Locations:
Search IconSearch

What Kind of Doctor Treats Arthritis?

The process usually starts with your primary care provider, who may refer you to a rheumatologist or orthopaedist

Healthcare provider holding X-ray in one hand, pointing to a model of a bone and joint with the other

One day you’re doing the same activity you’ve done thousands of times before and then … well, you feel unusually stiff and sore. Maybe it’s a hand or wrist that hurts. Perhaps a knee or ankle is moving like a rusty hinge.

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

Whatever joint on your body is the source of pain, you begin to wonder whether arthritis is to blame. But what kind of doctor should you see to find out whether that’s the case and for treatment?

Let’s look at some of your options with orthopaedist Michael Star, MD.

What doctors treat arthritis?

There are certain types of doctors specifically associated with arthritis care. (We’re looking at you, rheumatologists.) But those aren’t the only medical professionals involved in treating the joint condition.

Different experts may be involved at different points in the process, explains Dr. Star.

Early arthritis diagnosis and treatment

The first doctor you’ll want to see to talk about your achy joints should be a familiar face.

Primary care doctors are the best place to start when it comes to arthritis care, says Dr. Star. To diagnose arthritis, they’ll probably conduct a physical exam and test the range of motion in your joints. They may order an X-ray to look for joint damage, too.

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. It’s age-related wear of the cartilage in your joints. If your healthcare provider suspects you’re in the early stages of osteoarthritis, they’ll start you on a treatment plan to relieve the pain and symptoms. That could include:

Advertisement

  • Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications.
  • Prescription medications to reduce inflammation. (This could include topical creams.)
  • Cortisone shots to relieve pain and reduce swelling.
  • A referral to a physical therapist. (“That is the treatment that has shown to have the greatest benefit,” notes Dr. Star.)

Many times, this course of treatment will be enough to keep you moving through life pain-free. But if symptoms don’t improve or they get worse, your primary care doctor may recommend seeing a specialist.

Specialists who treat arthritis and joint issues

Arthritis management and joint care are points of focus for two specific types of doctors ― rheumatologists and orthopaedists. Let’s look at each.

Rheumatologists

Rheumatologists specialize in treating arthritis, as well as other diseases and conditions affecting joints, muscles, bones and skin. They work with osteoarthritis, as well as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis or other types on inflammatory arthritis.

If you’re sent to a rheumatologist, there’s a chance you have a form of arthritis other than osteoarthritis, says Dr. Star.

Rheumatologists will work with you to create an individualized treatment plan to ease pain and improve joint function while also slowing the progression of arthritis. They may recommend forms of medication, injections and physical therapy.

Orthopaedists

When arthritis hits a point where surgery may be needed, you’ll probably end up talking to an orthopaedist. They treat various injuries and diseases of the musculoskeletal system, including osteoarthritis.

For arthritis that gets worse despite treatment, an orthopaedist can perform injections of corticosteroids (powerful anti-inflammatory drugs) or hyaluronic acid (a substance that lubricates joints).

They can also do surgery (such as a joint replacement) in cases of severe arthritis that causes significant pain and seriously limits daily life.

‘Specialized’ specialists

Sometimes, the specialist you see will be dictated by the location of the problem. If you’re being treated for osteoarthritis of the spine, for instance, you may be directed to someone at a spine center before starting on a traditional treatment such as physical therapy and exercise.

Whichever doctor you see, your care team will help address your arthritis pain and offer treatment options to help you get closer to feeling better.

Advertisement

Learn more about our editorial process.

Related Articles

A person holds an ice pack on their arm
December 18, 2024/Primary Care
How Long Should You Ice an Injury?

20 minutes is the max — and you may actually need a lot less

Older person, in bike helmet, sitting on bike on trail in woods taking a break
December 10, 2024/Orthopaedics
Best Types of Exercise for Hip Arthritis

Swimming, cycling and walking can help keep your hips strong and mobile

Hand massaging foot with bunion
November 29, 2024/Orthopaedics
Can You Shrink Bunions Naturally?

Wearing shoe inserts, maintaining a healthy weight and using cold or heat therapy may give you relief

Healthcare provider in physical therapy room helping person walk with a walker
November 22, 2024/Orthopaedics
Here’s What Happens After a Knee Replacement

Full recovery takes a year or more, but you’ll likely be walking and driving within a few weeks if you follow your provider’s recovery plan

Bare feet of person standing on exercise mat, with one foot rolling on a roller
November 18, 2024/Orthopaedics
How To Stop Foot Pain From Standing All Day

Try stretching, massage, elevation and a supportive pair of shoes to help relieve foot aches and pains

Large hand with athlete-taped wrist and fingers gripping football on the field
October 16, 2024/Orthopaedics
Understanding the Concussion Protocol, From Little League to the NFL

Concussion protocol describes the steps needed to test for concussion and return to play — timelines vary

Couple raking leaves in their front yard by their house
October 16, 2024/Orthopaedics
Tips To Avoid Back Pain From Raking Leaves

Using proper form and the right equipment can help keep you injury-free while gathering up that colorful foliage

Person outside, grabbing shoulder
September 17, 2024/Orthopaedics
Tendonitis vs. Tendinosis: How Can I Tell the Difference?

Both are forms of tendinopathy, but one is more of an acute injury caused by inflammation, while the other is the result of degeneration over time

Trending Topics

Person sitting on floor at night next to bed in deep thought, with partner sleeping in bed
Understanding Mental Load: What It Is and How It Affects You

When you get bogged down with mental tasks, you can experience mood changes, sleeplessness and more

Hands holding two different kinds of pain medications separated by a white line
Can You Take Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen Together?

You can alternate these OTCs to help with pain management and fever reduction

Smiling person with headphones on, sweeping floor in living room
Understanding Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis (NEAT Exercise)

Non-exercise activity thermogenesis is all the activity we do that’s not technically exercise but is still important to your health and well-being

Ad