Arthritis is an umbrella term for more than 100 types of diseases that affect the joints.
Osteoarthritis, the most common form of the disease, is caused by wear and tear to a joint and is often seen in the elderly.
Rheumatoid arthritis is another common form, but is caused by a long-term autoimmune disease. The immune system confuses foreign substances with healthy tissue causing the body to attack itself. The condition leads to chronic joint inflammation, but can also affect both surrounding tissues of the joints and other organs.
As your arthritis is diagnosed, treated and managed, there may be several specialists you are referred to for care.
What are the common names for Arthritis?
Arthritis ARTHRITIS, MULTIPLE JOINT INVOLVEMENT
Arthiritis
Arthritides
Arthritis
Arthritis & Rheumatic Diseases
Arthritis Hand Surgery
Arthritis Knee
Arthritis Medicine
Arthritis-Hip & Knee
Artritis
Bone joint: shoulder elbow arthritis
Elbow Arthritis
Foot Ankle Care
Inflammation of joint NOS
Inflammatory Arthritis
JOINT INFLAMMATION
Polyarthritides
Polyarthritis
arthritis of the elbow & Hand
arthritis: shoulders
foot ankle arthritis
hip knee arthritis treatments
Infectious Arthritis (septic arthritis) ARTHRITIS PYOGENIC
ARTHRITIS SEPTIC
ARTHRITIS, PURULENT
ARTHRITIS, PYOGENIC
Arthritides, Bacterial
Arthritides, Infectious
Arthritides, Septic
Arthritides, Suppurative
Arthritides, Viral
Arthritis, Bacterial
Arthritis, Infectious
Arthritis, Septic
Arthritis, Suppurative
Arthritis, Viral
Arthritis-Septic
Artritis Infecciosa
Bacterial Arthritides
Bacterial Arthritis
Infectious Arthritides
Infectious Arthritis
Infectious Arthritis (septic arthritis)
Infective Arthritis
Infective arthritis or polyarthritis NOS
Pyarthrosis
Pyogenic arthritis
Septic Arthritides
Septic Arthritis
Suppurative Arthritides
Suppurative Arthritis
Unspecified infective arthritis
Unspecified infective arthritis, site unspecified
Viral Arthritides
Viral Arthritis
What is the definition of Arthritis?
inflammation of the joints; tends to be chronic.
What type of doctors treat Arthritis?
Orthopaedic Surgeon
Orthopaedic Surgery
An orthopaedic surgeon is trained in the preservation, investigation and restoration of the form and function of the extremities, spine and associated structures by medical, surgical and physical means. An orthopaedic surgeon is involved with the care of patients whose musculoskeletal problems include congenital deformities, trauma, infections, tumors, metabolic disturbances of the musculoskeletal system, deformities, injuries and degenerative diseases of the spine, hands, feet, knee, hip, shoulder and elbow in children and adults. An orthopaedic surgeon is also concerned with primary and secondary muscular problems and the effects of central or peripheral nervous system lesions of the musculoskeletal system.
Orthopaedic Surgery of the Hand
An orthopaedic surgeon trained in the investigation, preservation and restoration by medical, surgical and rehabilitative means of all structures of the upper extremity directly affecting the form and function of the hand and wrist.
Rheumatologist
Rheumatology
An internist who treats diseases of joints, muscle, bones and tendons. This specialist diagnoses and treats arthritis, back pain, muscle strains, common athletic injuries and "collagen" diseases.
Radiologist
Diagnostic Radiology
A radiologist who utilizes x-ray, radionuclides, ultrasound and electromagnetic radiation to diagnose and treat disease.
Surgical Specialist
Orthopaedic Surgery of the Hand
An orthopaedic surgeon trained in the investigation, preservation and restoration by medical, surgical and rehabilitative means of all structures of the upper extremity directly affecting the form and function of the hand and wrist.
Orthopaedic Surgery
An orthopaedic surgeon is trained in the preservation, investigation and restoration of the form and function of the extremities, spine and associated structures by medical, surgical and physical means. An orthopaedic surgeon is involved with the care of patients whose musculoskeletal problems include congenital deformities, trauma, infections, tumors, metabolic disturbances of the musculoskeletal system, deformities, injuries and degenerative diseases of the spine, hands, feet, knee, hip, shoulder and elbow in children and adults. An orthopaedic surgeon is also concerned with primary and secondary muscular problems and the effects of central or peripheral nervous system lesions of the musculoskeletal system.
Infectious Disease Specialist (virus, bacteria, parasites)
Infectious Disease
An internist who deals with infectious diseases of all types and in all organ systems. Conditions requiring selective use of antibiotics call for this special skill. This physician often diagnoses and treats AIDS patients and patients with fevers which have not been explained. Infectious disease specialists may also have expertise in preventive medicine and travel medicine.
Pediatrician
Pediatrics
A pediatrician is concerned with the physical, emotional and social health of children from birth to young adulthood. Care encompasses a broad spectrum of health services ranging from preventive healthcare to the diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic diseases. A pediatrician deals with biological, social and environmental influences on the developing child, and with the impact of disease and dysfunction on development.
Orthotist
Orthotics
Doctor who specializes in the creation and application of orthopedic devices or braces that aid or support the function of a limb. This specialty combines engineering, anatomy, physiology, gait analysis and biomechanics.
Devices are made for several reasons, including:
Correct the shape or function of the body part to reduce pain
Help in movement
Lessen weight bearing to the affected joint
Restrict unwanted movement in a particular direction.
