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Preparing for your appointment

By Mayo Clinic staff

Controlling Your Arthritis

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While you might first discuss your symptoms with your family doctor, he or she may refer you to a rheumatologist — a doctor who specializes in the treatment of joint problems — for further evaluation.

What you can do
Because appointments can be brief, plan ahead and write a list that includes:

  • Detailed descriptions of your symptoms
  • Information about medical problems you've had in the past
  • Information about the medical problems of your parents or siblings
  • All the medications and dietary supplements you take
  • Questions you want to ask the doctor

What to expect from your doctor
Your doctor may ask some of the following questions:

  • When did your symptoms start?
  • Does activity make the pain better or worse?
  • Is the pain in just one joint or many?
  • Do you have a family history of joint pain?
Tests and diagnosis Complications
References
  1. Questions and answers about arthritis and rheumatic diseases. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases. http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Arthritis/arthritis_rheumatic_qa.asp. Accessed Nov. 6, 2012.
  2. Arthritis advice. National Institute on Aging. http://www.nia.nih.gov/health/publication/arthritis-advice. Accessed Nov. 6, 2012.
  3. Goldman L, et al. Cecil Medicine. 24th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2012. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/191371208-2/0/1492/0.html#. Accessed Nov. 6, 2012.
  4. Arthritis: Frequently asked questions — General public. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/basics/faqs.htm. Accessed Nov. 6, 2012.
  5. Firestein GS, et al. Kelley's Textbook of Rheumatology. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2009. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/208746819-6/0/1807/0.html. Accessed Nov. 6, 2012.
  6. Schur PH, et al. General principles of management of rheumatoid arthritis. http://uptodate.com/home/index. Accessed Nov. 6, 2012.
  7. Weissman BN, et al. Diagnostic imaging of joint pain. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index. Accessed Nov. 6, 2012.
  8. Chang-Miller A (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Nov. 26, 2012.
  9. Kalunian KC. Pharmacologic therapy of osteoarthritis. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index. Accessed Nov. 6, 2012.
  10. Kalunian KC. Nonpharmacologic therapy of osteoarthritis. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Nov. 18, 2010.
  11. Chronic pain and CAM: At a glance. National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. http://nccam.nih.gov/health/pain/chronic.htm. Accessed Nov. 6, 2012.
  12. Sawitzke AD, et al. Clinical efficacy and safety of glucosamine, chondroitin sulphate, their combination, celecoxib or placebo taken to treat osteoarthritis of the knee: 2-year results from GAIT. Annals of Rheumatic Diseases. 2010;69:1459.
DS01122 Jan. 22, 2013

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