Rheumatoid vs Orthopedic surgeons: a brief explanation
Although each medical branch differs from others, there are certain areas where they overlap. Most people fail to understand this simple fact and consider the almost relatable medical lines to be the same. The two most confusing branches are orthopedic and rheumatology.
Rheumatology vs Orthopedic: definition
When the medical problem concerns bones, cartilages, tendons, and ligaments, the medical branch dealing with these issues is termed orthopedics. For example, medical professionals in this department deal with arthritis, bone fractures, joint replacement, and so on.
On the other hand, the rheumatological department is concerned with an inflammatory autoimmune disease where the body's immune cells attack the healthy cells only and result in swells. Rheumatoid diseases can occur externally and internally, leading to a wide range of symptoms that everyone needs to be aware of.
Rheumatology vs Orthopedic: health concerns
You must know the disease types further to understand the differences between these two medical areas. This will help you to decide which medical professional you must see and when. It will reduce time, and you won't have to waste too much money on the wrong treatment.
Rheumatoid disease types
Rheumatoid arthritis
Lupus
Sjogren's syndrome
Gout
Scleroderma
Infectious arthritis
Polymyalgia rheumatica
Orthopedic disease types
Osteoarthritis
Hip and knee replacement
Trauma to the bones
Scoliosis
Plantar fasciitis
Bursitis
Dislocated joints
Rheumatology vs Orthopedic: medical professionals
As you now know the basics of these two areas of medical science, it is time to learn more about medical professionals and their way of conducting diagnoses.
Rheumatologist
A rheumatologist looks after any health problems caused due to inflamed cartilages and bones. The best way to identify is through a series of blood tests like the RA factor, antibody B, etc. X-rays are also conducted to check which areas of the bones and cartilage are affected the most and whether they can be treated with medicines only. There are certain cases when meds don't work. In this case, surgical removal of the affected cartilage is preferred.
Orthopedist
Orthopedists are of two types: An orthopedic surgeon is concerned with any disease occurring in the bones. They not only deal with acquired or developed diseases like osteoarthritis or bone tumors, but they are also concerned with treating broken and fractured bones, joint replacements, and so on.
Regular orthopedic professionals look after the health conditions where the bones can be treated with medicines and exercises.
Orthopedic surgeons are the ones who need to deal with bone replacement, joint surgeries, and so on. They handle the advanced cases when medicines and exercises fail to show positive responses in the patients. They are also concerned with handling emergencies where a person may suffer from broken bones due to accidents.
Rheumatology vs orthopedic: comparison
Most diseases falling under these two medical branches are degenerative. What doctors can do is stop the further degeneration through medicines and exercise. It means no medicine or exercise routine can restore the original condition.
While rheumatology can be treated with a lifestyle change, the same cannot be said for orthopedic problems.
Most patients suffering from rheumatology need to bear the intense pain in different parts of the body, from fingers to the cartilages between rib bones. On the other hand, if we consider the patients suffering from orthopedic problems, the pain can go away if the bone is replaced or a fracture is repaired.
Conclusion
Only medical reports can reveal whether you need an orthopedic surgeon or a rheumatologist. Now that you know the differences between orthopedic and rheumatology, you won't have to bear the consequences of visiting the wrong doctor. Just study the symptoms you are facing and get the tests done at the earliest. and you can also visit Medipulse hospital for more information and treatment.