What department should I visit for osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis patients can visit the orthopedics department, rheumatology and immunology department, or emergency department at a hospital. Specific details are as follows:

1. Orthopedics Department

The exact cause of osteoarthritis remains unclear; it may be triggered by factors such as degeneration of joint cartilage, excessive wear, genetic predisposition, and others. It is a chronic joint disease primarily characterized by degenerative changes in articular cartilage and secondary bone proliferation. It commonly affects weight-bearing joints such as the knee, hip, and distal interphalangeal joints. If the underlying cause has not yet been determined, patients should initially visit the orthopedics department when seeking medical care, since joint disorders fall within the scope of orthopedic medicine.

2. Rheumatology and Immunology Department

If osteoarthritis is diagnosed as being caused by rheumatic or rheumatoid conditions, patients should visit the rheumatology and immunology department, which specializes in researching and treating rheumatic diseases.

3. Emergency Department

If osteoarthritis is in an acute flare-up phase and the appropriate specialty department is uncertain, patients may first visit the emergency department to receive timely evaluation based on their symptoms and condition, allowing prompt treatment measures to prevent worsening of the disease and adverse effects on overall health.

The specific department to visit may vary depending on the underlying cause of osteoarthritis. Patients experiencing physical discomfort are advised to seek medical attention at a hospital as soon as possible.