Test Predicts Rheumatoid Arthritis Progression If you knew your health future, would you opt for more aggressive treatment now?
Doctors Should Watch for Depression in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients Those with chronically low mood tend not to tell their doctors.

Conditions > Rheumatoid Arthritis > All About Rheumatoid Arthritis > When Should I See My Doctor?

Text Size

| Print | Email

When Should I See My Doctor?

If you have not been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, but suspect you may have it, it’s important to see a doctor to get a diagnosis and begin any needed treatment as soon as possible.

If you’re experiencing joint pain – as most people do at least occasionally – and wondering if it might be rheumatoid arthritis, the following are clues that it may be. At the very least, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor right away to have it checked out.

•    Regular morning joint stiffness
•    Persistent joint pain that does not improve
•    Joint pain that is getting worse over time
•    Joints that are swollen, red, hot or tender to the touch
•    Joint pain accompanied by fever
•    Several affected joints
•    Joint problems that affect with your ability to move or function

If you have already been diagnosed with arthritis, it is important to maintain regular appointments with your doctor to monitor your disease and response to treatment. Your doctor will let you know how often he or she wants to see you. But if you have an obvious change in or worsening or symptoms or an adverse response to medication, it’s important to contact your doctor even if it is not time for your regularly scheduled visit.

What kind of doctor should I see for my rheumatoid arthritis?

Your primary doctor for rheumatoid arthritis should be a rheumatologist. A rheumatologist is an internist (a doctor who specializes in internal medicine and treating adult diseases) who has additional training to diagnose and treat arthritis or related diseases that affect the joints, muscles, bones, skin and other tissues. Some rheumatologists may also have special training in pediatrics, orthopaedics, physical medicine, sports medicine or other medical fields.

While a rheumatologist is the best doctor to manage your RA, you will still need a primary care physician to manage other aspects of your health care. Unfortunately, having arthritis doesn’t make you immune to other health problems and may, in fact, increase your risk of some diseases.

When Should I See My Doctor?

What kind of doctor should I see for my rheumatoid arthritis?

Laurie Dworak

17 Nov 2009, 10:32

Hi, wondering if anyone could tell me the span of time in which they went from signs and symptoms to diagnosis? I seem to have all of the above, but blood work and x-rays do not confirm. I have read about many people not being diagnosed for years and then wind up with damage that can not be reversed. Has anyone had all the signs and symptoms, but not been confirmed by lab studies? If so, how long could it go on before there ARE lab studies to confirm?

Thanks for any help you can offer!

Darlene

01 Oct 2009, 15:56

I am 58 years old and have always had joint issues I always chalked it up to over use. My first test for RA came back negative. The pain and swelling only got worse. My Doctor thought the test was false and re tested with X-rays of my wrists. I am now under the care of a Rheumatologist. This has resulted in more tests and MRIs. She finds that there is already damage to my bones and there is nothing to do to change that fact. I am told I cannot reverse the damage that has been done. I have both Osteoarthritis and RA.
I am now on steroids, methotrexate, and Aleve. I hope to come off the steroids. I still have significant trouble in the mornings and evenings. Even with the help of my husband it now takes 2 hours in the morning to get me out the door.
Five years ago a brain tumor was removed and a VP Shunt put in place. I thought, OK this is what I will have to deal with. I can. But folks, this beats that experience by a long shot. Don’t let anyone tell you different. Please follow up with your doctor, don’t let there be damages that cannot be reversed.

cleorisa robin shelby

29 Jun 2009, 16:22

loonking for a lupus rheumatoid arthritis doctor in wayne michigan

Betty

19 May 2009, 09:31

I just want to say I took Humira about two and one-half years ago. It was very effective but I got scared of it knowing the side effects it can have. Sure enough, began to feel really bad last year, I went to my internist and from the tests he ran we learned I now have multiple myeloma. I regret ever making the decision to use Humira. I have OA, RA and AS. It may all be a coincidence, but my advise to everyone is to be very careful with the biologics.

Bob

11 May 2009, 19:03

Just diagnosed today with ra and not sure what I am dealing with or what the future holds. I am 41 years old and it has started in my pinky fingers. Wondering how quickly it will spread and any good links for research.

Andy Lindsay

12 Apr 2009, 18:33

My rheumatologist just recently stopped practicing in my area. Can someone please recommend a rheumatologist in the Cincinnati, OH area that has experience with young adults who have JRA? I have a list of doctors that my previous rheumatologist gave me but I have no idea who to choose. Any help is greatly appreciated.

Arlene Johnson

15 Mar 2009, 13:13

I need a name of an excellent Rheumatologist in the SE Michigan area. I prefer someone in the Novi/W. Bloomfield/Farmington Hills area of MI, but will travel further if necessary.
Can you help?

Name:
Email:
Text:
Enter the words shown above separated by space Enter the numbers you hear

When Should I See My Doctor?

When Should I See My Doctor?

Leave a Comment