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Preparing for your appointment
By Mayo Clinic staffWhile 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, including when they started and if anything makes them better or worse
- 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
During the physical exam, your doctor will check your joints for swelling, redness and warmth. He or she will also want to see how well you can move your joints.
- Arthritis. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases. http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Arthritis/arthritis_rheumatic_aqa.asp. Accessed Nov. 18, 2010.
- Arthritis advice. National Institute on Aging. http://www.nia.gov/HealthInformation/Publications/arthritis.htm. Accessed Nov. 18, 2010.
- Arend WP, et al. Approach to the patient with rheumatic disease. In: Goldman L, et al. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/books/page.do?eid=4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2805-5..50282-2&isbn=978-1-4160-2805-5&type=bookPage§ionEid=4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2805-5..50282-2&uniqId=227265748-3. Accessed Nov. 18, 2010.
- Arthritis: Frequently asked questions - General public. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/basics/faqs.htm. Accessed Nov. 18, 2010.
- Davis JM, et al. History and physical examination of the musculoskeletal system. In: Firestein GS, et al. Kelley's Textbook of Rheumatology. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: W.B. Saunders Co.; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/books/page.do?eid=4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-3285-4..10035-X&isbn=978-1-4160-3285-4&type=bookPage§ionEid=4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-3285-4..10035-X&uniqId=227265748-3#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-3285-4..10035-X. Accessed Nov. 18, 2010.
- Schur PH, et al. General principles of management of rheumatoid arthritis. http://uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Nov. 18, 2010.
- Weissman BN, et al. Diagnostic imaging of joint pain. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Nov. 18, 2010.
- Chang-Miller A (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Nov. 27, 2010.
- Kalunian KC. Pharmacologic therapy of osteoarthritis. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Nov. 18, 2010.
- Kalunian KC. Nonpharmacologic therapy of osteoarthritis. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Nov. 18, 2010.
- Chronic pain and CAM: At a glance. National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. http://nccam.nih.gov/health/pain/chronic.htm. Accessed Nov. 19, 2010.
- 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.
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