A How-To Guide for Talking to Your Doctor About Osteoarthritis
Since osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic condition, taking charge of your treatment is extremely important. Although there are many medications that are designed to manage OA symptoms, the costs of these therapies can vary widely. That's why arthritis experts recommend talking to your doctor about choosing those treatments that are the most cost-effective -- meaning those medications that work to relieve the pain and stiffness of OA at the lowest cost to you. So that you and your doctor can have this conversation, use this discussion guide to provide the kind of information your doctor will need to know:
1. Explain the source of your pain.
Using this list, tell your doctor exactly where it hurts:
- Jaw
- Neck
- Back
- Shoulders (one or both)
- Elbows (one or both)
- Wrists (one or both)
- Hands (one or both)
- Thumbs (one or both)
- Fingers
- Hips (one or both)
- Knees (one side or both)
- Ankles (one or both)
- Feet (one or both)
- Balls of the feet (one or both)
- Toes
- Other places (specify) ___________
2. Describe the type and severity of your pain.
Tell your doctor when you hurt:
- In the morning?
- After exercise?
- Is the pain constant, or does it come and go?
- How long does the pain last?
- When did it start to hurt?
- Does the pain wake you up at night?
3. Describe the impact of your pain on your daily activities.
Tell your doctor what types of activities you have trouble doing, such as:
- Opening jars
- Opening a door
- Turning the key in the car ignition
- Getting dressed
- Going up or down the stairs
4. Describe what medications you are currently taking or have taken in the past.
Tell your doctor what dosage you took, and whether it provided pain relief.
5. Ask what options are available for your type of OA pain.
Ask your doctor for guidance on the following:
- What are the first steps I should take in managing my OA pain?
- Would exercise or weight loss help my condition?
- What are the safest treatments for managing OA symptoms?
- What results can I expect from taking an over-the-counter pain reliever or a prescription arthritis medication?
- Are there any differences in the side effects associated with the different over-the-counter pain relievers?
- What are the most common side effects from taking a prescription medicine?
- What does each medicine cost?
- Based on my medical history, current medication usage, the potential side effects and the cost of the different therapies, which arthritis pain treatment is my most effective option?
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Arthritis
