When to get in touch with an arthritis doctor near you
If you are suffering from pain in your joints, you might have arthritis and need to see an arthritis doctor. It’s better not to put off getting medical help as your symptoms could get worse over time. With arthritis, many are surprised to learn that it isn’t a diagnosis, but in fact, it is a name that covers over one hundred different diseases and conditions that fall under this category. If the thoughts running through your head are “should I find an arthritis doctor near me?” then the answer is most likely yes. Many people dismiss arthritis as a condition of older adulthood, but arthritis can strike any age, gender or race, and it is the leading cause of disability in the United States. This is why it is so important to understand the symptoms and get help as soon as you can.
What will an arthritis doctor near me do to help?
If you are having joint concerns, it’s best to see a specialist arthritis doctor (also known as a rheumatologist) as arthritis can be difficult to diagnose. These specialist doctors are trained to identify and treat all types of arthritis and will be able to educate you on your plan and how to manage it on a daily basis.
When to look for an arthritis doctor
If you have been experiencing pain for a while and it isn’t subsiding with home remedies such as ice, rest and elevation, it is time to start looking for an arthritis doctor near you. Some of the main symptoms you might be experiencing that indicate you need further medical attention include:
- Pain that involves many joints in the body
One of the most common symptoms of arthritis is multiple joints in your body being affected. If this is the case, it’s time to be seen by an arthritis doctor.
- Joint pain that is new and not associated with any injuries
If the pain is new and not associated with anything else it could indicate early onset arthritis so is best to be seen before it has the time to get worse.
- Hip or knee pain that is getting progressively worse, particularly when you put weight on it
The most common places for arthritis is your hips or knees so if you are experiencing joint pain in these areas, there’s a high chance it is arthritis.
- Joint pain that is so severe it interferes with aspects of your everyday life
You don’t need to suffer in silence. If your joint pain is so severe you find many aspects of your day to day duties being affected, don’t hold back. Go and see your nearest arthritis doctor as soon as you can.
- Joint or musculoskeletal pain which comes with stiffness in the morning, fever, fatigue, chest pain or a rash
If the pain comes on quickly and is accompanied by other symptoms such as a fever or fatigue you may have infectious arthritis. This can occur when an infection from one part of your body spreads to a joint or the fluid surrounding the joint.
- Muscular pain with or without additional symptoms
Muscular pain can be due to arthritis causing your joints to stiffen or freeze. When you then go to move your joints or muscles, they have been still for too long causing pain.
- Back pain which is or is not accompanied by pain in the legs
The lower back is the most common part of the back which can get arthritis. There are seven main types called Spondyloarthropathies (meaning spinal arthritis) which can affect your back.
How Can I Contact an arthritis doctor near me?
With arthritis, it’s advisable to seek treatment from a specialized arthritis doctor rather than a general practice doctor as it is such a specialised subject. By making this decision, you can feel confident in knowing your symptoms will be thoroughly addressed by a practitioner who is dedicated to treating arthritis. Rather than asking yourself, “Should I find an arthritis doctor near me?” — why not schedule an appointment with Pain Arthritis Relief Center by calling (301) 710 – 9777.