Beth from Illinois asks: Do rheumatologists treat osteoarthritis, or just rheumatoid arthritis?
Rheumatologists diagnose and manage over 100 different forms of arthritis. However, what treatment looks like is different depending on the form of arthritis. Currently, management of osteoarthritis is focused on optimizing pain and function, with no long term disease modifying medications yet available. Because of this, while rheumatologists often will see individuals to diagnose osteoarthritis, they do not typically follow these individuals long term as there is often no further recommendations that can be provided beyond the initial assessment. Family doctors are typically excellent at providing care for osteoarthritis, but it usually needs an entire team – physiotherapists, occupational therapists and sometimes orthopedic surgeons all have a role to play. Learn more about management options for osteoarthritis here.
Posted: August 3, 2026
Tagged: osteoarthritis