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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Which Specialist Should Be Consulted For Arthritis?

I have arthritis so badly that I have deformities that started at age 20 and nothing is bringing relief.What type of specialist is the best to see? I have already had a hip replacement due to the condition. I have other serious medical problems that has me taking oxycodone and fentanyl patches along with a few other drugs. I am only 63.
Wed, 27 Nov 2019
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello,

I am so sorry you have been having so much trouble with your joints.

There are 2 main types of specialists that could be consulted: if the problem is osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease), then an orthopedic doctor might help, but it sounds as though you have already seen one if you had a hip replacement. Orthopedic doctors are surgeons.

The other main type of doctor for joint problems would be a rheumatologist.

They focus more on joint problems that arise from autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis.

If your arthritis began when you were in your 20s, that is a consideration.

Has your primary doctor (internist or family medicine dr.) tested you for any rheumatological disorders?

That would be a place to start. A Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation doctor might be able to help you maximize what you can do, and a Pain Specialist might help you maximize control of your pain.

So, what I would recommend is for you to see your primary care doctor and discuss this, get a rheumatological panel done, and then follow up with a rheumatologist.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Take care

Regards,
Dr Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh, General & Family Physician
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Which Specialist Should Be Consulted For Arthritis?

Hello, I am so sorry you have been having so much trouble with your joints. There are 2 main types of specialists that could be consulted: if the problem is osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease), then an orthopedic doctor might help, but it sounds as though you have already seen one if you had a hip replacement. Orthopedic doctors are surgeons. The other main type of doctor for joint problems would be a rheumatologist. They focus more on joint problems that arise from autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis. If your arthritis began when you were in your 20s, that is a consideration. Has your primary doctor (internist or family medicine dr.) tested you for any rheumatological disorders? That would be a place to start. A Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation doctor might be able to help you maximize what you can do, and a Pain Specialist might help you maximize control of your pain. So, what I would recommend is for you to see your primary care doctor and discuss this, get a rheumatological panel done, and then follow up with a rheumatologist. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Take care Regards, Dr Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh, General & Family Physician