What questions should I ask my doctor about joint pain?

Joint pain is discomfort that arises at the point where two or more bones meet. Joint pain can be mild, causing some soreness each time you move or it can be severe, making it impossible to use your joint. Joint pain is rarely an emergency and in most cases can be managed at home. You should ask your doctor about self-care measures and when you should seek medical assistance.

Joint pain and stiffness can take a toll on every part of your life. Left untreated, joint pain symptoms are likely to get worse, not better. Forming a good partnership with your healthcare team is the key to finding relief. Below is a list of topics to help you know what to ask the doctor so you can get the care you need.

Your symptoms:

• How often you have joint symptoms and how intense the pain is on a scale of 1 (mild) to 10 (worst)
• When you first noticed your symptoms
• What aggravates and what relieves them (use this journal to track them)

Treatment:

• Treatment options and the benefits and risks of each
• Medications you're taking, changes in your medical history
• If you're a candidate for viscosupplements (hyaluronan injections)
• Whether you should see other specialists (see below)

Self-care options:

• Whether over-the-counter topical therapies or heat or cold therapy might provide symptom relief
• Any changes to your routine that may reduce joint strain
• What types of exercise and foods are best for your joints

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