The Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment Team
Diagnosing and treating
rheumatoid arthritis requires a team effort involving the patient and several types of healthcare professionals. A person can go to his or her family doctor, an internist, or a rheumatologist to seek medical attention. A rheumatologist is a doctor who specializes in
arthritis and other diseases of the joints, bones, and muscles. As treatment progresses, other professionals often help. These may include nurses, physical or occupational therapists, orthopedic surgeons, psychologists, and social workers.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment Begins With You
Studies have shown that patients who are well-informed and participate actively in their own care have less pain and make fewer visits to the doctor than do other patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Patient education and arthritis self-management programs, as well as support groups, help people to become better-informed and to participate in their own care.
Self-management programs teach about rheumatoid arthritis and its treatments, exercise and relaxation approaches, communication between patients and healthcare providers, and problem solving.
Rheumatoid arthritis research on these programs has shown that they help people:
- Understand the disease
- Reduce their pain while remaining active
- Cope physically, emotionally, and mentally
- Feel greater control over the disease and build a sense of confidence in their ability to function and lead full, active, and independent lives.
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