UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester is a leader in New England, offering individuals suffering from arthritis and joint pain a wide range of treatment options. The Medical Center's treatment team includes orthopedic physicians who specialize in the surgical treatment of arthritis and rheumatologists who specialize in the medical treatment of arthritis and other conditions affecting the joints. Most are members of the UMass Memorial Medical Group and provide care in the UMass Memorial Arthritis and Joint Replacement Center and the Rheumatology Center. In addition, the Medical Center has several, highly experienced orthopedists and rheumatologists on its medical staff who are in private practice in the community.
Patients should use the guidelines below to help determine if they should choose an orthopedic physician or rheumatologist for their arthritis and joint pain.
Patients might need an orthopedic physician if they have:
- Joint or musculoskeletal pain that began after an injury
- Gradually progressive hip or knee pain that is worse with weight bearing
- Joint pain that is severe and interfering with function
- Moderate or advanced arthritis of the knee or hip
- Previous unsuccessful treatment for joint pain
- Been told by their doctor they might need a joint replacement
Patients might need a rheumatologist if they have:
- Pain involving many joints
- New joint pain not associated with any injury
- Joint or musculoskeletal pain associated with morning stiffness, fever, fatigue, rash or chest pain
- Joint pain that followed a tick bite
- Joint pain associated with back pain
- Joint pain and psoriasis
- Muscular pain with or without any other symptoms
- New headaches or muscle aches and are over the age of 50
- Back pain with or without pain in the legs
- Unexplained, ongoing symptoms such as fever, sweats or weight loss
