The main difference between rheumatology and orthopedics is that orthopedists are surgical specialists, while rheumatologists are medical specialists. Both rheumatologists and orthopedic doctors treat bone, muscle and joint problems. However, they focus on different problems. To get an accurate diagnosis, the first step is usually a visit to the primary care doctor. They can give you a basic diagnosis and refer you to a specialist, such as an orthopedist or rheumatologist, for a closer look at you and give you a second opinion.
Both rheumatologists and orthopedists treat joint pain as part of their specialty, whether the pain is chronic or acute. While both orthopedists and rheumatologists focus on the patient's joints, muscles, and bones, rheumatologists focus more on joint disorders that can be treated medically, while orthopedists specialize in surgical treatments and treating fractures. To help improve patients' access to care and ensure they receive the best possible treatment, many orthopedic offices have expanded to include rheumatology services. In many cases, a doctor who specializes in managing knee pain can treat knee pain more quickly and effectively without the need for a referral.
Before looking for a “rheumatologist” or “orthopedic doctor” near me, visit a pain management specialist. Instead of seeing an orthopedic surgeon or rheumatologist to treat joint pain, see a pain management specialist first. Orthopedic specialists provide expert treatment for acute or chronic pain in the back, neck, spine, shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, the foot and ankle. A pain management specialist offers the best rheumatology and orthopedic treatments, but adds additional and safer treatment options.
Orthopedic surgeons and neurologists also treat some specific types of knee pain, but their treatment options usually include invasive surgery and should only be used after consultation with a pain specialist. Medical disciplines overlap in some aspects, such as orthopedics and rheumatology, as both types of doctors treat knee pain. However, since knee pain is caused by a variety of factors besides autoimmune disorders, orthopedists also treat a wider range of knee pain than rheumatologists. If your primary care doctor recommends a rheumatologist or orthopedic surgeon, visit pain management specialists first.
A rheumatologist may treat back pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis or fibromyalgia, but a pain specialist can treat those conditions, as well as back pain caused by surgery, muscle strains, pinched nerves, herniated discs, and more. Rheumatologists, orthopedists, and pain specialists treat some similar conditions, but the scope and type of treatments are very different. Knee pain specialists, such as Harvard-trained Pain Treatment Specialists, diagnose all types of knee pain and offer interventional and minimally invasive solutions. The main difference and overlap between an orthopedist and a rheumatologist is that an orthopedist is a specialist in surgery and a rheumatologist is a medical specialist.
Knee pain is caused by a wide variety of factors, such as wear and tear, excess weight, knee injury, wearing the wrong shoes, or conditions such as arthritis or bursitis.
