Multidisciplinary Team Is Best for Treating Osteoarthritis

When you experience the onset of osteoarthritis, typically you won't realize what's happening. You may be tempted to self-treat your symptoms, but after a couple of weeks, if there is no resolution, it's time for an evaluation by a doctor.

From Osteoarthritis Diagnosis to Management

There's a relatively quick shift that takes place after you are officially diagnosed with osteoarthritis. The focus shifts to managing the disease. It's a chronic condition and you will need a team of professionals to help you live and cope with osteoarthritis.

Building Your Team

According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, you can choose your health care team from:

Primary care physicians (the gatekeeper for all your medical care)

Rheumatologists

(doctors who specialize in treating arthritis and related conditions)

Orthopedic surgeons (who specialize in treatment and surgery for bone and joint diseases)

Physical therapists (health professionals who work with you to improve mobility and joint function)

Occupational therapists (health professionals who teach about joint protection, energy conservation, activities of daily living)

Dietitians (health professionals who teach about nutrition, maintaining healthy weight)

Nurse educators (specialize in helping you understand your disease and treatment plan)

Physiatrists or rehabilitation specialists (medical doctors who focus on maximizing your potential in terms of physical function)

Licensed acupuncture therapists (health professionals who perform acupuncture to control arthritis symptoms)

Psychologists (health professionals who help you solve difficult issues and address mental issues caused by your chronic disease)

Social workers (professionals who assist you in dealing with social challenges caused by disability, unemployment, financial hardships, home health care, and more)

To manage osteoarthritis, you will need to address treatment options, physical limitations, physical function, diet and nutrition, as well as mental and emotional aspects of living with the disease. Each of the aforementioned health professionals is a specialist in their area of expertise. By building a team of professionals to address your specific needs - you can rest assured you have done all you can do to surround yourself with a professional and supportive group.

Bottom Line

If you only have a primary care physician following you, you may be shortchanging yourself. The multidisciplinary team approach offers a better chance of addressing all of your needs. Ask your primary care doctor for referrals to other health professionals. Your doctor shouldn't mind. He should welcome the opportunity to work on your behalf as part of a multidisciplinary team.

_Sources:

Handout on Health. Osteoarthritis. NIAMS. May 2006.
http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Osteoarthritis/default.asp