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Medically reviewed in April 2021
Whether you're new to treatment or have been in treatment for a while, talking openly about RA symptoms will help your doctor choose next steps that are right for you.
Tell your doctor:
- How often you have joint pain, swelling, and stiffness (and how long it lasts)
- How intense your joint pain is on a scale of 1 (mild) to 10 (worst)
- How much redness or warmth you’ve had around your joints
- If you've had a fever or loss of appetite recently
- How often you have fatigue (and how severe it is)
- If you've noticed small nodules under your skin
Other clues that help your doctor know if treatment is working include:
- How easy or difficult it is for you to do daily tasks (get dressed, drive, cook)
- How many joints are affected by pain, swelling, and stiffness
- Your energy level (higher or lower)
- How you feel overall (better or worse)
