Arthritis is a condition involving inflammation and damage within a joint, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Orthopedic doctors absolutely treat arthritis, specifically focusing on the mechanical consequences and structural failure the disease causes. Their expertise in the musculoskeletal system means they manage the physical and functional deterioration of the joint that results from the disease process.
The Orthopedic Focus on Arthritic Conditions
Orthopedic doctors specialize in the entire musculoskeletal framework, including bones, joints, ligaments, and tendons. Their approach centers on the physical deterioration of joint components, such as the wearing away of cartilage and the formation of bone spurs. They address the resulting mechanical issues where the joint’s function is compromised by physical damage, particularly in advanced osteoarthritis.
Orthopedic intervention occurs when structural damage causes debilitating pain and loss of function. They commonly treat major weight-bearing joints like the knee and hip, where mechanical alignment and stability are paramount for mobility. The goal of their treatment is to restore function and relieve pain by physically repairing or replacing damaged joint structures.
Non-Surgical Management Strategies
Before considering surgery, an orthopedic doctor manages arthritis using conservative, non-surgical methods aimed at preserving the existing joint. A common approach involves targeted joint injections to relieve localized symptoms. Corticosteroid injections deliver anti-inflammatory medication directly into the joint space to provide short-term pain relief.
Another injection technique is viscosupplementation, which involves injecting a gel-like substance containing hyaluronic acid into the joint, most often the knee. Since hyaluronic acid is a natural component of healthy joint fluid, this injection aims to restore lubrication and shock absorption. Orthopedic physicians also prescribe and oversee physical therapy programs designed to strengthen the muscles surrounding the joint. Strengthening muscles, such as the quadriceps for knee arthritis, helps to increase stability and reduce stress on the damaged joint surfaces.
Reconstructive and Joint Replacement Surgery
When conservative methods fail to control pain and restore function, surgical intervention becomes the definitive treatment option managed by the orthopedic surgeon.
Arthroplasty (Joint Replacement)
The most common and effective procedure is arthroplasty, or total joint replacement. Worn-out joint surfaces are removed and replaced with prosthetic components made of metal, ceramic, and plastic. This procedure is highly successful for advanced arthritis of the hip and knee, designed to eliminate pain and restore a near-normal range of motion. For less extensive damage, a partial joint replacement may be performed, resurfacing only one section of the joint.
Osteotomy and Arthrodesis
An osteotomy is a reconstructive procedure that involves cutting and reshaping the bone near the joint. This shifts the body’s weight away from the damaged cartilage surface. For joints requiring stability over mobility, such as the ankle or wrist, the surgeon may perform an arthrodesis, or joint fusion. This procedure uses plates, screws, or rods to permanently join the bones, eliminating pain by preventing movement at the joint.
Integrated Care: When to See a Rheumatologist
While orthopedic doctors are experts in fixing the mechanical damage of arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis, they do not manage the systemic cause of inflammatory types. Systemic autoimmune diseases, such as Rheumatoid Arthritis, Psoriatic Arthritis, or Lupus, require the specialized care of a rheumatologist. The rheumatologist uses oral medications, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), and immunosuppressants to control the underlying disease process.
The best patient outcomes for inflammatory arthritis involve a collaborative approach between both specialists. The rheumatologist manages inflammation to prevent further joint destruction, while the orthopedic doctor addresses the resulting physical damage, correcting deformities or performing joint replacements as needed. Consulting a rheumatologist is appropriate when joint pain is accompanied by systemic symptoms, like fatigue or fever, or if the arthritis affects multiple joints symmetrically.