If you’re experiencing joint pain, arthritis, tendonitis, injuries, or back pain, you may wonder which type of specialist you should see. In musculoskeletal medicine, several different physicians play important roles. Two of the most common are rheumatologists and orthopedic surgeons.
Understanding the difference can help you make the right decision for your care.
What Does an Orthopedic Surgeon Do?
An orthopedic surgeon is a physician trained to use surgery to treat musculoskeletal conditions such as arthritis and tendonitis.
You should consider seeing an orthopedic surgeon in situations such as:
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Fractures after a serious injury. If you break a bone and it requires surgical repair, an orthopedic surgeon is the appropriate specialist.
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Advanced hip arthritis requiring hip replacement. When arthritis progresses to a severe stage and a hip replacement is necessary, this procedure is performed by an orthopedic surgeon.
Within orthopedic surgery, there are subspecialties. Some surgeons focus specifically on hip arthritis, while others may concentrate on shoulder conditions, trauma cases, or sports-related injuries that require surgery. Despite these differences, their primary focus remains surgical treatment of musculoskeletal problems.
What Does a Rheumatologist Do?
Rheumatologists specialize in treating inflammatory or autoimmune arthritis. These are conditions where the immune system becomes overly active and causes inflammation in the joints.
Examples include:
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Rheumatoid arthritis
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Psoriatic arthritis
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Ankylosing spondylitis
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Gout
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Other related autoimmune conditions
Rheumatology is best defined as the medical (non-surgical) treatment of inflammatory arthritis. The goal is to control the immune system using medications and other therapies to reduce inflammation and protect the joints from long-term damage.
While rheumatologists may treat other types of arthritis, their primary focus is inflammatory arthritis management.
Other Specialists in Musculoskeletal Medicine
There are additional physicians involved in joint and spine care:
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Physiatrists (rehabilitation doctors): Often manage recovery after major injuries or hospital discharge, especially in rehab settings.
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Sports medicine physicians: A subspecialty of rehab medicine focused on acute sports-related injuries.
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Interventional pain specialists: A subspecialty of rehab medicine and anesthesiology, trained to use image guidance such as X-ray and ultrasound to deliver injectable treatments, particularly for spine conditions, arthritis, and tendonitis.
Is There Overlap Between Specialties?
Yes. There is significant crossover in musculoskeletal medicine. A physician’s specific training, experience, and interests can influence the types of treatments they offer.
For example, some rheumatologists pursue additional training in image-guided injections using ultrasound and X-ray guidance. This additional expertise may lead to involvement in areas such as regenerative medicine and orthobiologics.
Which Doctor Should You See?
In general:
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If you need surgery, see an orthopedic surgeon.
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If you have inflammatory or autoimmune arthritis, see a rheumatologist.
Ultimately, it’s important to understand your doctor’s field of expertise, training, and clinical focus. That clarity can help guide you to the right specialist for your specific musculoskeletal condition.
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