Which specialist treats osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis involves changes in cartilage and tissues around a joint. Assessment considers the joint involved, pain, stiffness, swelling, movement, strength, and daily tasks. An orthopaedic specialist is useful when structural problems or surgery need discussion, while a rheumatologist may help when several joints are affected or the diagnosis is uncertain.

Care is matched to the joint and your goals. Physiotherapy may use exercise therapy to build supporting strength, improve movement, and practise daily tasks. Your clinician may discuss activity pacing, assistive devices, medicines, and ways to reduce excessive joint loading. Symptoms such as joint pain, joint stiffness, morning joint stiffness, swelling, or reduced range of motion help guide assessment.

Book an assessment if symptoms interfere with walking, sleep, work, or self-care, or if stiffness and swelling progress. Seek urgent care for a suddenly hot, very swollen joint with fever, an injury followed by inability to use the limb, or rapidly worsening pain.

Ask which joint changes need imaging, what exercise is suitable, how to pace activity during a flare, and when an orthopaedic opinion would add value.