The goal of any treatment plan should include control of your joint pain and improvement in your daily function. To find the right treatment course for your specific joint problem, look to these specialists. Depending on your health insurance coverage, you may first need a referral from your primary care physician.
- An orthopedic surgeon helps evaluate and manage bone and joint problems and can prescribe viscosupplements and perform surgical procedures, such as joint replacement.
- A rheumatologist specializes in treating arthritis or other rheumatic diseases.
- A physiatrist, or rehabilitation physician, treats injuries or illnesses that affect how you move and is often involved in physical therapy.
- A physical therapist can show you exercises to maintain muscle strength and the use of joints.
- An occupational therapist can teach you how to reduce everyday strain on your joints.
- An internal medicine physician evaluates and manages conditions and diseases and can help coordinate care among specialists.
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