Dr. Yathish G.C., Lead Consultant - Rheumatology at Aster Whitefield Hospital explains the difference Between a Rheumatologist and an Orthopaedician.
A rheumatologist deals with problems from the immune system that affect the joints, while an orthopaedician deals with bone and muscle problems themselves. There can be some overlap, such as knee problems, and sometimes a doctor will refer a patient to the other type of doctor.
- A rheumatologist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating autoimmune diseases. Autoimmune diseases are conditions where the body's immune system attacks healthy tissues. Some common autoimmune diseases that affect the joints include rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and psoriatic arthritis.
- An orthopaedician is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating bone and muscle problems. This can include injuries, such as a twisted knee, or conditions that cause pain, such as arthritis. Orthopaedicians can also perform surgery to repair bones and joints.
So, if you have a condition that you think might be related to an autoimmune disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis, you would see a rheumatologist. If you have a bone or muscle injury, such as a broken bone or a torn ligament, you would see an orthopaedician. However, there can be some overlap between the two specialties. For example, some types of arthritis can be caused by both autoimmune problems and wear-and-tear on the joints. In these cases, you might see either a rheumatologist or an orthopaedician.
For further information, consult our experts at Aster Whitefield Hospital.
To book an appointment, contact us at 080-4510 8888.
