DOCTORS WHO TREAT ARTHRITIS
If you have arthritis, it is important for you to see the correct doctor to get the best evaluation and treatment possible.
- Primary care: Your family physician can take the first steps in helping you figure out if your aches and pains are from arthritis. If so, your doctor can identify what type of arthritis you have. Your doctor can then coordinate referrals to specialists for further guidance. For simpler types of arthritis with mild symptoms, your doctor may be able to start treatment.
- Rheumatologist: A rheumatologist is an internal medicine physician with fellowship training in rheumatology, the study of joint disorders. Your rheumatologist can provide medical treatments and general guidance for the various types of arthritis. Your rheumatologist can do diagnostic testing and simple procedures, but does not perform surgery.
- Orthopedic surgeons: Orthopedists provide surgical options for severe structural joint damage caused by various types of arthritis. They may perform procedures such as injections when surgery is not needed. Depending on the location of the joint that needs treatment, you may see one or more of the following fellowship-trained orthopedic subspecialists:
- Hand surgeon
- Shoulder surgeon
- Hip/knee joint replacement surgeon
- Foot/ankle surgeon or podiatrist
- Sports physician: A primary care sports medicine physician has training in primary care with additional fellowship education and certification. These physicians evaluate and treat arthritis when surgery is not needed or desired. They can perform various types of injections to treat arthritis.
Other Topics That Interest You
