Key Takeaways
- Rheumatologists diagnose and treat joint, muscle and autoimmune conditions without surgery, mostly with medicine and long-term care.
- Orthopedists are surgeons who treat bones and joints, especially after injuries or when joints are badly worn down.
- See a rheumatologist for pain in several joints, morning stiffness, swelling with no injury, or joint pain with rash, fever or fatigue.
- See an orthopedist for joint pain after an injury, advanced wear-and-tear arthritis, or when you may need a joint replacement.
- Prima CARE has both rheumatology and orthopedic surgery specialists serving Westport and the South Coast, so your care team can work together. Request an appointment to find the right fit.
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What Is a Rheumatologist?
According to the American College of Rheumatology's page on what a rheumatologist does, a rheumatologist is an internist or pediatrician who has extra training in musculoskeletal diseases and systemic autoimmune conditions. These are often called rheumatic diseases.
An autoimmune condition is when your immune system attacks your own healthy tissue by mistake. The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) explains that after residency, rheumatologists complete a two- to three-year fellowship, which is extra specialty training.
Conditions Rheumatologists Treat
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
- Psoriatic arthritis
- Gout
- Lupus
- Osteoporosis
- Fibromyalgia and other widespread pain conditions
What Is an Orthopedist?
An orthopedist, or orthopedic surgeon, treats problems with bones, joints, ligaments, tendons and muscles. ACR notes that the role of an orthopedic surgeon is to perform surgery on bones and joints, while the rheumatologist diagnoses the type of disease and treats it without surgery.
Orthopedists also offer nonsurgical care, like injections, bracing and physical therapy. But they are the specialists to see when surgery may be needed.
Conditions Orthopedists Treat
- Sports injuries and torn ligaments
- Broken bones
- Advanced osteoarthritis (wear-and-tear arthritis) in the hip or knee
- Torn cartilage, such as a meniscus tear
- Joints that may need replacement
Rheumatologist vs. Orthopedist: A Quick Comparison
| Feature | Rheumatologist | Orthopedist |
|---|---|---|
| Type of specialist | Medical (nonsurgical) | Surgical, with some nonsurgical care |
| Main focus | Inflammatory and autoimmune conditions | Injuries and structural joint damage |
| Common treatments | Medicines, lab monitoring, lifestyle guidance | Surgery, injections, bracing, physical therapy |
| Typical pain pattern | Several joints, swelling, morning stiffness, no clear injury | One joint, often after an injury or overuse |
| Length of care | Often long-term follow-up | Often focused on recovery from one problem |
The American Medical Association's overview of rheumatology as a specialty notes that it is common for rheumatologists to care for the same patients for many years, often for more than a decade.
Signs You Should See a Rheumatologist
- Pain or swelling in several joints at once
- Joint stiffness that lasts a long time in the morning
- New joint pain that did not start with an injury
- Joint pain along with a rash, fever or ongoing fatigue
- Joint pain along with psoriasis, a skin condition with scaly patches
- Joint pain after a tick bite, which is worth checking in tick-heavy areas like the South Coast
ACR notes that some rheumatic diseases are hard to diagnose and may take several visits to figure out. Getting started early can help protect your joints.
Signs You Should See an Orthopedist
- Joint pain that started after a fall, sports injury or accident
- A joint that locks, catches or gives way
- Hip or knee pain that gets worse when you put weight on it
- Moderate or advanced arthritis that limits daily life
- Pain that has not improved with other treatments
Why Some Patients Need Both Specialists
Rheumatologists and orthopedists often work as a team. For example, a person with rheumatoid arthritis may manage the disease with a rheumatologist for years. If one joint becomes badly damaged, an orthopedic surgeon may help with a joint replacement. Physical therapy through Prima CARE's physical and occupational therapy team can help with recovery and strength.
If you are not sure where to start, your primary care provider can order blood tests and X-rays through Prima CARE's diagnostic radiology and lab services and refer you to the right specialist.
Find Relief From Joint Pain With Prima CARE Specialists Near Westport
The right specialist depends on what is causing your joint pain. Prima CARE offers both rheumatology and orthopedic care, so you can get an accurate diagnosis and a plan that fits your needs.
Schedule a joint pain evaluation with Prima CARE Rheumatology or Prima CARE Orthopedic Surgery and request an appointment through the Prima CARE patient portal, or find the phone number for a Prima CARE office near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I see a rheumatologist or orthopedist for knee pain?
If your knee pain started after an injury or comes from wear-and-tear arthritis, start with an orthopedist. If both knees hurt along with other joints, or you have swelling and stiffness with no injury, a rheumatologist may be a better choice.
Is there a rheumatologist near me in Westport, MA?
Prima CARE offers rheumatology care to patients across the South Coast, including Westport. Prima CARE also has primary care offices on Main Road in Westport that can start your evaluation.
Do I need a referral to see a rheumatologist?
Some insurance plans require a referral. Your Prima CARE primary care provider can send one if needed.
What blood tests do rheumatologists order?
Rheumatologists often order tests that look for inflammation and certain antibodies linked to autoimmune diseases. Your provider will explain which tests you need and why.
Can a rheumatologist treat osteoarthritis?
Yes. Rheumatologists treat many types of arthritis, including osteoarthritis. If the joint damage becomes severe, they may refer you to an orthopedist to discuss surgery.
