QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR DOCTOR ABOUT YOUR ARTHRITIS

If you are diagnosed with arthritis, it is important to ask your doctors questions to make sure that you understand your condition, learn about your treatment options, and get familiar with your outlook. Think about what you want to know about your diagnosis and make a list of questions to take with you to your visit. Here are some ideas:

What type of arthritis do I have?
There are hundreds of types of arthritis, and each has its own solutions and concerns. Make sure your doctor knows exactly what you have so you can get treatment that makes sense.

How bad is it?
You need to know how severe your arthritis is. Ask if there is joint damage, and if so, find out if it is mild, moderate , or severe.

What is our goal for treatment?
You should establish a collaborative relationship with your doctor, where you both have common goals in mind for your treatment plan. Whether you simply want to get through t he day, or you have more aggressive goals, you should establish targets that you will both work towards achieving together.

Will I need surgery?
Find out what how your doctor will determine if you will need surgery immediately or sometime in the future.

When should I follow up?
Your doctor may need you to follow up at specific times to see if your medications are working, or to examine your joints, or to check blood tests.

What can I do on my own?
Besides taking your prescribed medications, many forms of arthritis can improve with home treatments that reduce your risk and improve your prognosis. Smoking cessation, healthy diet, weight maintenance, and healthy movement are examples of interventions you can work on daily that can help improve function, decrease pain, and maintain your well-being.