7 Signs That You Need Specialist Care
Osteoarthritis can often be managed under the care of a general physician.
However, if your condition is severe, you might need to see a specialist.
The following insights should help you decide.
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Role of the Primary Care Doctor In Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis can range from mild to severe.
It often occurs years after an injury, and it is not considered a systemic disease.
This means that it doesn’t affect other body systems the way some inflammatory conditionslike rheumatoid arthritis do.
They can order X-rays, blood tests, or any other diagnostic tests needed.
Your primary care doctor can also prescribe medications to relieve pain and other symptoms of osteoarthritis.
In this case, your primary doctor may refer you to a rheumatologist.
In this case, your treatment plan will be specific to your condition.
They might do a procedure as part of this diagnosis, such asjoint aspiration.
And you might need injected pain medication, either done by a rheumatologist or by a pain specialist.
Then you’ve got the option to return to your primary healthcare provider for regular follow-up appointments.
A rheumatologist does not perform surgery.
If surgery is indicated, anorthopedic surgeonwould be your best option.
Other Providers Who Manage Osteoarthritis
There is no disease-modifying therapy that reverses osteoarthritis.
This disease is a breakdown of a joint, usually due to wear and tear or after an injury.
Management includes physical therapy, pain control, and sometimes surgery.
Insurance companies usually require that you see a primary healthcare provider before consulting with any specialist.
