FAQ: How To Decide If To See An Orthopedist Or Rheumatologist?

What kind of doctor should I see for joint pain?

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.

How do I know if I need to see a rheumatologist?

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

• experience pain in multiple joints.
• have new joint pain that’s 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.

What’s the difference between Rheumatology and Orthopedics?

Although orthopedists and rheumatologists both focus on a patient’s joints, muscles and bones, rheumatologists focus more on joint disorders that can be treated medically while orthopedists specialize in surgical treatments and managing fractures.

Can an orthopedic doctor treat arthritis?

An orthopedic physician treats conditions such as: Arthritis. Nerve pain. Joints that must be surgically repaired.

What are the 5 worst foods to eat if you have arthritis?

Here are 8 foods and beverages to avoid if you have arthritis.

• Added sugars. You should limit your sugar intake no matter what, but especially if you have arthritis.
• Processed and red meats.
• Gluten-containing foods.
• Highly processed foods.
• Alcohol.
• Certain vegetable oils.
• Foods high in salt.
• Foods high in AGEs.

What happens if arthritis goes untreated?

Without appropriate treatment, chronic pain, disability, and excess mortality are unfortunate outcomes of this disease. RA causes joint damage in 80% to 85% of patients, with the brunt of the damage occurring during the first 2 years of the disease. Left untreated, the risk of mortality is increased.

What will a rheumatologist do on your first visit?

“ The first visit will include a physical exam in which your rheumatologist will search for joint swelling or nodules that may indicate inflammation,” says Dr. Smith. “Lab tests, such as X-rays and blood work, may also supply pieces of the puzzle to assist your rheumatologist in arriving at your diagnosis.”

What are the worst autoimmune diseases?

• Autoimmune myocarditis.
• Multiple sclerosis.
• Lupus.
• Type 1 diabetes.
• Vasculitis.
• Rheumatoid arthritis.
• Psoriasis. Just as rheumatoid arthritis can impact health well beyond inflaming joints, psoriasis is more than a skin disease.
• Some autoimmune conditions that may affect life expectancy: Autoimmune myocarditis.

Why would I be referred to a rheumatologist?

Examples of diseases that may be treated by a rheumatologist include rheumatoid arthritis (RA), osteoarthritis (OA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), vasculitis, Sjogren’s syndrome, gout, scleroderma, antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), myositis, sarcoidosis, polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR), and temporal arteritis (or

When should I see an orthopedist?

When should you see an orthopedic doctor?

• You have pain, stiffness, or discomfort that are making it difficult to perform everyday activities.
• You are experiencing chronic pain (pain lasting longer than 12 weeks)
• You’re noticing decreases in your range of motion.
• You feel unstable while walking or standing.

What can orthopedic doctors diagnose?

Orthopedic doctors diagnose and treat many types of pain all over the body, including:

• knee pain.
• hip pain.
• shoulder, elbow, wrist or hand pain.
• ankle or foot pain.
• back or neck pain.

What autoimmune disease does a rheumatologist treat?

Rheumatologists evaluate and treat autoimmune, inflammatory or other musculoskeletal conditions like: Rheumatoid arthritis. Systemic lupus erythematosus. Systemic sclerosis (scleroderma)

What can an orthopedist do for arthritis?

Orthopedic surgeons are specially trained in the surgical treatment of bone and joint problems that affect movement, like arthritis. Some surgeons specialize in disease of the hip, knee, or spine while others treat disease in several joints of the body, including hands and feet.

What do doctors prescribe for arthritis pain?

Commonly used arthritis medications include:

• Painkillers. These medications help reduce pain, but have no effect on inflammation.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
• Counterirritants.
• Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs).
• Biologic response modifiers.
• Corticosteroids.

Will inflammation show up on an MRI?

MRI allows to assess the soft tissue and bone marrow involvement in case of inflammation and/or infection. MRI is capable of detecting more inflammatory lesions and erosions than US, X-ray, or CT.