Examine you and, 3. Your doctor may also check for swelling, tenderness, skin rashes, or problems with other body parts to be better able to understand your symptoms. Finally, your doctor may conduct blood tests, urine tests, joint fluid tests, or X-rays of your joints. These tests, in combination with your medical history and physical exam, can help your doctor determine which type of arthritis you have. Just like it is important for the doctor to ask you questions, it is important that you ask your doctor questions too.
Rheumatologists are leaders in the treatment and research of arthritis.
Rheumatologists have special training and experience in diagnosing and treating arthritis and other diseases of the joints, muscles and bones. They serve as team coordinators when a team approach to treatment is necessary. If joint pain and inflammation persists even with medication, the PCP is likely to refer an individual to a rheumatologist. The rheumatologist will work closely with the individual to design an individualized treatment program. Pharmacists are often active members of a health care team.