Are you experiencing the horrible effects of joint pain? You know how hard it is to go about your daily tasks like household chores or exercise. With so many health professionals and specializations available, deciding who to consult about your problem is complex. In this article, we’ll explain the different between a joint pain specialist and other specialists.
When Should You Consult a Joint Pain Specialist?
Most people consult their primary care physician for their initial diagnosis. They would then receive a referral to a joint pain specialist for a closer examination.
The doctors specializing in joint pain are orthopedic surgeons and rheumatologists.
Consult a rheumatologist for joint pain if:
- You feel pain in several joints.
- The pain felt isn’t connected to an injury.
- You also have psoriasis.
- Your joint pain is accompanied by morning stiffness, chest pain, fatigue, fever, or rash.
- The pain felt started after a tick bite.
Consult an orthopedic surgeon if:
- Your joint pain began after an injury.
- You feel severe joint pain that affects your daily activities.
- You have arthritis that is moderate or advanced in stage.
- Your current treatment plan for joint pain is not working.
How Do Rheumatologists and Orthopedists Differ in Managing Pain?
Although both doctors treat the same areas, they differ in how they manage your pain.
Rheumatologists examine the whole body when searching for the cause of your pain. An orthopedist concentrates on congenital disease, injuries, and degenerative conditions.
In terms of treatment, orthopedists perform surgery, but rheumatologists do not.
Rheumatologists specialize in non-surgical treatment of arthritis. A range of medications is prescribed to help alleviate the symptoms and slow down the progression of the disease. They also undergo special training for treating musculoskeletal conditions due to inflammation or autoimmune disease.
Training Needed to Become a Joint Pain Specialist
A rheumatologist’s training begins with a bachelor’s degree. He then goes to medical school to earn a Doctor of Medicine degree. He may also opt to earn a Doctor of Osteopathy degree or DO. Osteopathic doctors have a holistic approach that also looks at the patient’s mind, body, and spirit.
After medical school, a three-year residency focusing on internal medicine must be completed. Doctors must successfully pass the internal medicine board exam to subspecialize.
Before becoming a doctor, a rheumatologist must complete a 2-to-3-year fellowship. This is a subspecialty training that focuses on musculoskeletal and inflammatory/autoimmune diseases.
Rheumatologists take a comprehensive exam to become board certified. They also take a recertification exam every ten years and need to undergo continuing medical education to maintain their board certification.
What to Expect During Your Visit to a Joint Pain Specialist
Your initial visit involves the collection of medical and family history, physical examination, and running specific tests. Make sure to prepare to help your doctor diagnose your condition adequately. Be ready with the following:
- List of symptoms that made you consult a joint pain specialist
- Past imaging test results
- Past blood work results
- Complete list of medications you’re currently taking. This includes any vitamins, supplements, and over-the-counter medications like analgesics.
- Medical history, such as allergies
- Family medical history – especially known cases of rheumatic diseases.
After the initial exam, additional testing might be ordered to investigate your condition further. The rheumatologist would also want to test for high antibodies to confirm autoimmune disorders.
Musculoskeletal problems are diagnosed using one of the following imaging tests:
- X-ray
- CT scan
- MRI Scan
- Ultrasound
The data collected will help develop an appropriate treatment plan. The doctor will also discuss with you regarding:
- Coping mechanism for having a condition like rheumatoid arthritis
- Steps to regaining function or preventing disability
- How to improve quality of life
- How to prevent disease progression
You and Your Doctor Will Be Working Together for a Long Time
Other specialists will only see you for only when the need arises. They may also send you again to your primary care physician for follow-up care. This is not true for rheumatologists. In fact, they may become your doctor for life.
After they have confirmed the correct diagnosis, lab work ensures you take the right medication. They will also see you regularly, approximately every 2 to 3 months. You will normally see them more than your primary care physician. They may even become your primary care doctor.
Meet the Best Joint Pain Specialists at Pain Treatment Institute.
When it comes to dealing with pain, every second counts. The earlier you get your disease diagnosed, the sooner you can be freed from physical suffering. The Pain Treatment Institute has top-notch health professionals in Texas. Book an appointment with us today to take a step towards a better quality of life.
