Osteoarthritis

A number of medical specialists can diagnose and treat OA.  They include:

• Your primary care physician (PCP), who sees you first when you have a health problem and coordinates the care you receive from other health professionals

• A rheumatologist, who specializes in the diagnosis and nonsurgical treatment of OA and other forms of arthritis

• An orthopedic surgeon (orthopedist), who specializes in surgical and other treatment of joint and bone diseases
  • OA-related surgery is typically recommended only when nonsurgical treatment is not effective
• A pain management specialist, who could be a neurologist, orthopedic surgeon, or anesthesiologist

• A physiatrist, who specializes in physical and rehabilitative medicine and can help you avoid or overcome OA-related physical limitations

In addition to providing diagnostic and treatment recommendations, specialists may be consulted if your OA:

• Is getting worse even with treatment

• Is or becomes very severe or disabling

• Affects other body areas in addition to your joints

• Is one of two or more serious medical conditions you have

• Requires treatment that specialists typically provide