However, sometimes arthritis is difficult to diagnose. You may need to see a specialist. Rheumatologists are specialists in arthritis and arthritis-related diseases. If you have worrisome joint symptoms, an appointment with a primary care doctor is a good place to start. Rheumatologists are specialists in arthritis and diseases affecting bones, muscles and joints.
They are trained to make difficult diagnoses and to treat all types of arthritis, especially those that require complex treatment. You may be referred to an orthopedist if you have a type of degenerative arthritis. During the physical exam, doctors examine the joints to see if they are swollen, red, and warm. They'll also want to see how well you can move your joints.
The process usually begins with your primary care provider, who can refer you to a rheumatologist or orthopedist. Let's discuss some of your options with orthopedist Michael Star, MD. At different times in the process, different experts can participate, explains Dr. Primary care doctors are the best starting point when it comes to arthritis care, says Dr.
To diagnose arthritis, they will likely perform a physical exam and test the range of motion of the joints. They may also order an X-ray to check for joint damage. If you're referred to a rheumatologist, there's a chance you have a form of arthritis other than osteoarthritis, says Dr. Sometimes, the specialist you see will depend on the location of the problem.
For example, if you're being treated for osteoarthritis of the spine, you may be referred to someone at a spinal center before starting traditional treatment, such as physical therapy and exercise. Your GP will perform a physical exam to check if your joints are swollen and to evaluate how easily they move. Your GP will also ask you about your symptoms. Your primary care doctor may be the first person you think of when you feel pain and discomfort in a joint. Primary care doctors can treat people who have osteoarthritis with standard treatments.
However, if your doctor suspects that there may be another type of joint problem or if your symptoms don't improve or worsen, they may refer you to an orthopedic surgeon or rheumatologist. There are several factors to consider when deciding between an orthopedic doctor and a rheumatologist. Order laboratory tests, x-rays, and other imaging tests (such as an ultrasound or a magnetic resonance imaging). X-rays can show the joint changes and bone damage found in some types of arthritis.
Other imaging tests may also be done. Ultrasound uses sound waves (not radiation) to see the quality of synovial tissue, tendons, ligaments, and bones. MRI images are more detailed than X-rays. They can show damage to joints, including muscles, ligaments, and cartilage.
If you have arthritis, you have several options when choosing a doctor for treatment. Orthopedic doctors can treat arthritis because they are specialists in the body's musculoskeletal system. Another option is to see an internal medicine doctor. Internal medicine doctors diagnose, treat and prevent all types of diseases and conditions in adults, including arthritis. If you've been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, your specialist will perform an evaluation to see how well you're coping with daily tasks.
However, if your symptoms don't improve or worsen, your primary care doctor may recommend that you see a specialist. The right type of doctor is one who is not only familiar with the condition related to joint and bone pain you have, but who is also a specialist in the area of the body where it occurs.
