If you are experiencing symptoms of arthritis, it is important to seek medical attention from a healthcare provider who specializes in treating this condition. There are several types of doctors who can help manage your arthritis and provide relief from pain and inflammation.
Rheumatologists
Rheumatologists are doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of arthritis and other diseases of the joints, muscles, and bones. They are experts in managing chronic conditions like arthritis and can provide comprehensive care to help improve your quality of life.
Doctors gain experience managing a broad range of diseases during their residency. Doctors must pass the internal medicine or pediatric board examination to subspecialize. The sooner you’re treated, the more likely you are to avoid permanent joint damage. Fish oil has been shown to reduce inflammation, lessen the need for painkillers, and possibly decrease joint stiffness. A diet low in animal and dairy fats may have similar effects.
Any amount of time looking at the eclipse without protection is too long, experts say. “Often there will be some recovery of the vision in the first few months after it, but sometimes there is no recovery and sometimes there’s a degree to which it is permanent,” Brinton said. Brinton recommends everyone starts their eclipse “viewing” early, by looking at professional photos and videos of an eclipse online or visiting a local planetarium. That’s why some school districts are canceling classes early so kids can enjoy the event safely with their families.
Orthopedic Surgeons
Junior Espejo looks through eclipse glasses being handed out by NASA in Houlton, Maine. These are some of the conditions that can cause muscle weakness and loss of movement in the wrist and hand. You should consult a neurologist or an orthopedist who is the specialist in nerve conditions to carry out the treatment.
Uric acid crystals, which form when there’s too much uric acid in your blood, can cause gout. Infections or underlying disease, such as psoriasis or lupus, can cause other types of arthritis. To treat this type of constipation, a doctor may recommend certain prescription-strength laxatives or other medications and, in some cases, surgery. A doctor may say that you have idiopathic constipation when they can’t identify a reason for your symptoms.
Stephanie Anderson Witmer, the author of this article, has written about health for Good Housekeeping, Prevention and other magazines and digital brands for more than 20 years. Treatment for arthritis pain may include prescription NSAIDs, painkillers like Ultram (tramadol), permanent or temporary nerve blocks, corticosteroid shots, physical therapy, or surgery. It is at that stage, however, that a rheumatologist would likely be sought.
Orthopedic surgeons may also be involved in the treatment of arthritis, especially if surgical intervention is required to repair or replace damaged joints. They can perform procedures such as joint replacement surgery to help restore function and reduce pain in arthritic joints.
Primary Care Physicians
Primary care physicians can also play a role in managing arthritis by providing initial evaluations, prescribing medications, and coordinating care with specialists. They can help monitor your condition and make referrals to rheumatologists or orthopedic surgeons as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can my primary care physician treat my arthritis?
- When should I see a rheumatologist for my arthritis?
- Do I need surgery for my arthritis?
In conclusion, there are several types of doctors who can help treat your arthritis and provide relief from pain and discomfort. Whether you need medication management, physical therapy, or surgical intervention, working with healthcare providers who specialize in arthritis care can help you manage your condition effectively.
