What department should I visit for joint issues?
Disease description:
My knee has been hurting badly these past few days, and when I woke up in the morning, I noticed that the knee had become red and swollen. I'm worried it might be arthritis and am planning to go to the hospital for an examination. However, I haven't visited hospitals often before and am unsure which department I should register with. I would like to ask, which department should I visit for arthritis?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Xu Shuai
When seeking medical attention for joint problems, the choice of department should be based on specific symptoms and potential causes.
1. Orthopedics: Joints are primarily composed of bones, and orthopedics is the first choice when joint lesions occur. Imaging examinations such as X-rays and MRI can determine the extent of the lesion and are suitable for addressing issues like fractures and osteoarthritis.
2. Rheumatology and Immunology: If joint pain is related to immune system abnormalities, such as rheumatoid arthritis, this department should be chosen. Doctors may recommend tests such as antinuclear antibody and rheumatoid factor.
3. Joint Surgery/Sports Medicine: For problems such as joint deformities, restricted movement, and sports-related injuries, these departments provide targeted assessment and treatment.
4. Rehabilitation Medicine: Joint lesions can easily lead to movement dysfunction; rehabilitation medicine helps restore function through assessment and functional training.
It is recommended to choose the appropriate department based on individual medical conditions and hospital department settings.
