What kind of doctor do you see if you think you have rheumatoid arthritis?
What kind of doctor do you see if you think you have rheumatoid arthritis?
While you might first discuss your symptoms with your family doctor, he or she may refer you to a doctor who specializes in the treatment of arthritis and other inflammatory conditions (rheumatologist) for further evaluation.
When to see a GP if you have rheumatoid arthritis?
Some people with rheumatoid arthritis also experience problems in other parts of the body, or more general symptoms such as tiredness and weight loss. Find out more about the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. See a GP if you think you have symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, so they can try to identify the underlying cause.
Can you change your cookie settings for rheumatoid arthritis?
You can change your cookie settings at any time using our cookies page. Rheumatoid arthritis is a long-term condition that causes pain, swelling and stiffness in the joints. The condition usually affects the hands, feet and wrists. There may be periods where symptoms become worse, known as flare-ups or flares.
What are some of the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis?
Some people with rheumatoid arthritis also experience problems in other parts of the body, or more general symptoms such as tiredness and weight loss. Find out more about the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
Why are my joints so swollen with rheumatoid arthritis?
Causes of rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. This means your immune system – which usually fights infection – attacks the cells that line your joints by mistake, making the joints swollen, stiff and painful.
Where can I see a rheumatologist for RA?
Because RA is a long-term disease, you’ll see this doctor often. Where Do Rheumatologists Work? You’ll find them mostly in outpatient clinics. They’re usually linked with a local hospital, so they can work with people admitted there for treatment of rheumatic diseases. How Do I Find One? Your primary care doctor will refer you to a rheumatologist.
What are the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis ( RA )?
Symptoms are mostly related to joint problems. However, you may also experience flare-ups where your symptoms are worse. This may include rashes on the body due to inflammation. These rashes are known as rheumatoid vasculitis (RV). RV is a rare complication experienced in only one percent of people with RA.
What kind of Doctor do you see for arthritis?
The most common type of arthritis is osteoarthritis, and for that the place to start is with your primary care doctor. “If you have aching joints with activity or walking and it’s persisting, it’s probably osteoarthritis, says orthopaedist Michael Star, MD. Here Dr. Star explains what various types of doctors can do to treat arthritis:
How to manage the pain of rheumatoid arthritis?
Here are some tips to help you with your rheumatoid arthritis pain management and coping with the disease: Don’t smoke: Smoking can have serious health consequences on rheumatoid arthritis patients. Smoking causes inflammation, which can complicate these disease and cause more pain.