If you’re reading this article, then the most probable scenario is either you, your loved one, or someone you know has been recently diagnosed with osteoarthritis. So, when you visit your doctor for consultation, communication will be the key to ensuring you get the best treatment. To get correct & accurate responses from the doctor, you need to ask the right questions on osteoarthritis.
The doctor will try and help you to the best of their ability, but the more detailed your questionnaire for osteoarthritis is, the better will be your diagnosis and the treatment plan. Moreover, by asking the right questions, the doctor will be able to understand your circumstances better, educate you on the condition, and give you all treatment options available.
We know that your time with the doctor will be limited, so we’ve jotted down 9 questions to ask the doctor about arthritis to get a better understanding of your health and well-being.
1) Can you tell me more about my osteoarthritis diagnosis and suggest some resources where I can educate myself more on it?
The internet is filled with the ‘whys’ and the ‘how-tos’ on managing osteoarthritis. But, very few are genuine and written by experts. The last thing you should do is trust any random person about your condition and take knowledge or tips from them. So, the best way around is to ask your doctor and get genuine resources that will help you understand osteoarthritis better.
2) Will osteoarthritis affect only my joints or will it spread to other body parts as well?
Asking this question will allow you to get an idea of whether you will experience pain only in the joints or not. This way, if you feel uneasy or uncomfortable in areas where the pain is not supposed to be, you can take proactive steps in getting it checked. The more educated you are on osteoarthritis, the better hold you’ll have over managing your condition.
3) How does it feel to have osteoarthritis in the long term? Can I reverse the condition by any chance?
When you ask this question on osteoarthritis, you’ll get a realistic understanding of how long the condition will last and when will you get better. The answer might be positive or different than what you’re expecting, but at least it will be honest and real. Staying in the dark will cause more harm than good.
4) Can I exercise even if I have Osteoarthritis? If yes, then which exercise would you suggest?
The most common misconception about arthritis is that “exercise worsens joint health” but the reality might be different. Ask this question during your consultation and get answers to how you can exercise even with arthritis.
5) What are my treatment options? Do I need to get a surgery done?
When you ask your doctor such questions on osteoarthritis, you’ll get to know at what stage your arthritis condition is currently. You will be able to prepare better in case surgery is needed or you’ll get recommendations on which alternative arthritis medicines you can try. Either way, you’ll get complete clarity on your situation.
6) Is arthritis hereditary? Will my children also develop arthritis after a certain age?
If you're a parent, you will want the best for your child. So, asking this question will ease your mind on what steps you need to take to ensure your child doesn’t have to face this condition. Osteoarthritis questions and answers will give you complete clarity and also prepare you for the near future.
7) I have certain needs that I want to fulfil to live a happy life, will osteoarthritis affect all of them? Can I indulge in XYZ activities with precaution?
No matter what you’re going through, staying relaxed and living a happy life should always be a priority. Ask your doctor about all the needs that you want to fulfil. Get a ground-level understanding on things you need to adjust to and things that you can indulge in.
8) Apart from whatever medicines you will provide, can I take any more over-the-counter medicines for arthritis relief? Will it be safe for my health? Are there any alternative treatments that I can explore?
The market is flooded with products that claim to heal arthritis joint pain. But, are they really effective? Will they cause any side effects? Getting clarity on this question is very important as it will help you pick the best medicines for improving your well-being. Some options for arthritis pain relief include three60 Pain Relief & Joint Mobility tablets that comprise clean ingredients, reduce joint pain, and are safe to use.
9) What should I do if the pain gets unbearable? Can I reach out to you instantly? If yes, then can you please share with me your contact details where you’ll reply faster?
This question on osteoarthritis might seem very simple at face value, but holds great importance. Staying in touch with your doctor will give you reassurance that an expert is with you at all times. You’ll feel secure and will be able to do your tasks without worrying about where to reach out to your doctor in case of emergencies.
The above questions on osteoarthritis allow you to be prepared for your consultation with the doctor. It also showcases that you’re serious about your condition and are willing to take steps proactively to get relief. Furthermore, talking to your doctors builds a two-way communication bridge where the exchange of information fosters growth and establishes trust between the 2 parties involved.
Every step you take towards getting relief from arthritis pain will bring you closer to reclaiming your healthier self once again.
