Osteoarthritis Health Center

People with arthritis can receive care from many different types of health professionals, and it often takes a team to treat the condition. If you have osteoarthritis, you may choose to get your care from just a few health professionals, or you might decide to go with a large team. The following professionals are frequently part of an arthritis healthcare team:

• Primary care physicians: Primary care physicians are the doctors who treat patients before they are referred to other specialists. Primary care physicians are often the center of a healthcare team. They coordinate the arthritis care a patient receives and treat other medical problems that may arise.
• Rheumatologists: Rheumatologists are specialists in arthritis and other conditions that affect the joints, muscles and bones.
• Orthopaedists: Orthopedists specialize in treatment and surgery for joint and bone conditions.
• Physical therapists: These members of an arthritis care team help patients improve their joint function.
• Occupational therapists: Occupational therapists teach arthritis patients how to protect their joints, minimize pain, stay energized and do day-to-day activities.
• Dietitians: These diet experts show patients how to eat healthily to improve health and maintain a healthy weight, which is particularly important for arthritis patients because excess weight can put added stress on joints.
• Nurse educators: Nurse educators help patients better understand their health issues, their treatment and how to manage their condition.
• Physiatrists: These rehabilitation specialists are doctors who treat any disabilities resulting from injury or disease, including arthritis. They help patients stay as active as possible.
• Psychologists: Living with a chronic condition like arthritis can take a toll on one's mental health. Psychologists help patients deal with the mental health issues, such as stress and depression, that may result from living with arthritis.

Other health professionals who might be a part of an arthritis care team include social workers, licensed acupuncture therapists, chiropractors and massage therapists.