Arthritis - Whom Do You Need To See?
By editor | August 31, 2007
The best place to start is usually with a visit to your family doctor or internist, who can run tests and either make a diagnosis or decide that you need more specialized care. In some cases, your own doctor will be able to guide you in your fight against arthritis; in others you may need the services of a rheumatology specialist. It all depends on the qualifications and inclinations of your doctor, what type of arthritis you have, and how advanced it is. Here’s how to figure out who can help you best.
Family practitioner (FP) or general internist. Most family doctors are family practitioners or internists. A family practitioner takes care of children and adults; an internist is a specialist for adults. The advantage of your internist or FP is that he knows the whole you. This can be especially helpful if you have other ongoing ailments ,such as diabetes high blood pressure, or asthma. Depending on your condition, some FPs or internists can treat your arthritis on their own; others will work with a specialist called a rheumatologist to whom they refer you; still others may turn your arthitis care over completely to a rheumatologist so you shall get all the expertise you need.
Primary care physician. This is just another name for the person who provides most of your medical care: your family doctor or practitioner, a GP (general practitioner), or an internist. This doctor can refer you to more specialized care if needed.
Rheumatologist. A rheumatologist is an internist who has had an additional two or three years of training in arthritis and specializes in treating rheumatic diseases and more complicated forms of arthritis. A rheumatologist is expert at diagnosing and can run and interpret complicated tests. He can also develop treatment plans and provide ongoing care. (Bear in mind that if you have only mild or moderate osteoarthritis, however, you probably don’t need a rheumatologist.)
Specialists You May Encounter
Your doctor may refer you to other specialists, depending on your health needs. These can include the following.
Ophthalmologist. An ophthalmologist provides eye care and treatment. Some types of arthritis, such as Sjogren’s syndrome and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, may cause eye problems that can damage vision if not treated, such as dry eyes or inflammation of the eyes (scleritis and episcleritis).
Physiatrist. A physiatrist specializes in helping people with muscle, bone, or nervous system problems, using treatments such as exercise therapy, heat and ice, electricalstimulation, and ultrasound. A physiatrist can prescribe medication but concentrates on nondrug treatments.
Neurologist. This doctor specializes in muscles and nerves and assesses nerve damage.
Neurosurgeon. This type of surgeon operates on the back, neck, and brain. (But it’s unlikely you’d need brain surgery for arthritis, of course.)
Orthopedic surgeon. Surgery such as arthroscopy or joint replacement is done by an orthopedic surgeon, who specializes in bone, muscle, and joint problems. Also called an orthopedist, this doctor can prescribe other treatments for arthritis, including prescription medication, physical therapy, or braces or splints. An orthopedist can diagnose problems as well as provide ongoing care.
Tagged under:arthitis Arthritis care physician family doctor family doctors family practitioner osteoarthritis rheumatic diseases rheumatologist rheumatology
Topics: Arthritis |
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