If you have arthritis, you have a few choices when it comes to choosing a doctor for treatment. 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.
Arthritis is a complex condition that can be difficult to diagnose. Internal medicine doctors are trained in the diagnosis and treatment of such conditions. They will be able to distinguish the symptoms of arthritis from other conditions. Internal medicine physicians have a thorough understanding of the types of medical treatments arthritis patients need. They can prescribe medications and administer injections to reduce pain and inflammation caused by arthritis.
Orthopaedists — Orthopaedists are doctors who treat injuries and diseases of the musculoskeletal system, including osteoarthritis. For arthritis that gets worse despite treatment, they can perform injections of corticosteroids powerful anti-inflammatory drugs or hyaluronic acid a substance that lubricates joints.
For severe arthritis that causes significant pain and seriously limits daily life, an orthopaedic surgeon can perform surgery, such as joint replacement. Rheumatologists — Rheumatologists specialize in musculoskeletal diseases and autoimmune conditions.
They treat all types of arthritis, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis. They provide treatment for joint diseases, including prescribing medications and giving injections.
They do not perform surgery. Other specialists — Sometimes the specialist you see will be dictated by the location of the problem. You are here Treatment Specialists. Arthritis Treatment Specialists share pin it Newsletters. By Marshall Emig, MD. Peer Reviewed. Next Page: Rheumatologist for Arthritis Treatment.
The American College of Rheumatology also offers a geographical listing of rheumatologists. 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 healthcare provider about new or persistent symptoms.
There are many misconceptions about arthritis , Some of these can leave people feeling discouraged even before they've begun treatment, and worse yet, some myths can even leave people feeling blamed for their disease. It is a misconception—and probably the biggest misconception—that only old people develop arthritis.
Anyone at any age can be affected by arthritis. Actually, it is a little-known fact that about , children have a juvenile type of arthritis. Some of the other misconceptions include the claim that arthritis is curable, that arthritis is caused by a bad diet it isn't , that arthritis only causes mild aches and pains it can be severe and that wearing a copper bracelet relieves arthritis. It is no wonder that people newly diagnosed with arthritis don't know which way to turn.
The fact is that osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are just two of the many types of arthritis that exist, and these different forms require different treatments and are managed in different ways. Start by learning basic facts about your type of arthritis. Find quality resources and always take questions that you may have to your healthcare provider.
Pain is an unwelcome intruder on normal daily activities. Every person diagnosed with arthritis hopes that treatment will quickly gain control over the disease. And not only do people with arthritis hope to gain control of their condition but they hope to maintain that control. The truth is that the usual course of arthritis is fraught with ups and downs. Like many chronic health conditions, it can feel like a roller coaster.
Even with treatment, you should expect both good days and bad days with arthritis. Some people find that the ups and downs, a major part of dealing with arthritis, are the most difficult aspect.
If possible, prepare for those ups and downs by building flexibility into your life. Some people find it helpful to list out ways to adapt to unforeseen circumstances ahead of time, and there are even retreats focused on "resilience training" to help those coping with chronic medical conditions.
If you believe you may have arthritis, following the steps above can reduce some of the confusion associated with the diagnosis and early days of coping. If you find yourself feeling depressed, you are not alone. Support groups and online support groups are a great place to meet others who have been living fulfilling and enjoyable lives despite having arthritis. Some people have found that keeping a gratitude journal is an excellent way to remind themselves of the positives in life that remain.
Keeping a journal is a good place to record the "silver linings" which are so common when coping with a long-term medical condition. If you do not have arthritis, there are still things you can do to reduce your risk. The proverbial "they" tell us that moments in which we think we may have a disease are "teachable moments" and your initial fears might be just the prompt you to look for ways to reduce your risk.
It's not always possible to prevent arthritis but things you can do to lower your risk include maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking smoking is a risk factor for arthritis , avoiding joint injuries, and being alert to repetitive joint stress related to your occupation.
Just make sure not to use these risk factors to blame yourself if you do develop arthritis down the line.
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