"I Think I Have Arthritis. Now What?"

When the signs and symptoms point to arthritis, fear often sets in before reality.

Is it really arthritis or did I injure myself?
Should I go to the doctor?
Will it go away?
What are my treatment options?
Am I destined to a life filled with pain?
What should I do next?

Is it arthritis?

Arthritis is a chronic condition associated with many myths and misconceptions.The onset of the disease is often confusing. It can begin with the well-defined symptoms of arthritis (redness, swelling, stiffness, and pain in one or more joints) or, it can be more subtle, allowing more vague symptoms to cloud the diagnosis. It can be mild at first or it can be severe and aggressive.

Is it really arthritis or did I injure myself?

The first signs and symptoms associated with arthritis are often confusing since they so closely resemble symptoms of a sports injury, or injury to a joint. Determining the source of the problem becomes the first step. Most people start by "doctoring" themselves, often pulling out heating pads, applying ice packs and ACE bandages, taking various over-the-counter painkillers and rubbing on arthritis creams. If early signs or symptoms persist for more than two weeks, you should consult a doctor. If you spend too much time on self-treatment, you may wait too long to get a proper evaluation by a professional.

How long should self-doctoring and self-treatment continue?
Is the person getting better?
When is it time to move on to the next step?

• How to Recognize the Signs and Symptoms of Arthritis
• Arthritis Symptoms and Diagnosis
• Arthritis Quiz - Myth or Fact?
• Where Does it Hurt?: Guide to Joint Pain


• Pain Quiz: Acute vs. Chronic Pain


• Back Pain Quiz


• Carpal Tunnel Screening Quiz

Will it just go away? Should I go to the doctor?

When the self-doctoring process isn't yielding the desired result, the patient is ready to go to a professional. Hopefully the patient hasn't taken too long to reach this conclusion, and hopefully there has been no joint damage caused by the delay in seeing a physician. Yet the questions begin again:

What kind of doctor should I visit?
Do I need a specialist?
What is a rheumatologist?
What does the patient need from the rheumatologist?
Where can I find a good rheumatologist in my area?

• Doctors and Other Health Care Professionals
• Finding the Right Doctor For You
• The Patient-Doctor Encounter
• How to Choose a Doctor


• Your First Visit To The Rheumatologist


• Should You Change Doctors? - Are Your Needs Being Met?

What is my diagnosis?

After the patient has found a rheumatologist and as the patient begins to prepare for the first appointment, they must pre-determine what they expect to happen at that appointment. Consider it this way: the patient is hiring the rheumatologist. A proper diagnosis seems essential since there are over 100 types of arthritis. After the rheumatologist sorts out the patient's clinical picture and offers a diagnosis, now what?

What are my treatment options? What are the newest treatments approved by the FDA?

There are many treatment options to be considered based on the initial diagnosis. A particular treatment regimen will likely be suggested. Over time the effectiveness of the current regimen must be weighed against any bothersome side effects. This is where the doctor and patient must become partners in determining the best course of treatment. The patient must be open to trying other treatments.

Most patients are interested in learning about the latest treatments available and curious to try them, hoping for something better or more effective than their current treatment. Other patients must remain open-minded to alternative treatments or surgical treatment options.

• Treatment Options and Research
• Arthritis Medications
• Surgery and Orthopedic Treatments
• Alternative Treatments and Natural Remedies


• Pain Relief Techniques


• Arthritis Diet and Prevention


• Pain Relief Quiz

Go On To Part 2 --- Am I destined to a life filled with pain? --->