Doctor Arthritis is a specialist who specializes in the field of rheumatology. An arthritis doctor usually specializes in treating both autoimmune and musculoskeletal problems associated with the joints. The symptoms that the individual experiences with their rheumatic condition can range from mild to severe. However, there are times when the disease can go undetected. There are some common signs and symptoms that may indicate that a person may be suffering from arthritis.
The symptoms that are related to an arthritic condition often do not involve joint pain. The most common symptom of arthritis is joint inflammation and sometimes there will be pain, stiffness in specific parts of the body. There are some medical doctors that believe that some symptoms are results of other conditions and not related to rheumatoid arthritis. These doctors may prescribe medications to help relieve the pain or suggest alternative methods for dealing with the pain that is not always successful.
When seeing an arthritis doctor the first thing they will do is perform a physical exam and review the patient’s medical history. During the exam the doctor will look for any signs of arthritis and other problems related to the joint. During this exam the doctor may order blood tests as well as x-rays to check for bone density or any swellings or deposits in the joint. X-rays may be used to identify bone spurs, polyps or bone tumors that can cause joint pain.
Another way that an arthritis doctor can help a patient is through prescribed medication. Many times when dealing with arthritis pain the doctor will prescribe a medication that is used to relieve the pain that is associated with the inflammation of the joints. In some cases, when the pain is severe the doctor may recommend physical therapy to help improve the condition of the joints. The physical therapy may include massage, hydrotherapy, exercise and strength training. Some of the exercises that may be recommended to help patients deal with their arthritis pain include swimming, tai chi and yoga.
In most cases a physician will also recommend that patients have some form of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication available as a form of treatment. This medication is often in the form of a pill and can be taken in conjunction with the prescribed medication that the arthritis doctor has prescribed. This type of medication usually works to reduce the inflammation of the joint pain as well as reduce swelling and the stiffness that can occur with arthritis. Patients who take this form of medication are able to get back to enjoying their lives while being able to participate in many different types of activities that they once enjoyed before the diagnosis of their disease.
Not all doctors are knowledgeable about rheumatoid arthritis and do not understand how it relates to typical forms of arthritis. Because of this some individuals with this condition are not seeking out medical advice when first experiencing the symptoms. When the rheumatoid arthritis doctor initially diagnoses a patient with this type of inflammatory arthritis, it is best for them to work with one on one with a physical therapist or occupational therapist to figure out the best way to manage the symptoms that come along with their condition. It is very important for these patients to make sure that they keep track of their progress with their doctors. If a doctor makes any suggestions to improve their condition, it is important for the patient to listen to the suggestions and to utilize the suggestions that their doctors give them. While it may take time to successfully treat this condition many patients feel that it is worth it because they are finally feeling better and they are able to move around again without pain.