Arthritis Care

If you’re experiencing arthritis and joint pain, the team at UMass Memorial Health is here to help. Our board-certified rheumatologists and physical and occupational therapists evaluate and treat you. We offer rapid and accurate diagnosis using diagnostic imaging services at a state-of-the-art diagnostic imaging center.

If your rheumatologist finds that you may need a joint replacement, they will refer you to one of our orthopedic specialists.

What Is Arthritis?

Arthritis describes several conditions that involve your joints and tissues. Common arthritis symptoms affecting your joints include:

• Pain
• Stiffness
• Swelling
• Tendernes

Arthritis impacts one in five adults in the U.S. There currently are more than 100 different forms of arthritis.

Rheumatologist or Orthopedist?

A rheumatologist is best suited to treat certain types of arthritis, while an orthopedic physician should handle others.

You may need to see a rheumatologist if you have joint pain:

• Associated with back pain and stiffness
• Associated with psoriasis
• Involving many joints
• Or musculoskeletal pain associated with morning stiffness, fever, fatigue, rash or chest pain
• That developed after a tick bite
• That’s new and not associated with an injury

It may also be necessary to see a rheumatologist if you have:

• Back pain
• Muscle pain
• New headaches associated with muscle aches in individuals over age 50
• Unexplained, ongoing symptoms such as fever, sweats or weight loss (in the absence of infection or cancer)

You may need to see an orthopedic physician if your provider said you might need a joint replacement or you have:

• Gradually progressive hip or knee pain that’s worse when bearing weight
• Joint or musculoskeletal pain that began after an injury
• Joint pain that is severe and interfering with function
• Moderate or advanced arthritis of the knee or hip
• Previous unsuccessful medical treatment for joint pain