Whether you need a specialist depends upon the kind of arthritis you have. If you have osteoarthritis, you may do well under the care of a general practitioner or internist. But if you have a more complicated kind of arthritis, one that involves entire body systems, you probably need to see a rheumatologist.

Rheumatologists specialize in diseases of the joints, muscles, and bones. They treat arthritis, musculoskeletal pain disorders, osteoporosis, and various autoimmune diseases. An important part of the rheumatologist's job is proper diagnosis of the disease, because symptoms can point to many different conditions. After the rheumatologist pinpoints the disease, proper treatment can begin, so early and accurate diagnosis is crucial. If you don't have a clear-cut case of osteoarthritis, or if your family physician or internist seems baffled by your symptoms, consult a rheumatologist.