The most common cause of joint pain is arthritis, and the most common type of arthritis, osteoarthritis, can be treated by a primary care doctor. A particular kind of primary care doctor known as an internist is especially qualified to help elderly people with chronic conditions like arthritis. This kind of professional can perform X-rays and provide anti-inflammatory pain medications, joint injections, and other treatments. Some patients might benefit from seeing another professional too, like an orthopedist or a rheumatologist. However, many patients just don’t need to see one of these other professionals, as a primary care doctor/internist is often fully capable of treating arthritis. If necessary, a primary care doctor/internist can provide a patient with a referral to see one of these other specialists.