one without first talking with your doctor. The device must fit you properly. It must support the area that needs support. Your doctor may recommend that a physical or occupational therapist fit you.
When psoriatic arthritis is mild, patients usually can reduce signs and symptoms with:
Tip: Take medicine after a meal
You Have A Joint Out Of Phase
Rest often goes a long way toward relief, says Dr. Burg When this conservative approach fails, it may be a sign of a deeper problem.
You probably know your baseline of pain pretty well. You know you may have 15 to 20 minutes of stiffness in the morning, for example. But if you suddenly have a red-hot, swollen knee, wrist or other isolated joint especially if thats not typical for you it may be cause for concern.
We call this a joint out of phase because it differs from your usual aches and pains, explains Dr. Burg. Excessive redness and swelling raise red flags because they often are signs of infection.
Infections can be serious business, especially if you have conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus and are taking medications that weaken your immune system. If this happens to you, especially if you have symptoms such as a fever, see your doctor. Its critical that any infection is identified and treated properly, so it doesnt spread.
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When Is Hip Pain Is Not Arthritis Pain
Dr. Miller: When hip pain is not arthritis pain. Were going to talk about that next on Scope Radio. Announcer: Access to our experts for in depth information about the biggest health issues facing you today. The Specialists, with Dr. Tom Miller, is on The Scope. Dr. Miller: Im Dr. Tom Miller and Im here with Dr. Steve Aoki.
Who Can Help With My Joint Pain Or Arthritis
Your PCP will guide you in the right direction regarding which specialist you need to see in further treating your health concerns. Many health insurance plans require that a PCP first refer the patient to a consulting specialist before a visit to this specialist is covered by your medical plan.
If you suffer pain and disability due to arthritis, body trauma, injury, or an accident , an orthopedist can help. The staff at Orthopaedic Associates utilizes both cutting-edge therapies and traditional treatments to address a variety of orthopedic conditions.
For more information or to schedule a consultation, call 892-1440 or fill out our easy-to-use online appointment request form. We look forward to hearing from you.
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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.
What Kind Of Doctor Treats Arthritis
Are you concerned that you may have arthritis? If so, its important to seek treatment as soon as possible, since failing to treat arthritis could lead to permanent joint damage. But, where should you turn for treatment? Primary care practitioners often treat arthritis and that could be a great starting point for your care but many people also benefit from meeting with a specialist. The arthritis doctor thats right for you will depend on various factors, including the type of arthritis you have.
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Rheumatologists Treat More Than 120 Different Diseases
Dont let the rheum in the name fool you. Besides rheumatoid arthritis , these doctors treat a wide variety of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases that may affect the joints , as well as other muscle or bone problems or injuries that can make your joints hurt and limit your function.
In addition to the systemic diseases, people may come to see a rheumatologist to diagnose chronic back or neck pain or for a localized joint or muscle or tendon problem such as tennis elbow or Achilles tendonitis, says Paula Marchetta, MD, MBA, president of the American College of Rheumatology. They also treat other conditions that you might be unaware of, such as osteoporosis, fibromyalgia, and Lyme disease.
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.
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Rheumatologist Vs Orthopedic Specialist
Per the American College of Rheumatology, A rheumatologist is an internist or pediatrician who received further training in the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal disease and systemic autoimmune conditions commonly referred to as rheumatic diseases. These diseases can affect the joints, muscles, and bones causing pain, swelling, stiffness, and deformity.
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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Conservative Therapy Doesnt Work After A Week
If you have a minor flare-up of aches and pains, conservative home therapy often works well. This can include ice or heat as needed, over-the-counter pain relievers and periods of rest.
The Arthritis Foundation suggests trying acupuncture, massage therapy, tai chi and yoga as a few options to help relieve your arthritis pain.
If your pain doesnt respond after a week, its worth a trip to the doctors office for a thorough checkup and diagnosis.