Question
I have had knee/leg problems for the last 2-3 years. I was told I had damaged cartlidge in one knee. Recently, my other knee has started to bother me. I’m not sure what kind of doctor I need to see first. Do I need to have blood work done to see if I have arthritis (and what kind) or some other autoimmune disease? I started taking some joint therapy (tablets) a week ago and it has helped. Does a rhematologist do the blood work?
Answer
Either a rheumatologist or orthopedic surgeon would likely do. I admit to some bias, but I think all would agree that the rheumatologist would be better at confirming the diagnosis, ruling out inflammatory arthritis or systemic problems and managing medications. The orthopedic surgeon offers the option of surgical approaches for the local joint problem.
