Frequently Asked Questions about Arthritis.

Health care team

What type of doctors treat arthritis?

Part of your treatment plan may involve working with different health-care specialists. Some common health-care professionals and their role in your treatment are described below. Most doctors make referrals to one of a group of health professionals with whom they work. But you, too, can ask your doctor to request medical services you think might help you.

Your family doctor may be an excellent source of medical care for your arthritis. Besides having your medication records, your family doctor already has your medical history, is familiar with your general physical health and knows of any past illnesses or injuries. All these facts will give your family doctor a head start in prescribing a treatment plan most suited to your needs.

If your arthritis affects many joints or other parts of the body, or seems resistant to treatment, you may benefit from seeing a rheumatologist. This is a doctor with special training and experience in the field of arthritis. Your family doctor, the local chapter of the Arthritis Foundation, or the county medical society can refer you to a rheumatologist. You can also search for a rheumatologist on the American College of Rheumatology web site.

• Family physicians and general practitioners provide medical care for adults and for children with different types of arthritis. These doctors also can help you find a specialist, if necessary.
• Internists specialize in internal medicine and in the treatment of adult diseases. They provide general care to adults and often help select specialists. Internists should not be confused with interns, who are doctors doing a year's training in a hospital after graduating from medical school.
• Rheumatologists and orthopedists specialize in treating people with arthritis or related diseases that affect the joints, muscles, bones, skin and other tissues. Most rheumatologists are internists who have had further training in the care of people with arthritis and related diseases. Some rheumatologists also have training in pediatrics. Orthopedists can offer treatment methods including surgery.
• Ophthalmic specialists provide eye care and treatment.
• Pediatricians treat childhood diseases.
• Physiatrists are doctors who specialize in physical medicine and rehabilitation. They may be asked to evaluate your conditions and may direct or prescribe your physical therapy and rehabilitation.
• Podiatrists are experts in foot care. If arthritis affects your feet, a podiatrist can prescribe special supports and shoes.
• Psychiatrists treat mental or emotional problems that need special attention.
• Nurses trained in arthritis care assist your doctor with your treatment. They also help teach you about your treatment program and can answer many of your questions. Nurses also provide care during hospitalization.
• Occupational therapists can teach you how to reduce strain on your joints while doing everyday activities. They can teach you how to manage stress more effectively, recommend and show you how to use self-help devices, suggest ways to make everyday and work activities easier, and teach you how to reduce strain on your joints and conserve energy. They may also provide you with splints and other joint protection devices.
• Pharmacists fill your prescriptions for medicines and can explain the drugs' actions and side effects. Pharmacists can tell you how different medicines work together, when and how to take your medications, and can answer questions about over-the-counter medicines.
• Physical therapists can show you exercises to help keep your muscles strong and your joints from becoming stiff. They can help you learn how to use special equipment to move better. Some physical therapists also are trained to design personal fitness programs, such as prescribed muscle strengthening and range of motion exercises, for cardiovascular health maintenance and weight control. They can also show you non-medication ways to control pain. If you've had surgery, they can give you pre- and post-surgical care and show you the correct use of devices such as walking aids.
• Psychologists can help you solve emotional or mental problems. They can offer counseling for individual or family support and help you discover effective ways to cope with the emotional aspects of having arthritis.
• Social workers are specially trained to understand situations that may be difficult to deal with or to talk about. People often meet with a social worker to discuss personal, family, social, or financial issues that occur as a result of having arthritis. They often suggest appropriate community resources.
• Certified dietitians (nutritionists) can help by teaching you about any special dietary programs or about healthier ways to eat.
• X-ray and laboratory technologists perform tests which help your doctor make a diagnosis or follow the effects of certain medications.

What is the patient's role in treating or managing arthritis?

The patient is the most important member of the health care team.

The patient plays an important role in his or her medical care. The patient can contribute to the success of a treatment plan by:

• learning about arthritis
• following through with treatment
• reporting progress and setbacks to health team
• keeping a positive attitude
• developing relationships with the rest of the health care team

Keeping a positive attitude, though sometimes difficult, is an important ingredient in overcoming arthritis. Asking questions and finding out as much as you can about of arthritis and its treatment is important. So, talk over your concerns with your doctor. If you still need more information (or if you have difficulty talking to your doctor) ask the nurse, physical therapist, social worker, occupational therapist to help you find answers to your questions.

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