 [ Symptoms ] who treats osteoarthritis [ Disease ] treating arthritis often requires a multidisciplinary or team approach many types of health professionals care for people with arthritis you may choose a few or more of the following professionals to be part of your health care team primary care physicians doctors who treat patients before they are referred to other specialists in the health care system rheumatologists doctors who specialize in treating arthritis and related conditions that affect joints muscles and bones orthopaedists surgeons who specialize in the treatment of and surgery for bone and joint diseases physical therapists health professionals who work with patients to improve joint function occupational therapists health professionals who teach ways to protect joints minimize pain perform activities of daily living and conserve energy dietitians health professionals who teach ways to use a good diet to improve health and maintain a healthy weight nurse educators nurses who specialize in helping patients understand their overall condition and implement their treatment plans physiatrists rehabilitation specialists medical doctors who help patients make the most of their physical potential licensed acupuncture therapists health professionals who reduce pain and improve physical functioning by inserting fine needles into the skin at specific points on the body psychologists health professionals who seek to help patients cope with difficulties in the home and workplace resulting from their medical conditions social workers professionals who assist patients with social challenges caused by disability unemployment financial hardships home health care and other needs resulting from their medical conditions