When Is It Time to See a Rheumatologist?

A rheumatologist is a specialist in their field. They have extra training in joint disorders and arthritis and can help with the diagnosis and treatment of several joint conditions. Your family physician may be able to help narrow down some of the issues you are experiencing, although they may not be properly trained in the treatment of the issues you are dealing with. If you aren't sure if you should find a rheumatologist, read on for a few times when you should consider making an appointment.

You Have Been Diagnosed With a Joint Disorder

If you've recently been diagnosed with a joint disorder and physical therapy or pain medications just are not doing the trick, you may need a rheumatologist to give you a proper diagnosis and treat your condition properly. Your condition may need other types of medication or treatment that your family physician may not know anything about, or your orthopedic physician may not be treating your condition correctly at all.

You Have Constant or Worsening Pain

If you are in constant pain in your joints, you may need a rheumatologist to help not only treat the pain but to help prevent worsening issues in your other joints as well. You may need medication to help combat swelling in your joints, or an infection in your joints, which could eventually leave you with disfigured joints if not treated properly.

You Are Unable to Do Daily Activities

If you are having an issue doing daily activities you usually do, such as household chores, or just driving to work daily, you may have an arthritic or joint disorder that needs attention and treatment. If you have been unable to move without pain, or the pain is hindering you from doing your normal activities. it's time to see a professional rheumatologist and get to the bottom of your joint disorder.

Your Physician Is Unable to Treat Your Condition

If you're in pain and your family physician is not able to give you a diagnosis or treatment that helps, it's time for a rheumatologist. A rheumatologist has more experience in these types of diagnoses and treatments, which is why a specialist is going to be necessary. Just as you would see a heart specialist with problems of the heart, if you have joint concerns, you need a rheumatologist.

If you have pain, swelling, or other issues with your joints and it is not getting better, you should seek help from a rheumatologist.