Osteoarthritis: When To Call A Doctor

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When To Call a Doctor

Many conditions can cause symptoms similar to osteoarthritis. In order to determine the cause of your symptoms, call your health professional if you experience:

• Sudden, unexplained swelling, warmth, or pain in any joint or joints.
• Joint pain associated with a fever or rash.
• Pain so severe that you are unable to use the joint.
• Mild joint symptoms that continue despite home treatment for more than 6 weeks.

Side effects can develop from taking large doses of aspirin or other arthritis medicine to relieve pain. Do not exceed the recommended dose of medicine without first talking to your health professional.

Watchful Waiting

If you have mild joint pain and stiffness, try home treatment first. If there is no improvement in 6 weeks, or if joint symptoms persist, call your doctor.

Who To See

The following health professionals can evaluate and manage the symptoms of osteoarthritis:

• Family medicine physician
• Internist
• Nurse practitioner
• Physician assistant
• Rheumatologist

Individualized treatment programs can be designed that consider the severity of your symptoms, level of physical activity, and general health. In addition to your health professional, a therapeutic team may include:

• Physiatrists.
• Pain management specialists.
• Orthopedic surgeons.
• Physical therapists.
• Occupational therapists.
• Dietitians.
• Social workers.

To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment

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Last updated:	April 20, 2007
Author:	Robin Parks, MS
Reviewed By:	E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine, Stanford M. Shoor, MD - Rheumatology
Editors:	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman