One Diagnosis, Two Perspectives: Understanding and Managing Joint Pain with Your Primary Care Physician and Rheumatologist

Joint pain is one of the most common reasons patients seek care—but not all joint pain is the same. In this Double Take, two Englewood Health experts share how they evaluate symptoms, identify underlying causes, and guide patients toward the right treatment.

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Questions for the Primary Care Physician: Do Yun Kim, DO

Q: When someone comes to you with joint pain, what’s the first thing you do to figure out what’s going on?

Do Yun Kim, DO, Primary Care: It starts with a detailed history and physical exam. We look at how many joints are involved, when the pain began, what it feels like, and what triggers or relieves it. From there, we may use imaging or lab work to narrow down the cause and guide treatment.

Q: What are some common causes of joint pain that you treat—and how do you help patients feel better?

Dr. Kim: Common causes include wear-and-tear on the joint or injuries like sprains or overuse. Treatment depends on the cause but often includes a combination of exercise, physical therapy, and weight management when appropriate. Medications such as anti-inflammatories or pain relievers can also help. The goal is always a personalized plan that fits the patient’s needs and overall health.

Q: How do you decide if joint pain might be caused by something more serious?

Dr. Kim: Certain symptoms raise concern—like fever, rash, significant swelling, or pain that seems out of proportion. When those are present, we move quickly with further evaluation to rule out more serious conditions.

Q: When is it time to refer a patient to a specialist?

Dr. Kim: For wear-and-tear pain, patients can be referred to an orthopedic surgery for potential joint replacement surgery. If a patient has pain in multiple joints, signs of inflammation, or symptoms that suggest an underlying autoimmune condition, a referral to a rheumatologist is important. Early evaluation can make a meaningful difference in diagnosis and treatment. At Englewood Health, our team of rheumatologists provides expert, comprehensive care to support patients through evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment.

Q: After a patient is referred to a rheumatologist, do you stay involved in their care?

Dr. Kim: Absolutely. Primary care physicians remain central to a patient’s care. We coordinate with specialists to ensure clear communication and a comprehensive treatment plan. As the first point of contact, we continue to provide long-term management and build relationships that support better outcomes over time.

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Questions for the Rheumatologist: Kyu-In Lee, MD

Q: What additional insight can you provide when a patient is referred to you for joint pain?

Kyu-In Lee, MD, Rheumatology: We take a deeper dive into symptom patterns—whether the pain is symmetric, how it feels, when it occurs, and what makes it better or worse. Signs of inflammation like redness, warmth, swelling, and pain help guide us. We also consider lifestyle and daily activities, since many cases are related to overuse rather than systemic disease. For example, pain on the inside of the elbow is often due to overuse—known as “golfer’s elbow”—especially in people whose work puts repeated strain on that area.

Q: Patients often hear “arthritis” as one condition. How do you explain the different types?

Dr. Lee: Arthritis simply means joint inflammation, but there are many types. I often break it into two categories: mechanical, like osteoarthritis—when the cushioning between joints wears down over time, causing pain and stiffness—and inflammatory, which includes conditions like gout, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and reactive arthritis.

Q: What are the early signs that joint pain may be inflammatory or autoimmune—not just wear and tear?

Dr. Lee: Wear-and-tear arthritis often affects the joints at the tips of the fingers, while pain and swelling in the larger knuckle joints may raise concern for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. That said, there are exceptions—people who use their hands heavily can develop wear-and-tear arthritis in those joints as well. A careful history and exam help us determine the most likely cause. Early identification matters, as untreated inflammatory conditions can lead to permanent joint damage and complications beyond the joints.

Q: What does treatment look like today, and what should patients expect?

Dr. Lee: Treatment depends on the diagnosis, but we have more options than ever. For osteoarthritis, I often describe a step-by-step approach—starting with lifestyle changes, physical therapy, and topical treatments, and moving to more advanced options if needed, with surgery as a last step.

For inflammatory conditions, early diagnosis helps prevent long-term damage. Treatment may include medications to control inflammation and manage disease over time. While some conditions resolve with minimal intervention, others—like rheumatoid arthritis—are managed with the goal of keeping symptoms low and preventing progression.

Take Charge of Your Health

If you’re experiencing persistent joint pain, swelling, or stiffness, getting the right evaluation is the first step. Englewood Health physicians are here to help you find answers and get back to moving comfortably.

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Posted on May 14, 2026