Frequently Asked Questions about Arthritis.
Last updated Tuesday, January 25, 2005
Health care teamWhat 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 orthopaedists 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. Orthopaedists 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:
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.
How useful was this page or article?
|
|