Navigating the world of medical specialties can be confusing, especially when you’re experiencing pain and seeking relief. If you’re dealing with joint pain, you might be wondering, “What kind of doctor is an Arthritis Doctor Called?” It’s a common question, particularly because several types of doctors treat arthritis and joint-related issues. Understanding the distinctions between these specialists is crucial for getting the right care.
This article will clarify the roles of two key specialists often involved in arthritis care: rheumatologists and orthopedists. While both types of physicians address joint pain, their approaches, areas of expertise, and treatment methods differ significantly. Knowing these differences will empower you to make informed decisions about your health and ensure you see the most appropriate “arthritis doctor” for your specific needs.
Rheumatologist: The Internal Medicine Expert for Arthritis
When people refer to an “arthritis doctor called,” they are often thinking of a rheumatologist. Rheumatology is a branch of internal medicine dedicated to the diagnosis and non-surgical treatment of rheumatic diseases. These diseases often involve the immune system, joints, muscles, bones, and tendons. A rheumatologist is essentially an expert in autoimmune conditions that manifest as arthritis and related disorders.
Rheumatologists undergo extensive training in internal medicine or pediatrics before specializing in rheumatology. This background equips them to understand the complex, systemic nature of many arthritic conditions. They are adept at diagnosing and managing over 100 different types of arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis (in a non-surgical context), psoriatic arthritis, and lupus. They are also skilled in treating a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions and connective tissue diseases.
Often considered the primary “arthritis doctor,” a rheumatologist focuses on using medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications to manage inflammation, pain, and other symptoms associated with rheumatic diseases. They are crucial in diagnosing and treating conditions that are not always caused by wear and tear but rather by the body’s own immune system attacking itself.
Diseases Commonly Treated by a Rheumatologist:
Rheumatologists manage a broad spectrum of debilitating and sometimes life-threatening diseases, including:
- Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS)
- Dermatomyositis
- Erythematosus (often referring to Lupus Erythematosus)
- Fibromyalgia
- Gout
- Lupus (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus – SLE)
- Myositis
- Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR)
- Sarcoidosis
- Scleroderma
- Sjogren’s Syndrome
- Vasculitis
When Should You See a Rheumatologist?
Your primary care physician (PCP) might recommend you see a rheumatologist if you experience symptoms such as:
- Pain in multiple joints simultaneously
- Joint pain that arises without a clear injury
- Joint or muscle pain accompanied by systemic symptoms like chest pain, unexplained fatigue, fever, skin rash, or morning stiffness
- Joint pain following a tick bite (possible Lyme disease)
- Joint pain in conjunction with back pain
- Joint pain associated with psoriasis
- Muscle pain, especially if accompanied by other symptoms
- New onset headaches or muscle aches
- Back pain with radiating leg pain
- Persistent fever, night sweats, or unexplained weight loss
- Abnormal blood test results suggesting a rheumatic disease
Orthopedist: The Surgical and Musculoskeletal Specialist
An orthopedist, or orthopedic surgeon, is another type of doctor who frequently treats arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis and arthritis resulting from injury. However, their approach and expertise differ significantly from a rheumatologist. Orthopedists specialize in the musculoskeletal system, focusing on the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles.
While they also diagnose and treat arthritis, orthopedists are surgeons. They are experts in the surgical and non-surgical management of injuries and conditions affecting the skeletal system. If your arthritis is severe and may require surgical intervention, such as joint replacement, an orthopedist is the specialist you would need to see.
Orthopedists utilize various diagnostic tools, including imaging techniques and physical examinations, to assess musculoskeletal problems. They treat a wide range of conditions, from sports injuries and fractures to chronic conditions like osteoarthritis and back pain. In the context of arthritis, an orthopedist becomes particularly relevant when non-surgical treatments have failed, and surgical options are being considered.
Conditions Commonly Treated by an Orthopedist:
Orthopedic physicians treat a wide array of musculoskeletal conditions, including:
- Arthritis (especially osteoarthritis and traumatic arthritis)
- Nerve pain related to musculoskeletal issues
- Conditions requiring surgical repair of joints
- Scoliosis and other spinal deformities
- Neck pain
- Back pain
- Herniated discs
- Sciatica
- Osteoporosis (often in conjunction with fractures)
- Pinched nerves
- Neuropathy related to musculoskeletal issues
- Whiplash and other injuries from trauma
When Should You See an Orthopedist?
Your PCP may refer you to an orthopedist if you experience:
- Joint or musculoskeletal pain resulting from a specific injury
- Progressive hip or knee pain that worsens with weight-bearing activities
- Severe and debilitating joint pain that significantly impacts daily life
- Moderate to advanced osteoarthritis in the knee or hip
- Failure of non-surgical treatments to alleviate joint pain
- Consideration of or need for joint replacement surgery
Choosing the Right “Arthritis Doctor” for Your Needs
Ultimately, your primary care physician plays a crucial role in guiding you to the most appropriate specialist. Often, your PCP will be the first point of contact for joint pain. They can perform initial evaluations, order preliminary tests, and provide initial pain management.
For many, especially those with suspected autoimmune-related arthritis or pain in multiple joints without a clear injury, a referral to a rheumatologist is often the first step. If your joint pain is primarily due to an injury, localized osteoarthritis, or if surgery is a potential consideration, an orthopedist might be the more suitable specialist.
It’s important to remember that both rheumatologists and orthopedists are vital specialists in the management of arthritis and joint pain. The “arthritis doctor called” that is right for you depends on the nature of your condition, the type of pain you are experiencing, and whether surgical intervention is likely to be necessary. Starting with your PCP is always the best course of action to ensure you are directed to the specialist who can best address your specific needs and provide effective care.
